While I thought life would calm down with the re-release of Dead Man’s Hand, I should have realized the marketing and promotion of the novel would be just as intense as the final round of editing. Despite weaving together several options to get my book out in front of people, the most exciting is the scheduled book signing at my local Barnes & Noble on January 4th. This is not only the first book signing for one of my novels, it’s the first book signing I’ve ever attended. And despite being a little over two months out, I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve, waiting for Santa to slide down the chimney and deposit my presents.
However, I’ve guaranteed my patrons three pieces of flash fiction every month. So in between the race to market and publicize my book, I’ve been working on those stories based on the genres my wonderful patrons have selected. The first story I’m bringing to my patrons is a Fairy Tale, featuring my puckish character, Gaius Palesoul. Ever since he entered my prose, I’ve had fun looking for more opportunities to capture more of his stories. However, when I sat down to work on this tale, beyond knowing who I wanted to feature, I didn’t have more details, so I went to ChatGPT and asked for a story featuring a Puck like character.
Aside from featuring a pair of musicians, that tale was immediately flushed from my mind as the latest installment in Gaius’s life unfurled in my mind. So find a chair as settled down as we witness the latest bit of mischief Gaius brings to the world.
As Gaius drifts through a town, the lyrical notes of a lute captures him, enticing him to find its source…
As Gaius’s dangling feet slid through the thatched roofs of the settlement, dulcet tones emanated from the largest structure. With each passing note, the strands of the rhythm ensnared the fae, guiding him through the building’s exterior to find the village crammed inside, listening to a skilled musician. When the last tone died, a raucous chorus of cheers and amazement dismissed the momentary silence.
Stepping forward, the young man bowed his head. “It’s enough to know you loved it.”
“Your beautiful notes have halted my journey,” Gaius said, drifting across the room as he dropped his veil, letting those gathered see him. “For with each strum, I needed to discover if ye be worthy.”
With a sly smile, he wrapped a protective arm around his lute and faced the assembled throng. “Even a member of the fair folk recognizes my talent and does me honor. Does that not quench your doubt that I’m the best musician to ever live?”
“Skilled you may be,” Gaius said, flying up, pressing a hand against the minstrel’s shoulder. “But most proficient, there’s no guarantee.”
The minstrel sneered as he stepped around Gaius to address the villagers again. “Is there anyone willing to offer their roof and a meal for the night?”
.
.
.
To continue reading head over to my Patreon page and become a patron, $2 a month will give you access to this and other flash fiction stories.