Hello and welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the blog hop where writers from a wide range of genres share from their work in excerpts of ten sentences or less. I’m continuing to share from Snow, a reimagined fairy tale based on the tale of Snow White. In my version, Snow White is a prince named Gabriel, and in this scene, he’s in the forest alone with the huntsman. But don’t worry, his heart is safe. For now.
Last week, Falkner (the huntsman) warned Gabriel not to tell the king about the gremlin nest they’d discovered, because he’d force them to go into the black forest to hunt monsters. Falkner speaks first:
***
“Mark my words, he’ll make us do it if he sees this. I’ll tell him, but later, after we’ve killed the damn thing and he’s in a more…” he trailed off, eyes averted.
“When he’s in a more rational state of mind,” Gabriel completed his thought.
Falkner nodded, relief palpable on his face. Gabriel had no desire to explore the murky edges of the Black Forest, but was surprised Falkner cared so much. Like Tristan, Falkner was of the sort who feared nothing, even when he should.
Another discussion for later, Gabriel decided. If magical creatures were on the move in the world of men, he needed to know about it.
“Where is my brother?” he asked, realizing only then that the sounds of dogs baying and men shouting had faded into the distance.
“They must have caught the scent of the stag.”
***
***
Blurb-in-progress for Snow, a reimagined fairy tale:
Following the death of his mother the Queen, Prince Gabriel is called home by his brother, now King. Gabriel hopes for a reconciliation with his estranged brother, but all is not well at Castle Rosenthal. King Tristan has fallen under the sway of a scheming alchemist and along the border of the Black Forest, magical denizens are on the move. Gabriel begins to fear for his life. Is the handsome huntsman in on a plot to assassinate him, or is there an even darker, more evil power afoot? A forced flight into the Black Forest may expose ancient magic at work, if Gabriel can survive long enough to uncover it.
****
Weekend Writing Warriors is a blog hop where writers from a wide variety of genres share from their work in excerpts of ten sentences or less. Click the link to check out the other writers participating today. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite book.
I love how this story is developing! Probably best his brother moved on. Great snippet!
LikeLike
Great characterization of these two — and of the absent king, as well. These few sentences do a lot of hard work.
LikeLike
Very interesting. Can’t wait to see what happens next
LikeLike
You always bring excitement and change, Alexis. So what happens next? I can hardly wait.
LikeLike
Loved the excerpt because your words and ‘voice’ ALWAYS draw me in. Was struck by a thought today – what happened to the servant? Are we going to see him again? He seemed like an important character and now he’s vanished (so to speak). I liked him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Webster was taken to the castle to be treated for his bee sting (spoiler: he survives)
LikeLike
Nothing like a solid, logical argument to cement an agreement. But I doubt it will be that easy.
LikeLike
I like the interaction between these two.
LikeLike
Uh oh. Left behind when there are monsters in the vicinity? Makes me nervous. 🙂 Good snippet, Alexis!
LikeLike
Pingback: Weekend Writing Warriors ~ Tales of the Forest | Alexis Duran