Hi everyone,
I’m very excited and over
the moon as I’ve just discovered that The Trinket Seller’s Daughter has come 2nd
in the Historical Novella section of the Romance Through The Ages (RTTA) contest. This is the annual contest which is run by Hearts Through History.
Lost
in the forest, Emelin runs for her life after her traveling party is massacred
by outlaws. Sir Allard de Gerril is in pursuit of the ruthless Archer and his
band when he finds Emelin. Bound by vengeance the pair seek out Archer, but as
they journey through the dark woods revenge gives way to passion. With each
passing day, Emelin dares to dream that there is a place for a lowly trinket
seller’s daughter by the knight’s side. Yet as Archer begins to hunt the
couple, Emelin fears that she and Allard will not have a future together as
they may never escape the tangled wood alive.
He
was going to die.
Allard
cursed as he fell. Around him swirled the chaos of battle. He could hear the
clang of metal upon metal and the primordial cries of conquest and defeat rang
in his ears. He inhaled and the air caught at the back of his throat, it was
tainted with dust, sweat and blood. He felt helpless as he was tossed from his
horse’s back, but beneath that feeling was a growing ball of anger. He was
angry at his own stupidity for walking blindly into a trap. He was angry
because wasn’t fighting alongside with his men. Angry because he knew that in a
moment he would be lying broken at the bottom of the ravine and mad as hell
that he was going to die when he just didn’t want to. Time appeared to slow and
Allard felt as if he was suspended in mid-air, just as a spider hangs in its
glistening web. He could see the hills beyond the river, the fields of young
green crops in the valley and the sleek black raven that was perched a few feet
away in an overhanging branch – eyeing him with curiosity. Allard reached
towards the bird but his body rotated and he plunged head first into the
yawning chasm.
###
Emelin
felt every bump and jolt in the road as the crude wheels of the little covered carriage
inched along. She glanced nervously at the dense green forest which lined the
road. The oaks were twisted, tall and broad. Their branches met and plaited
high above with that of their sisters on the other side. The sun had trouble
penetrating the foliage and only a few shafts of golden light illuminated the
wood. Emelin felt as if she was in the nave of a great cathedral. All was quiet
except for the slow and rhythmic sound of Hebby’s hooves.
“Be
at peace, child. There is nothing to fear.” A deep and lyrical voice comforted
beside her.
“All
is well, Father. I am not afraid. It is just that Brother Arnauf said that the
forest was a place of evil and should be avoided. He said that it was wicked
and wild and filled with all the unnatural things that walk the world.” She
smoothed out an imaginary crease in her pale grey gown.
“Emelin,
I think that Brother Arnauf is a good and learned man but do not put too much weight
behind what he believes is in the forest.” Roger’s blue eyes shone with
amusement as he turned and looked at
his daughter, her eyes a mirror of his own. “Is this not the first time he has
ventured out of the monastery in nearly twenty summers?”
Emelin
laughed but quickly looked to see if Brother Arnauf was close enough to hear.
To her relief she saw him walking quite a distance behind having an animated
debate with his
fellow monk,
Brother Carwin. The Benedictine monks were from St. Neots Priory and were journeying to
St. Benedict’s Church in Cambridge on Church business. Two days ago whilst riding on the
road to Cambridge, Emelin and her father had come across this small group of travellers which
included the three monks, a cloth merchant and his wife, their servants, three peddlers and a
minstrel. Brother Arnauf had hailed Roger to stop the carriage and asked him where they were
headed.
“To
the fair at Reach, Brother.” He replied with a smile. “I sell amulets, jewels
and trinkets.”
“But
the fair is still many days away, is it not held on Rogationtide?”
“Aye
Brother, but my daughter and I wish to arrive a little early and old Hebby here
is not as fast as he once was.” Roger said as he indicated with a nod towards a
small brown horse which was harnessed to the carriage. “He has a stout heart
but age is creeping upon him as it does with all things.”
“Then
if you are not pressed for time, come and join our party and we will be in fellowship until
Cambridge. The road is a dangerous place, yet I believe there is safety in numbers.” The
old monk said before turning his smile to Emelin. “Besides my son, I think you have
a far greater treasure to protect than your amulets, jewels and trinkets.”
Hearing the
wisdom in the old man’s words, Roger decided they would join the party of travellers.
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