How This Came Together
In Wandering Stranger, a lone traveler braves a merciless snowstorm deep within the mountains in search of warmth and survival. When the faint promise of safety appears, desperation drives him to wager a gemstone of impossible worth for the safety of an inn. Inside its walls, he faces an innkeeper determined to cast him back into the storm to protect his patrons.
Every trade carries a cost, and every refuge hides the price it will demand. What begins as a plea for shelter becomes a dangerous game of trust and temptation. As the snow deepens and the cold presses in, one stranger’s offer may thaw more than the cold.
Music Pairing
When it came to the music to pair with this story, I ended up selecting Eerie Stroll. The song's haunting calm and deliberate pacing were the perfect compliment to the undercurrent of the story's narrative. The music’s lingering notes echo the wanderer’s weary footsteps and the mounting tension within the inn’s walls.
Behind the Scenes
Early on in my writing journey, I spent hours scrolling through Facebook feeds in search of images that would spark an idea. Sometimes I found those images, but one day in mid-2020, I stumbled upon a photo of a traveler trudging through falling snow. I needed to know how his story ended. That image became the seed for Wandering Stranger, a story I’ve since refined and finally brought to you. Please enjoy my wanderer’s tale.
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Excerpt of Wandering Stranger
A wanderer adjusted his position against the tree. When a snowflake landed on his outstretched hand, he shook it free, climbing to his feet. The man dragged his hair from his face as he pulled his spare cloak from his pack. Without missing a beat, he wrapped it around his shoulders. He clutched his bag under the covering as he strode toward the road. As he neared it, he checked both sides of the path before easing out from the underbrush.
As the snow clung to him, the man tugged the outer garment tighter about his neck and forced himself through the growing mounds. After walking for what felt like an eternity, the wanderer noticed a structure hugging the horizon, and his steps quickened. When he reached the building, his trembling hand brushed its rough stone.
A grin spread as his fingers traced the chiseled rock. He cocked his head, and his smile widened when he scanned the surrounding buildings. He ignored the blacksmith and the numerous merchant establishments. When his eyes landed upon the inn, he dashed toward its entrance and yanked in vain. With a grimace, the wanderer slammed his fist against the sturdy wood. “Is anyone there!”
The entrance groaned, revealing an intense gaze through the opening. “There aren’t any rooms available. You must look elsewhere.”
“Please,” the wanderer cried as he wedged his foot into the opening. “No one could survive this snowstorm.”
“I cannot allow you to enter,” the innkeeper replied.
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Have a wonderful day my friends!