This is a snippet of character work from RD, my work in progress. Fair warning: it's not one of my lighter pieces.
~~ Drowning of Her ~~
It was the sound of rain that roused him. Not the darkness that had fallen, nor the cold that crept into the room in defiance of the fire. Water overcame the gutters all at once, round funnels dropping like the rails of a gate to obscure the view of fir trees and low skies.
Victor closed the book that lay open on the desk, not bothering to mark the page. He hadn’t had much hope when he opened it. Another dead end in a lifetime of dead ends. He rose, abruptly restless. What he sought wouldn’t be found in a book, or any written record. It was the sort of thing – a legend cobbled together from half-truths and wishful thinking – that gushed up from deathbeds or was torn from men desperate to believe that these slivered rumors would buy them more time.
The fire spit sparks onto the hearth as he passed. He would not know comfort again, not until he had the answer – not until he had her back.
He clasped his hands and gazed into the stone yard behind the house. Elizabeth hated it. She’d been raised in wild gardens. The trellis was bare, stripped of the climbing, flowering vines she’d carefully cultivated.
Victor turned at the sharp rap on the door. “Come.”
“Sir.” Davis filled the doorway. “They've given up nothing.”
She’d been delighted with her first sprouted seedlings, vibrant green leaves and weak wobbling stems overflowing her collection of mismatched jars.
“Hang them up.” Victor jerked his chin toward the trellis. “Together if it can stand the weight.”
Davis retreated and, as he descended the stairs, other heavy footsteps joined his. The old house muffled the inevitable shouting, absorbed the impact of disagreement. The back door opened and Victor’s people dragged two men out, one kicking against his bonds, the other quiet.
The captives and the captors both bowed their heads to the icy rain. Blood diluted and dissipated in the water running rivers through the stone. One less thing to clean up. Davis raised his head, shielding his face with one hand. In the other, he held a length of chain.
Victor nodded. He would have his answer, if he had to tear through every last man to get it. He would have his Elizabeth back.
~~
PARTICIPANTS AND POSTS
orion_mk3 - (link to this month's post)
Ralph Pines - (link to this month's post)
pyrosama - (link to this month's post)
Nissie - (link to this month's post)
Lyra Jean - (link to this month's post)
Domoviye - (link to this month's post)
magicmint - (link to this month's post)
areteus - (link to this month's post)
julzperri - (link to this month's post)
AFord - (link to this month's post)
randi.lee - (link to this month's post)
J. W. Alden - (link to this month's post)
SuzanneSeese - (link to this month's post)
Tomspy77 - http://thomas-willam-spychalski.webs.com (link to this month's post)
ronbwriting - http://ronbwriting.blogspot.com (link to this month's post)
Very intense! I love the imagery, it completely pulled me into the environment and the mood of the story immediately. Nice job- hope to read more from you.
ReplyDeleteR
Thanks so much, Randi.
DeleteAn engaging scene, well-written and Victor's determination is evident--wish him well as your storyline unfolds. Nice touch with ===>"The fire spit sparks onto the hearth as he passed.", and also your opening with him closing a book at his desk--excellent visual discriptions--Cheers. Keep polishing your gift.
ReplyDeleteYes, his determination is bordering on the obsessive. Or perhaps it's already crossed that border. Thanks for stopping by, AFord.
DeleteSomething about the rain always seem to make people want to write darker pieces, as good as this reads!
ReplyDeleteYes, I certainly wouldn't have written this for a "sunny day" theme. :)
DeleteRuthless man to say the least. I wonder if he deserves the prize he seeks?
ReplyDeleteShe wonders the same, Rafael. :)
DeleteVery dramatic scene unfolding here! I was in it for sure. Love the icy, cold rain in the background of the crackling fire, distancing Victor. This has a lot of depth and contrast. Very well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Diane.
DeleteI think I will now adopt the term "chain gang" forever after (I'm in Mississippi so that counts as edgy humor!).
ReplyDeleteAssuming that the MC is ordering the prisoners to be hung from the rafters of his own manse, this is indeed pretty dark--but also pretty compelling. I'd like to know who Liz is and how she's to be gotten back if drowned (as long as it's not vampirism).
For once, orion, it is not vampirism. :)
DeleteAwesome story! I loved the heavy atmosphere and building tension. It made me want to read more. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd hey, since I enjoyed reading your blog, I'm going to go ahead and tag you to participate in the Lucky 7 Meme. If you're not familiar with it, you can check out the entry on my blog for more info:
http://www.authoralden.com/2012/03/gadzooks-ive-been-tagged-lucky-7.html
I know I'm blindsiding you, so if you're unable to participate for whatever reason, that's okay! Just enjoy a few extra hits on your blog. :)
Thanks, J.W.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the tag, but unfortunately I'm swamped right now. Thanks for thinking of me, though. :)
Oops, I also tagged you, Hillary. *blush* I understand you're busy, but now I guess so will be your statcounter if you have one. lol
ReplyDeleteTag, you're it!
Too busy to check the statcounter, unfortunately! :)
DeleteI love it! It's really intense, and the cold, determined heart of Victor really shined through, I really enjoyed reading this piece :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed it, Julz. :)
DeleteThis piece caught my attention from the very beginning and left me wanting more. Excellent pacing throughout! Great job! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alynza.
Delete