This month I’m pulling from the first book in my new historical-fantasy-that’s-not-actually-fantasy series, each story of which is based on a classic fairy tale.
When Brandulfr and his army show up outside her village on their quest to find a cure for his curse, Nyah must decide where her loyalties lie: with her sister who’s been taken hostage, with her village, or with the disfigured warrior who’s more than he appears to be.
In this scene from the prologue, Nyah’s father, Storm, has spent the evening celebrating in taverns after stealing the contents of the Karjalander royal treasury. Unfortunately, he’s not as smart as he thinks; the king had him arrested and brought before him. Last week, the king’s advisor suggested he be killed, but the king’s son intervened.
* * * * * * * * * *
The young man turned towards Storm and said, “I seek only a book that you’ve taken, for it contains the antidote for our curse, but return this book and I will allow you to live.”
“But if we free him, how do we know he will return the book?” Illfuss asked. “Our countrymen will view this leniency as weakness; best to kill him now.”
“No,” the king coughed and fell back into his chair, “my son is wiser than I. We will take his hand, as punishment for his thievery, but we will allow him to live in the hope that he will return the book. However, in keeping with his religion, he will also share in our curse.”
“As you wish, my liege,” Illfuss said and gestured at a priest along the wall, who approached Storm while chanting a curse.
Storm thrashed harder as the king’s warrior tightened his grip on his arm. The second huskarl swung his axe onto Storm’s wrist, and the room went black.
* * * * * * * * * *
Post a link to your eight sentences blog entry, or join the fun at the Weekend Writing Warriors website.
Then pick up a copy of my short story collection, Us, Together, FREE on Amazon through Monday.
Fascinating snippet, ED. You’ve taken me to another world and made it real.
Yikes! Why don’t they put a guard on him or something, to make sure he gives the book back? Maybe keep the hand cutting off for a threat?
Crime may pay, but the currency may not be what you expected…
I’m mightily glad I’m not in the habit of pilfering, and that I’m not Storm tonight!
Wow – tense and dark. Good job.
Wow, tough stuff here. Very dramatic excerpt!
That last line left me speechless. Poor Storm. A very dark and tense snippet, great job!