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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Rule of Three Contest--week 2

Today is week two of the Rule of Three contest, in which we post the continuation of our short stories for the contest. My first post is here: http://richard-writingandliving.blogspot.com/2011/10/rule-of-three-contest.html

I used the prompt: a character lies to another in an important matter.

Here is week two's entry:

            “Hello,” said the man on my left. “It’s a pleasure having you here in Renaissance. Please let me buy you a drink.”
 He had the most intense green eyes I had ever seen. Having no money, I had to accept his offer.
            “What would you like, Miss …?”
            “My name is Camilla.”
            “Camilla,” he said, straightening his red silk tie, “I’m Prince Giovanni. What shall it be?”
            “I’d be happy with a glass of wine.”
            “A goblet of wine for my lady,” he said to the barmaid. The beautiful young woman gave me the most curious smile, as if she knew something I did not know.
            I studied the prince carefully as I said, “I’m grateful for your generosity, my lord.”
            “It’s nothing. It’s my duty and pleasure. I’m here to guide you through Renaissance.”
            How is this possible? I wondered. How could he have known I was coming? “Why do I need a guide, my lord?”
            “Renaissance is a beautiful place, but it is not without its dangers.”
            “Prince Giovanni, I assure you, I am not afraid.”
            “You are brave then?”
            “I am afraid of nothing, my lord.”
            “That’s all the more reason you need a guide. Nothing here is as it seems.”
            “What do you mean, my lord?”
            “Take that man on your right. He seems friendly enough, but he is a rogue—a villain.”
            I looked at the man on my right. He had the most intense blue eyes I had ever seen. He did not look like a villain. I turned back to Prince Giovanni. “What do I have to fear of him, my lord?”
            “I cannot tell you, Camilla. It’s a secret.”
            My nerves began to tingle. My true fearfulness was beginning to assert itself. Maybe I did need a guide. “How do I know you’re not a rogue—a villain?”
            “I am a prince. I’m of noble blood. My blood is pure.”
            “How am I to know that, my lord?”
            “I will take you at sunset to the old silver mine just north of town and show you.”
            “My lord, how am I to know in advance that it’s safe to go there with you?”
            “Did you not tell me you’re afraid of nothing?”
            “That’s true, my lord.”
            “Then it’s agreed. You will go with me at sunset.”
            “But, my lord--”
            “I must take my leave, Camilla. You can trust me. I will meet you here at six-forty-six—sunset.”
            “But, my lord,” I said as he bowed to me, strolled out of the tavern, and disappeared.
            What have I done? My hand shook as I picked up the golden goblet.
            The barmaid began to chuckle, looking at me as if I were a fool.
             I took a long drink of wine from the golden goblet. The wine tasted sweet. It began to steady my nerves. Thank goodness for wine. Without it I would have revealed my true nature.
            I heard shuffling on my right and looked over at the man sitting there.

(To be continued)

16 comments:

Book Republik Blog said...

As strong as week 1 Richard. Love the mysterious aura you create.

JennaQuentin said...

Hmmm, that last comment about her true nature was a suprise! Interested to know more about these other two characters...

Misha Gerrick said...

Hmmm... I wonder what's up with the Prince. Also, like Jenna, I'm curious about Camilla's true nature.

:-)

Golden Eagle said...

I love the last part about the character--I want to know what her true nature is! Great piece.

J.C. Martin said...

Been by to have a read – sorry I can’t say too much while judging! But I am wondering about that mysterious man the 'prince' warned of...

J.C.

Sylvia said...

Delightful dialogue in this week's piece! Look forward to part 3

dolorah said...

Intriguing characters.

.......dhole

Rek Sesh said...

The story gets interesting...wrong on your part to leave in such doubt everyone in the tale. Great read.

Tanya Reimer said...

Love what you did with the prompt youi picked. Which character is lying to who about what? Dying to read more!

Nadine_Feldman said...

Very cool! More, please!

Kurt Hartwig said...

Not revealing the lying was a great move. Certainly sets us up wondering!

Juliana L. Brandt said...

Hey Richard- great post :)

The Warm Fuzzies Blogfest officially has a start date if you're still interested!
http://aspiretobejuliana.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-have-secret.html

Li said...

But is it a trap? Royal blood does not rule out villainy or roguishness :-))

May-Day_Aura said...

Hmm, it seems Camilla and the prince both have something to hide. These characters are very intriguing. =)

Unknown said...

I will have to come back and read both parts of the story. I'll let you know what I think.

Unknown said...

Interesting development. You know she's in for a time if she goes with the prince. I love how we don't really know what's going on.