For the A to
Z Challenge, I'm featuring twenty-six flash fiction pieces from my Foxwick Kingdom
and its surrounding neighbors. A to Z Flashes of Foxwick is now available from Smashwords and Amazon and includes the bonus short story "Lady Death." You can add this to your Goodreads list here.
X
Xavier’s Xylophone
Xavier had crafted
his xylophone from the finest rosewood located in Lochhollow. The instrument’s
tone was unrivaled throughout the lands, so he wasn’t surprised when he
received the summons to the castle to play his world-renowned xylophone.
The mule
traveled sure-footed over paths into Foxwick, but Xavier cringed at every
slight bump and jostle. His gaze flicked toward the wagon behind him. The
xylophone rested amongst the hay like a baby snug in a crib. Why did Foxwick
have to be quite so far away from Lochhollow? If anything happened to his
instrument, he’d never forgive himself, or the king.
He rode all
night and into the last part of the day until the stone towers loomed over him.
He passed through the castle’s gates. No great reception greeted himself except
for a lone knight.
“You’re the
xylophonist, right?”
“Aye, I am.
Xavier of Lochhollow at your service.” He removed his hat and nodded his head
toward the man.
The knight
clapped his hands, and four servants emerged on the wagon to transport his
xylophone into the castle.
“Be careful with
that. It’s a delicate instrument.” Xavier climbed from his perch, but he got no
further than a step away from the wagon when the knight snatched his arm.
“Take the
instrument to the prince’s chambers.” The man’s eyes narrowed, but Xavier could
only imagine his fortune in staying in the prince’s own chambers. “You have an
appointment with the king before we test your talents on this instrument.”
“Lead the way,
good sir.” Xavier grinned. What kind of jewels would the king grant him for his
talents? Would he sleep in a bed as lush as the prince’s must be? The
excitement snatched him, and he swirled in its pleasurable embrace as he danced
to his destiny.
Now if you want to learn more about
authors, I’m featuring up to three per day on my blog Surrounded by Books Reviews.
To find the other
participants, click here.
