image by Sue Vincent
Thank you to Sue Vincent for the lovely #writephoto prompt. I couldn’t resist cheating on this one and only slightly modified a scene from The Sorcerer’s Garden. I hope you enjoy!
***
Dustin waited at the base of the sweeping stairs, the heaviness of his mail hauberk welcome beneath his light leather armor. He carried his recurve bow and quiver, his sword sheathed, knives tucked in his belt and boot.
The palace lay in darkness, candles snuffed and lamps doused. Only a shimmer of powdery moonlight glided through the stair-hall’s tall windows and polished the curved marble treads. He’d ordered the King’s Guard to double patrols on the walls, leaving the palace eerily vacant.
Soft shuffling feet accompanied whispered voices above. A black hood drawn over his white hair, Tristan drifted down the stairs, no more visible than the shadow of a cloud across a night sky. Behind him, the short, square form of the queen descended, her face hidden by her cowl, a pale hand gripping the banister. She turned briefly to gaze upward at the solitary king who peered over the rail above, a ghostly specter if not for the forlorn eyes glinting in the moonlight. She raised a hand, reached briefly with her fingers in a final farewell.
The princess trailed behind the queen, her cloak open, cowl thrown back. The onyx beads encircling the hem of her black dress swept the steps with a soft hiss. Stately, defiant, she refused to acknowledge her rescuers, and Dustin wondered if she believed the dreamer’s prophesy, if her starched back signified valor or fear. He couldn’t help staring at the woman, the lines of her cheekbones, her dark eyes, and the wisps of raven hair framing her face.
Before she reached the bottom of the staircase, she too paused to look back at her father. Dustin glanced up as well, only to see the king touch his hand to his heart at the gallery rail. The woman’s gasp was little more than a whisper as her fingers returned the final gesture. The doomed king retreated, and her step faltered on the stair. Dustin reached for her arm to steady her, and for a heartbeat, their eyes crossed paths. Then hers, moist with tears, disappeared as she drew her cowl over her head, and whispered, “We must go.”
I really like stairs and the stories are too good. Wonderful descriptions. I felt as if I were there.
Embankment Stair
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for stopping by to read. And sorry about the late reply. I was technology-free for two weeks. 🙂 Have a great weekend.
LikeLike
Great atmosphere and storytelling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for reading, Kim. It was a beautiful prompt and fit the snippet perfectly. Have a wonderful week and Happy Writing!
LikeLike
You are a born writer, Diana! I really enjoyed reading this and it was perfect for the photo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, my friend. The snippet was a great match to the prompt! And perfect while I was rushing around, getting ready to go. Have a wonderful weekend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s nothing quite like a big old house full of winding staircases and descending corridors to inspire the imagination! I grew up in the city, in an apartment building, and always dreamed of living in a Gothic mansion straight out of an old movie! That said, my friends and I spent most of our youth exploring the basements and tunnels beneath New York City, which are no less elaborate and foreboding than the stuff of fantasy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always wanted to live in an old mansion too. Not a new one, but an OLD one. 🙂 That’s cool that you explored beneath the city! I did the underground tour of Seattle (a tour – not a bunch of kids exploring). It’s amazing what’s below ground… and I can just imagine the fodder for the imagination!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reading this excerpt makes me hunger for more! From the comments I can see this is part of a longer book – I must get my hands on it! Lovely piece, Diana. Even for such a short extract you capture emotions and visuals so wonderfully.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It is part of a book – lots of adventure and a tiny teeny bit of romance. 🙂 If you pick it up, I hope you enjoy it! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Creative Writing Reblogged.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, my friend! Have a great week! ❤
LikeLike
Perfect for the photo, Diana, I could easily see those characters as the scene played out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teri. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It fit perfectly with the scene, so I jumped on it even though I usually try to do something original for the prompts. Have a great day and thanks for the visit!
LikeLike
[…] post in the series was kindly hosted by author D.Wallace Peach and you can find out more about her books at the end of the […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for the link, Sally. What a fun way to put together a combined promotion. I’ve been neck deep in editing, but will be over soon! ❤
LikeLike
Yes, Sue’s photo goes perfect with this scene. And I remember it well from The Sorcerer’s Garden – a GREAT book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! Yay! It was the perfect prompt and since I’m drowning in edits, I was thrilled to cheat! Ha ha. Have a great day, my friend. Happy Writing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Using our own writing (whether published or not) for another’s prompt is NOT cheating. At least not in my book (said metaphorically, but you know what mean) . 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha. I know. But I like to try to write new stuff for these prompts. 😀 Just busy as a bee right now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And we readers love to devour the honey you produce…
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] D. Wallace Peach at Myths of the Mirror […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, Sue. 🙂 Always fun to participate. And a great prompt!
