Book Launch Videos, Horse Pic, and 'The Fugitive'!

For those of you who couldn't make it to the launch of the 6th book in my Meg Sheppard Mystery Series, I have good news!

Leah has produced several short video clips of Lucy Black's interview. (A huge 'thank you' to Leah!).

In the first video clip, I'm asked why I write, and in the second one, I'm asked about Meg Sheppard. I will include more videos in future posts.

I hope you enjoy them!

They're followed by a story and a horse pic!

And here's another photo (thank you, Bill, for the lovely photos!):

We had a fun time in the lovely Blue Heron Books Studio. If you missed the horse videos, check out my earlier blog posts.

Signing a book for one of my valued fans! Thank you, Brad!

Story

I wrote this story several years ago. It's another 'word challenge' piece and the words I had to incorporate are shown in italics. I hope you like it!

The Fugitive

The fountain emerges through the mist as I steady my horse, who has a fear of moving water. Its spray wafts through the dark, cold air, shrouding us in dampness. I hear the approach of the wagon and its two horses well before I can make out their shapes. The clacking of the metal horseshoes reverberates off the cobblestones and bounces off the crumbling walls of the palace. Echoes are winding through the ruins and returning to us, to be soaked up and washed away by the fountain. It is a mystery as to how it continues to spew and dance when there is no one left to care for it.

            The woman steps down from the wagon, her hand resting, appearing to hover, on the man’s arm. As she watches her step, I see the crimson ribbon in her hair, entwined in her red curls. And, as I look down, past the still-heaving sides of my horse, I notice that the hems of her lavish skirts are tattered and soiled.

            There is no logic to any of this, I think, as the man takes the reins of the horse which I have been leading to this spot.

            I am thankful that both horses are honest, strong and level-headed. I could not have reached the fountain in time otherwise. And I know that my job is only just beginning.

I hope she is a good rider. We have a long way to go through the countryside where anyone could be hiding. We will be riding under the cover of darkness nearly all the way, with the mist thickening. The meagre lantern I am carrying will not be enough to light our way.

            The man helps the woman to mount. I can tell that she has ridden before. She has good poise in the side-saddle and holds the reins with soft, but knowing hands. She nods to me and we trot off, breaking into a canter as soon as we leave the cobblestones behind.

            We emerge safely from the dark, dank oak forest, which I think is the most dangerous part, and enter the muddy lane which leads to our resting place. But when I glance behind I see the woman slumped over her horse, thankfully still in the saddle with her arms encircling the horse’s neck. As I pull my horse up, her horse stops. I drop the lantern and pick up her horse’s reins. I toss them over his head and lead him at a brisk walk. I dare not dismount and try to move her. I pray she stays on the horse until we reach the Inn.

            The landlord greets me in muted light which glows around his large silhouette in the doorway. I have the feeling he has been there for days, waiting for us, looking out. He and his burly wife heave the woman out of the saddle and carry her in. I dismount and lead the horses to the stables, feed them and bed them down.

            I almost cry with the utmost relief when I see the princess propped up in a chair by the blazing fire, sipping some broth. Her beauty transcends the dirty clothes, the disheveled hair and the strain on her face. The landlady believes she is suffering from exhaustion and lack of nourishment, and gets no argument from me about staying for the night. She hands me a book of poetry and all but demands that I read to the princess, saying that it will help to calm her nerves. Perhaps it will help to steady mine as well. This delay is necessary, I know, but I must take the princess to France before the King’s enemies find her. Our lives depend upon it.  

Vicky Earle Copyright 2025

Audi's World and Rizzmo

Rizzmo is on the left. He is a two-year-old. Audi's World is three.

Martin and I are part-owners and grateful to be included in the partnership.

They will both start some preliminary training soon and we plan to visit and I hope to take some video clips to share with you.

Both of them were bred and raised by Franz Crean.

Thank you for reading my post.

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Happy Reading!

Vicky