Jillian Chantal

This week, the authors of Tuesday Tales are writing to the word prompt anxious. I am still working on the Regency story. For some reason, I can’t seem to get it done. Weird as I am usually moving along at a goo clip. Lots going on in my life that has me distracted though. Today’s snippet is very unedited! LOL

Check out the other tales here.

“Sir. We have a nice, hot meal in the private dining area if you would like to be shown in.” The man tugged his forelock.

“I will sit out here in the main area.” Daniel pointed to the far corner/ “Perhaps that table there is available?”

“Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir.” The publican led the way to the table in the darkest part of the establishment. “Are you sure? There is no privacy here at all.” He flicked the towel he had over his shoulder across the table. “It may still be sticky from old Silas who sits here and spills ale all afternoon. Let me get someone to wipe it down for you.”

Daniel nodded, not interested in Old Silas. All he wanted was something cool to drink. “That is fine. Please bring me a small ale and some cold meats.”

“I can bring you a hot meal if you prefer. Even out here”

“No, thank you. I have been out in the heat and would like to refresh myself. Nothing warm, thank you.”

As the man scurried off, now that his eyes acclimated to the dark, Daniel glanced around to be sure no one he knew was in the building. This place was too close to where some of the people he knew might ride.

He let out a deep breath as he realized he was safe. No one would even be able to see him in this corner, and even if they did, they would not recognize him with his eyepatch and scarring. Hopefully.

His ale came and he took a big swig of it before cutting some of the meat the proprietor delivered. A few minutes of enjoyment was all he got as the door slammed open and hit back on its hinges.

Daniel glanced up, and to his shock, he knew several of the men in the party of six who came in, laughing and talking.

Luckily, the publican led them to the private room that Daniel was even gladder he had turned down.

He stuffed a bit more meat in his mouth and chewed it, anxious to be gone. Standing, he swallowed and tossed some coins on the table. He took one last gulp of his drink and made haste to the door.