Weekend Writing Warriors: Snippet 116 – Kendryk
It’s time for Weekend Writing Warriors! Every Sunday, a bunch of writers post 8-10-sentence snippets from their WIPs on their blogs. There’s a lot of reading, commenting and great writing. Click on the link to see the full list.
I’m sorry I didn’t get around to all of you last week. About halfway through the day, I got sick and was laid up for the next few days. Just your standard flu, but it came just as I was nearly free of a month-long bout of bronchitis. So I had a lazy kind of week, mostly staring at the wall, but I’m better again. Someday I’m sure I’ll stop coughing again.
On to the snippet! Though I’d love to tease you with my WIP, it has been sadly neglected these past weeks, and I really want to get the first chapters past my alpha reader before I start sharing. Hopefully that will happen soon. In the meantime, here’s more from The Forsaken Crown.
Kendryk is determined to show his regent, the overbearing Duke Desmond, that he’s capable of taking on some responsibility. So he waits for the duke to leave on business, then writes a bunch of letters to various Terragand citizens serving in foreign militaries. He’s hoping to lure them back to help create a more professional army in Terragand. Kendryk is going to some lengths the duke doesn’t find out about this until it’s a done deal. Edited from the published version.
He addressed the last letter to a Count Ruso Faris serving in the Sanovan army on the Briansk border. Since Sanova was next door to Terragand, Kendryk hoped Faris would receive his letter sooner than the rest.
That done, he called for his hired messenger—a girl who usually worked for the blacksmith’s guild, someone Desmond was sure not to know—and gave her the packet of letters. Once he’d seen the way she and her horse tore into the palace courtyard, he said, “If you deliver the one to Count Faris yourself, I’ll pay you twice the full rate.” Her horse was a splendid creature, so she’d no doubt already made considerable coin on special missions like this one.
“Certainly, Your Grace,” the girl said, then tossed a black braid over her shoulder, regarding Kendryk with a bold, flirtatious grin. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“No, that’ll be all,” Kendryk said, feeling a twinge of regret. The girl looked like fun. Unfortunately, he didn’t have time for fun, and even more importantly, he didn’t want the duke thinking he was having any.
by 
Oh, I hope they do get the chance to have some fun after. A great snippet! 🙂
If only! But they’re both going to be very busy for the foreseeable future.
A flirtatious woman with a fast horse … does that make her a ‘fast woman’?
Very! 😉
Ah, the travails of making a name for yourself. I love your dialogue Christina, it always flows so easily.
Thank you!
This sounds interesting, esp. the girl. She sounds like a strong character. Can’t wait to read more.
Lol – love the last paragraph and especially the last line.
Hope you are all over being sick for the entire year!
Tweete.
Thank you! I hope so too.
No ‘fun’ intended and here we are hoping he’ll get his. Fine snippet, Christina.
Thank you!
The sparks are flying between them.:D (Hope you feel better soon).
Thank you!
I enjoy the way Kendryk thinks on many levels….great snippet!
Thank you!
Even your minor characters come vividly to life with a few deft strokes. Great snippet!
Thank you!
Oh, the lengths people go to to earn their boss’s approval! I hope he knows what he’s doing though. Making arrangements behind the regent’s back could easily go awry if there’s politics involved that he’s not aware of 🙂
Don’t worry, it will definitely go awry! 😀
She sounds like a great character. Loved her flirtation banter with Kendryk and his inner thoughts on the matter. 🙂 Great imagery.
Thank you!
Yes, probably best to put business before pleasure. I’m sure the girl will wait. Great snippet.
He’s pretty smart for a kid!
Aw – he’s convinced he can’t have fun! What a pity.
Sounds like something’s in store for them in the future, even if it’s not fun . . . at first… Nice scene, Christina!
Thank you!
This is was a fun snippet. Enjoyable.
Thank you!
Good for him for focusing on his goals. But I doubt his plans will go smoothly.
Of course his plans won’t go smoothly. What fun would that be? 😀
Maybe they can have some fun later.
Must be an important message. The courier seems more than competent.
I’m glad you’re feeling better. 🙂 And I hope Kendryk gets his fun. If anyone deserves it, it’s him! 🙂
When I read your snippets, Christina, I always find myself looking for characters who will pop up later in a larger role!
Wonderful writing–as always!
Glad you’re feeling better! I went through the flu during Christmas and it was hell. As for the snippet, I feel like his plans are going to create a big mess.
Thank you! My husband has it now, but after that, we’re done for awhile. Your feelings would be correct. 😀
Oh but I see fun in his future! Great snippet!
Thank you!