This week, here on Tuesday Tales, we’re all writing to a picture prompt. I chose the one I did as it fit into the story I’m on deadline on. I’ve taken a break from my thriller involving human trafficking as I have to get this Regency story done and cleaned up in a few weeks. The heroine in it has dressed as a man to take her father’s place in the army and this is part of the scene where she left home. (This is for a series of books based on legends and reimagined in the the Regency era. Mine is based on Mulan).
Be sure to check out the other tales and pictures here.
The fear of being found out and dragged back home in shame took half the day to abate.
Once she was sure her plan hadn’t been found out, she relaxed a little. She even stopped for a while to allow Khan to graze and have some water from a stream. Once she was sure she could keep down some food, she ate one of the scones Thomas had gotten for her from Cook.
The sun seemed to move faster in the sky this day. Almost before she knew it, it was close to setting. Now she had to think seriously about where to make camp.
Although she’d brought her saved pin money with her, she didn’t want to take a chance on staying at an inn. A man as small as she was would be memorable. If her father sent someone to find her, they would most assuredly check inns along the way to the coast.
Grateful she’d been able to find her father’s old campaign tent, she set about finding a spot to erect it.
“What do you think, Khan? Can we find a place with grass for you and water for us both?”
The horse neighed as if he understood her. She was sure he did. They’d always had a bond. From the moment her father bought him at Tattersall’s. Even though he wasn’t a racehorse, he was of good breeding and strong. His only fault to the men at the auction house was he was too slow for Ascot. Her father had gotten him for a good price and from the instant the animal arrived at the Somerset stables, she loved him.
The sun moved deeper into the horizon. She spurred Khan on. “It’ll soon be full dark. We must find a place I can defend if need be.”
Jillian Chantal 
I’m loving the slow build of tension in this scene. She’s racing the setting sun to find a safe spot to camp. And she’s using a racehorse to do it. Clever. Love this!
By: jeanjoachim on March 13, 2018
at 10:21 am
Thanks Jean. I’m glad you like it. This story is kicking my butt so a bit of good feedback is good for my soul. LOL
By: Author on March 13, 2018
at 10:30 am
Great scene. Builds interest in what’s going to happen next, too.
By: mhsusannematthews on March 13, 2018
at 10:52 am
Thanks Susanne!
By: Author on March 13, 2018
at 11:30 am
I love the idea of writing a regency story that replicates Mulan. It’s one of my favorites. And I love the name of the horse! Great job! I can’t wait to read more.
By: Tricia on March 13, 2018
at 4:14 pm
Thanks Tricia. Itâs been kicking my rear to get to a decent word count AND to make it romantic. Iâll be glad when I get it done. 🙂 And Khan is the name of Mulanâs horse in the movie, as I recall (or I hope- lol)- AND I love Mulan, the Disney movie, as both her parents were alive â not an orphan or a motherless child- and she didnât need a man to rescue her- she rescued everyone herself. LOL! The real Mulan legend is amazing. She was in the army for 20 years and never discovered to be a man until she got out. How wild is that? And now Iâve gone on and on. LOL!
By: Author on March 13, 2018
at 4:23 pm
I never knew that about the real Mulan legend. I enjoy the comments as much as I do the writing. Excellent scene, Jillian! Good luck with getting it finished in time!
By: trishafaye on March 14, 2018
at 5:29 pm
the real legend is very intriguing., I’m planning a big author note in this one. LOL! and thanks for the good luck wishes, I need them!
By: Author on March 15, 2018
at 3:51 pm
What a wonderful scene!
By: Vicki Locey on March 15, 2018
at 3:26 pm
thanks!
By: Author on March 15, 2018
at 3:50 pm
I love your regencies! This is classy, and I like the way she is thinking things through and carrying out her bold plan.
By: Flossie Benton Rogers on March 17, 2018
at 11:29 am
Awww thanks Flossie. High praise indeed from such a beautiful writer as you are. ❤️
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By: Author on March 17, 2018
at 1:35 pm
Very kind of you, Jillian. I am in awe of your flawless skill with Regency. Our TT group rocks!
By: Flossie Benton Rogers on March 17, 2018
at 3:00 pm
We do rock!! Mutual admiration society too.
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By: Author on March 17, 2018
at 3:35 pm