LikeLike
I’m glad you didn’t resist adding a snippet from The Sorcerer’s Garden to go with this photo. I enjoyed reading the scene.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mary. I so glad you enjoyed it. Did you notice a little potential for romance later in the book? I hope you’re enjoying you day. Happy Writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did notice the touch of romance and almost mentioned it. ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLike
Oh that’s a great teaser for the book too! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t resist, Sue. The image was perfect. Just how I pictured that scene. I’m looking forward to hearing where this place is. 🙂 Beautiful prompt!
LikeLike
It is my neighbour’s house 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh goodness. Like living in a fairy tale or a book!
LikeLike
A bit of both… but then, they are not ordinary neighbours )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect snippet…left me wanting a lot more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you, Donna, for the sweet comment. What every author longs to hear. 😀 The photo was perfect and I had to share. Have a wonderful day!
LikeLike
now i’m curious, both about the book and the photo that prompt this piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, I’m curious too! Sue will share the details on the photo on her round-up of everyone’s responses on Thursday. And thanks for the sweet comment on the scene/book. I usually write something new for these prompts, but this was a perfect fit! Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh? i thought there was a photo in there that prompted this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a photo. Hm. I guess you can’t see it (?). It’s an elegant, curved stairwell with a balcony and a hint of light coming in through the window. The photo is Sue Vincent’s, but she doesn’t reveal where it was taken. 🙂 Did that explain it? Ha ha. Thanks, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope, can’t see them. blind as a bat.
but this explains why you chose the piece.
thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry, my friend. I need to remember this with these dark images in the future. ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
don’t worry. i’ve learned to curb my curiosity. most of the times i don’t think twice about them, but for some reason i was intrigued why you chose this piece out of an entire book. i didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not uncomfortable. Just learning about how to be more inclusive. 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
alright then, thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have such a gift for creating atmosphere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the visit, Mike. The prompt screams “atmosphere,” doesn’t it? I’m in the midst of a big edit so I took the easy way out with this one. 🙂 Happy Writing!
LikeLike
Well done, Diana! Vivid atmosphere and great descriptions. Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for popping by, Julie. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful week writing and in the garden! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous Diana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lynn. You’re so kind to read. 🙂 The prompt was perfect for that scene and I couldn’t resist. Have a lovely day, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too Diana
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, I did indeed enjoy this! Your writing is impeccable, Diana. I was there, every step of the way ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the wonderful comment, Tina. Happy Dance Time! I’m immersed in serious editing of my WIP and this photo was perfect for that scene so I jumped on it. Have a lovely week, my friend, and Happy Writing. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Diana, you broke my heart in a single scene. Bravo! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cathleen. Not that I want to break your heart, but…. Ha ha. Happy Writing, my friend. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I remember that passage. I loved that book. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww. Thank you, Debby. Nothing like crystal balls and old woman wisdom. You made my day. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 😉 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the vividly drawn images. Well done, Diana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mae. I’m buried in editing right now, so this was the prefect prompt for a bit of cheating. Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed the read. Happy Writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully written, Diana! Thanks for sharing with us. Laughing at Jessica’s comment. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know; she makes me laugh too, Jill. Thanks for reading the little snippet. I loved the excuse to pop it up here. Have a wonderful week! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
What can I say? Perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. You’re so kind to me. I’m glad you enjoyed this little scene. I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect image to go with it and had to indulge. Have a fantastic week. Hugs. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a pleasure to read your prompts, short stories and your books. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect picture for such a beautiful section of your poetry. Like reading this very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Helene. I’m glad you found the writing poetic. That’s a wonderful compliment. Have a wonderful week and Happy Poeting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very exciting extract, Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Robbie. It seemed to go with Sue’s Photo perfectly. Have a great week, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too, Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Terrific, Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Jennie. The photo was perfect for that snippet. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Have a wonderful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Diana. Yes, perfect photo. Best to you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Diana, this excerpt is just made for the photo prompt and just as I imagined it!l I remember this section from your book, wonderfully atmospheric, and has that black/white feel to it! Hmm…I see I have to reread this after noticing on one of the comments that this is the closest you’ve come to putting yourself in a book! I’m intrigued! 😀😀 Happy Sunday!! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the lovely comment, Annika. Madlyn is a little snarky and I admit to a bit of her sense of humor. And the two brothers are sort of my brothers. Other than that, it’s all fantasy! Lol. Have a wonderful week,my friend, and thanks so much for reading! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow!! I want and need to know more. I loved this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Jan! I’m glad you enjoyed it. The photo made me think of this scene, and I gave in to temptation. Have a great Sunday and Happy Writing! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Applesauce! Diana you never fail to impress. What a beautifully, evocatively described scene — and so moving. It makes my mouth water — wanting to read the entire story right now in one big bite.
