The moment I finished Invited Seat, I turned my attention to my patrons’ next story, a historical fiction. Thankfully, the last time we encountered Samuel and Anna, their story paused at a perfect moment for me to pick right up and continue their adventure. While this series takes place during the Old West era, I’ve blended in just enough fantasy to give myself creative leeway as I build their world, though I have and will continue to perform research to remain somewhat grounded.
Despite having a general idea in mind, I needed something more concrete to spark the next installment. So, I gathered my notes and tossed everything into ChatGPT for a bit of inspiration. The initial results gave me a decent springboard, but much of the finer detail clashed with the lore I’d already established. Still, by blending that rough prompt with the world I’ve carefully woven, I was able to craft the next leg of Samuel and Anna’s journey. Tobias remains a man with a price on his head and a reputation for slipping through cracks others wouldn’t dare approach. This time, however, the trail leads them to a remote rail outpost, a place where the smoke of industry mixes with whispers of enchantment.
Inside the unassuming office for the railroad, a half-blind clerk guards a parcel left behind by a stranger. Its contents are curious, unsettling, and possibly enchanted. Will Samuel and Anna finally find answers in their search, or will this stop simply burden them with new, unexpected questions?
Grab a chair and get comfortable as we follow the latest installment of Samuel’s journey.
After their delayed start, Samuel and Anna arrive to the last known location where someone had seen Tobias. But will it assist them…
Samuel retrieved his Winchester rifle from Pearl’s harness before sliding down the dragon’s back. Her neck coiled as she brought her face close to Samuel’s. Grinning, he reached up and caressed Pearl’s neck. “Wait here girl, we’ll be back in short order, barring any surprises waiting inside with the clerk.”
“Pearl, we’re not going far,” Anna said as she pulled Samuel toward the building. She glanced down the road and tipped her head to the dragon. “It’ll be more useful if you join Bruce in the sky and keep an eye on us from above.”
After a brief glance at Samuel, Pearl launched herself into the sky.
“You don’t think we’ll find Tobias lurking inside the rail office, do you?” Anna asked.
Samuel pushed the weapon’s lever away, retracting the bolt just enough to confirm a cartridge was loaded. He pulled the lever back and offered his partner a somber smile. “Probably not, but best to be wary.”
“There’s a price on his head, and he’s heading west.” She took a deep breath of the soot and steel filled air. Anna strode toward an old wooden structure wedged between stacked crates and spare sections of train tracks. “Don’t forget we’re here for confirmation as to his whereabouts.”
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