Welcome to Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog featuring diverse authors posting excerpts from their works in progress based on word and picture prompts. I’m pleased you stopped by today. This week’s word prompt is round. My snippet is from Silver’s Angel, a standalone Wytchfae prequel to Lord of Fire. Enjoy the other authors of Tuesday Tales.
Surrounded by excited children, Fair Lily gestured Lucien and Angel toward a cozy seat. “If you please, join us for a story. Come, little ones, and gather ‘round the fireside.” The children settled close to the crackling fire, their fingers and faces soon sticky from sweet tarts.
Angel and Lucien huddled close together. His eyes glittering, he smoothed a lock of her hair. “Tomorrow is another chance to find the Cailleach’s Cave.” She nodded and leaned her head against his shoulder. His warmth and sips of heady wine from her goblet eased her concern. She relaxed and listened to Fair Lily tell of the olden days when ancestors of the Clan lived in quite a different place.
“The Lady who Measures, and who is gracious in all things, taught the peoples of the Black Land how to live by the stars and the ebb and flow of waters. The people worked hard, planting and harvesting. The land flourished and the people prospered. It was an age of plenty.” Her eyes crinkled in mirth. “Children enjoyed sweet treats just as you are now.”
Her words were met with smiles and giggles, and she continued. “After a time, however, hostile armies appeared on the horizon and threatened the people. They wanted to defeat the people and take the land as their own. The king’s soldiers mustered into action. Battles sprang up and the air filled with war cries.” An eager boy whooped.
“Yes, wee Calum, as fierce as your war cry. The fighting continued. Storehouses were raided. Food became scarce. The king worried about his family, especially his youngest daughter. After a dream, he feared she would be killed. He determined to send her away to safety. Toward the setting sun and far north, over lands and seas, the oracles told him, lay her destiny. There she would continue the king’s bloodline. After much lament, the princess agreed to her father’s wishes. She and her guards and attendants made ready to leave. It was then that the Lady Who Measures appeared and presented her with the Great Round. What you see atop the hearth is a replica. The original stone is safely hidden. It was given to assure prosperity for the new land, to honor the cycles of the divine ones, and to count and keep the sacred days for all time.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word prompt round. Thanks for stopping by. Read the other amazing excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2020 Flossie Benton Rogers
OOH! A mysterious explanation that hints at even more mystery. Well done. Love the way you describe the purpose of the “great round.” Excellent use of the prompt.
I’m glad you liked the Round and felt the mystery of the story. Thank you, Susanne!
An intriguing excerpt, Flossie. I love the storytelling aspect of this, too!
I’m glad you find it intriguing and like the storytelling. Thanks, Mae!
Clever use of the word prompt. Interesting depiction of war. Looking forward to the next step in this adventure.
Thank you for the comments, Jean!
I love this. Such a visual of the children sitting around listening to the tale of yore. Cozy and delightful. Jillian
Aww, I’m glad the cozy feeling came through. Thanks, Jillian!
I love the story within a story! I want more of both!
Oh, thank you so much, Cathy!
I love the story she told and how Lucien and Angel cuddled through it. Great job!
Thanks so much! Cuddles are good.