Happy new week hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just now put The Sorcerer’s Garden on my Kindle… God knows when I’ll have time for any pleasure reading, but at least I know it’s waiting for me. More hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh! Thank you! This book has a bit of humor in it, too, that I think you’ll enjoy. The main character is the closest I’ve come to putting myself in a book. Lol. Whenever you get to it, I hope you enjoy. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Knowing that adds even more to the story. Hugs back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teagan. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Sue’s photo was perfect for the scene and I couldn’t resist. Have a great day, wonderful week, and Happy Writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So that’s how you describe a stair scene? So well done, Diane. I’m sad that my current WIP has no stairs in it. Hmmm, maybe a stair-stepped hill or cliff?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lucy probably doesn’t have any black beaded dresses either. Lol. Thanks for reading, my friend, and have an awesome day!
LikeLike
Terrific writing, Diana. As always. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Steven. I’m in deep editing mode, so took the easy route on this one. And the picture was perfect. Have a great Sunday and Happy Writing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And happy editing to you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your words are completely perfect for that moody picture.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for stopping by to read, Bernadette. Wasn’t the picture perfect for the scene? I couldn’t resist. Have a lovely week, my friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Where’s the rest of it 😣
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha. Your comments always make me laugh, Jess. There’s a whole book! Sue’s photo was perfect for that scene and I had to go there. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it. Now go pump out another 3000 words!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Would love to but today is for the ‘other’ job… the one that actually puts food on the table and pays the bills 🤗😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, love it Diana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Arlene. The image was perfect for that little scene and I gave in to temptation. I appreciate your visit! Have a wonderful week, my friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You write beautifully Diana and it is a joy to read your posts. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
like it!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 🙂 Have a wonderful Sunday, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You also🧚🏻♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully written Diana as well as any scene where the Royal Family must be spirited away before the invaders breech the castle walls. The only thing was, I wondered who the heck Tristan was until I realised one of the party was using a ‘soodonym’.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Tristan is the family’s faithful guard. This is from a book and it fit so nicely with the photo, so I cheated and used it. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed! And they are definitely fleeing! Massive Hugs, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
What moods you’ve captured with this scene, Diana! As others have written, I felt like I was there. When you described the princess with ‘cloak open, cowl thrown back’ I felt her defiance and her ‘starched back.’ Wonderful use of the prompt, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Molly. This is from a book so I cheated a little. The photo was so perfect, I couldn’t resist. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Happy Weekend!
LikeLike
Picturing the scene a if I were in it… Well done! Sharing. ❤ xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the kind comment and for sharing, Bette. I’m glad that I brought you there. ❤ Happy Writing, my friend and enjoy your weekend!
LikeLike
Wonderful descriptions. I felt as if I were there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the kind comment, Anneli. I’m glad you enjoyed it. The prompt was perfect for the snippet. 🙂 Happy Writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How well this excerpt fits the prompt Diana! Given the number of your books, how do you remember the scene so well to reproduce here?
I must say that the castle, the queen and the fight has been superbly handled by you! 🙂 Have a nice weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, my friend. I remember all the scenes from all the books. Is that weird? Ha ha. And speaking of books, I finished yours. A beautiful read. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow!! What a memory you have Diana. Thanks for reading my poetry…I am humbled by your words of appreciation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great use of the prompt!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Cheryl. The prompt has a great mood to it. I was tempted to go with ghosts, but it was perfect for the snippet. Happy Saturday!
LikeLike
“her black dress swept the steps with a soft hiss”…love this so much, perfection Diane. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Holly. You are so good to me. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. The staircase in the photo made me think of this scene. Have a wonderful Saturday. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re a genius lovely lady. Have a great day! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You and she made a nice entrance!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Brad. The staircase was perfect for that snippet – I couldn’t resist. 🙂 Have a glorious weekend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well played. Thanks Diana. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person