A Short Little Jaunt - Part 3

The following is a short story revolving around the fantasy story 'The Wall Outside'. There will be serveral parts, one each day until Oct 31st. It uses some of the characters of 'The Wall Outside', but is not part of main book. 'The Wall Outside' is currently available in digital format at http://www.amazon.com/The-Wall-Outside-Series-ebook/dp/B009FLOMLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350814435&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wall+outside+by+james

And now, 'A Short Little Jaunt' . . . part 3

 Both Bob and Jonna snapped quickly toward the voice.  In a doorway, leading toward darker places in the inn, stood a gray bearded man whose pale skin was unusually white.  As his eyes caught theirs, he took a step forward, thudding his wooden leg on the floor.  “You see, there’s a curse on that kettle.”

Jonna placed a hand on the pommel of his sword.

“There’ll be time enough for that, if you like,” haunting flickers crossed the man’s face.  “But perhaps you’d like to know about the kettle first.”

Jonna stood up, his hand never straying from the sword.  “Say on.”  The moaning wind whistled.

“At one time, this was a lively inn known to all.  Travelers went out of their way just to visit.  The inn had the finest brewed ale for miles around.”  The man’s face relaxed as if staring at what he described.  “Over there,” the man pointed, his finger shaking with effort, “and there.  There were grand tables with fancy carvings, and music so sweet.”  He looked up as if hearing the tune, smiling, but then the smile vanished and his voice went cold.  “It started with a knock at the door.”

Something slammed outside the inn.

~ James William Peercy

For those interested, what is 'The Wall Outside' about?

Step across the barrier and what will you find?
A place of magic just out of sight?
A pixie, a leprechaun, or even a sprite?

What starts as a vacation, turns into a mess. For Jonna, there's
more at stake than meets the eye. Through pouring rain,
misdirection, and a curious mind, Jonna crossed the barrier
between our world and magic.

Now forced to return across the barrier, Jonna battles Dark Mages, angry leprechauns, and a ruthless Minotaur, all in an effort to find his wife. To do this, he must locate the stolen Rune Blade and rescue a beautiful elvish princess.

But what can a human do when faced with a world of magic?