✿¸.‿➹Free E-Book✿¸.‿➹ ✿¸.‿➹July 19✿¸.‿➹
Antique Mirror (short fiction)
by D.F. Jones
Download Antique Mirror (Free at time of post) and look for the rest of the story, The Witches of Hant Hollow, later this year.
Excerpt from The Witches of Hant Hollow by D.F.Jones, copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved
Carlton walked through the bustling festival reminiscent of the Renaissance.
Along the hillside, mage members set up camp with elaborate tents for the week long event. Torches dotted the landscape casting a buttery glow while the smaller tents and booths decorated the Glen offering wares and services from spells to silks to jewel encrusted wands and swords.
A wide array of flavors and aromas wafted throughout the main drag along with a variety of specialty drinks and brews for the revelers.
Magic games and challenges added to the fun. Witches and wizards wore colorful costumes with family crests.
Carlton spotted the young and beautiful Jasmine, the fortune teller under a bright red and gold tent with yards and yards of multi-colored fabric draped at the entrance.
Her silky black hair draped her shoulders, and her green eyes seemed to glow in the night.
He inwardly groaned at the thought of kissing her delectable lips as red as wine so full and sensual.
He watched as she hypnotically weaved a tale of enchantment to the mortals sitting in front of her.
Someone touched his elbow, and he turned. Another beauty looked up at him and smiled. “Jasmine is
beautiful. Are you Carlton?”
He replied, “And you are?”
“I’m Lavender, her cousin. Has Brody arrived?” Lavender wore a bright yellow empire waist gown with layers of sheer fabric flowing in the night breeze. Her hair piled high on her head with shimmering gold ribbons entwined between the strands.
“He and his men are still setting up camp. He’s told me a great deal about you. Brody is a good wizard, loyal and true.”
“I like you, Carlton. But a warning, Jasmine recently experienced heartbreak. But she’s looking forward to seeing you. Please, be patient with her.”
He clenched his fists at the thought of someone touching the woman he intended to mate. “What happened?”
She rolled her eyes. “I can read your thoughts. Nothing happened but her heart is broken just the same.”
“Excuse me.”
He glanced at the fortune teller’s tent. The mortals made an exit, and he entered, closing the fabric door behind him. He bowed before Jasmine, and she blushed. “Did you give them a true reading or one they needed to hear.”
Jasmine looked up and smiled. “One they needed to hear. Would you like a reading?”
“No, but I will pay for your time.” He reached into his side pocket and deposited several gold coins.
Shaking her head, she said, “I’m not taking your money. But I will take a hug. How have you been old friend?”
He swept her into his arms and hugged her tightly. She placed her head on his shoulder and began to cry. He lifted her chin with his hand. “Hey, what’s this? Why the tears? I thought you’d be happy to see me?”
Sniffling, Jasmine brushed away the tears with the back of her hand. “Let’s take a walk. There’s too many people with ears of bats around here.”
He chuckled and snapped his fingers. They reappeared at his camp with a tent fitted for a king. “Wine?”
“Carlton, I can’t be in your tent. It’s not proper.”
“I won’t tell if you won’t. Besides, we have complete privacy here. Please, sit and have a glass of wine with me. What may I do to help alleviate your sadness?”
She took a silver goblet of wine and lowered on a mountain of large cushions. “I fell in love with a mortal.”
“I really enjoyed reading Antique Mirror. It was quick, light, but with some suspense. Because it’s a short read, the suspense parts are minimal, but works well with the story. The pace is very fast, so there is never a dull moment. I happily give this book a 5-star rating! Highly recommended to those who like quick reads with a little suspense and romance.”
D. F. Jones 