Saturday, July 13, 2019

A Cunning Thrust - Snippet from Medieval Romance for #WeWriWa



Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors. Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories. Find a new author and sample their work. Enjoy!

I am continuing snippets from my new medieval romance set in fourteenth century England in and around my hometown of Reading.
Audrey is walking home through gloomy streets during a break in the thunderstorms. Thirteen-year old Alfred, one of her servants, is with her.  
The last line was: A man came running out of the shadows toward us, a sword in his hand.
Note: I’ve skipped a couple of lines.

     He blew a whistle, and strode toward us. Wearing a horseman’s short cloak and boots, his lips were a grim line beneath his green hood, and he meant to intervene.
     Gripping my staff, I stood my ground. Before I could decide whether the newcomer favored me or my attacker, the clatter of fast running boots heralded two more armed men. They raced onto the street, and slowed by the tall man.
     He pointed his sword tip at the villain I’d felled and snapped an order, “Restrain the thief.”
     Alfred stepped aside as the yeomen obeyed their instructions.
     The leader sheathed his sword. He focused on me, his gaze lingering on my face. Doffing his hood and exposing his short auburn hair, he cried, “A cunning thrust, lady.”


Draft Blurb
     A young widow in possession of a good business must be in want of a husband.
     In fourteenth century Britain, Dame Audrey prizes her independence as the widow of a cloth merchant. The town elders covet her prosperous business, but she has no desire to remarry and submit to a husband’s will. Her kindness to a stranger earns Bridda’s blessing and a brooch with a green dragon offers a glimpse into the supernatural world. The faerie brooch attracts trouble from thieves of all ranks and the attentions of a handsome bailiff, Selwyn Drake. Can she evade the schemes to force her into wedlock and retain her independence?
     Dare to enter Chaucer’s England: this story, like the middle ages, is not for the faint of heart or squeamish. It mixes blood, mud, and violent death with joyful laughter and sweet-scented flowers.


 Colony

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As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.  
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18 comments:

  1. Nice that he was on her side and recognized her skills!

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  2. Aha! Our hero respects her courage. A good start!

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  3. Nice, timely rescue. Enjoyed the excerpt!

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    1. He didn't rescue her. She had knocked the thief to the ground.

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  4. The touch of uncertainty she feels is what makes this moment come alive in such a deliciously subtle way. Great snippet!

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  5. Great scene -- very easy to visualize.

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  6. Glad that he appreciates her self-sufficiency.

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  7. Hero seems to respect her skills. Enjoyed the snippet.

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    1. Thanks. He does. Luckily he'd like a competent wife.

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  8. Good thing he's on her side. I like that she didn't really need help taking down the villain. Strong woman.

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    1. Exactly. A strong woman who'd like a strong man.

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  9. Oy! I was worried when two more men came running.

    A cunning thrust, indeed!

    This story just keeps getting better. :-)

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