The following story is a special military team has been brought in to search for a missing Senator's daughter. You can read an earlier snippet here and here. Captain Mack has just found the woman's horse, but no woman.
A horse whickered through the autumn trees. Mack signaled his team to move forward toward the archaeological site, trying to avoid marring the tracks. The path opened up in front of them to show flagging the scientists had left as well as a large chestnut Quarterhorse tied to one of the oaks outside of the site.
“Bryant, take a team and search the perimeter for more tracks.”
Something cracked under Mack’s foot as he moved and he bent, picking up a sprouting acorn with a frown.
“What are you doing here, buddy? It’s the wrong time of year for that.”
Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend. Happy reading! :)
Good snippet, Siobhan! I can see and hear the setting. I have to admit, I've never seen the word "whickered," but I love it! Good dialogue, too!
ReplyDelete"Whickering" is a sound a horse makes in greeting, usually a low, happy, rumbling sound. That's how I've heard it described as whickering. :)
DeleteThanks for that Siobhan. You created an atmospheric piece and enough tension to make me want to read more.
ReplyDeleteHere's mine: http://bridgesareforburning.wordpress.com/
The last line is really cute! and intriguing - what is the acorn doing there? Nicely written.
ReplyDeleteI have to echo Jan Morrill's sentiments. Wondering about whickering didn't keep me from enjoying the scene immensely. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure it's the wrong time of year, since its autumn, but I didn't let that stop me from enjoying the story. There's a whole lot going on there that I'm curious about. It makes me want more.
ReplyDeleteYes. An acorn sprouting in Autumn, instead of Spring WOULD seem out of place. Perhaps that's a bit of evidence that will lead to the Senator's daughter.
ReplyDeleteNicely done.
Here's mine: http://wp.me/p24aJS-1h
Dear Siobhan,
ReplyDeleteNow that was an intriguing story. archeology, horses,and possible time travel all wrapped up in a mystery.
My horses whicker to me from across the fence line when i'm writing late at night. They want apples.
Aloha,
Doug
my late better than never entry for your perusal:) http://ironwoodwind.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/a-womans-vows/
Very nice!
ReplyDeleteLoved the archaic hints thrown all over... Nice mystery in the making!
here's my late late entry:
http://faitaccompli.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/when-the-going-gets-tough/