The Ballad of Verity Turner
Chapter 1: Strands in the Web
“Polly, Pretty Polly,” Verity hummed as she watched the orb spider spin its web. She sat on an old quilt along the riverbank, the rising sun dancing on the delicate threads. It was a work of art, but her attention caught on a small section near the bottom where several strands ended abruptly.
Chapter 2: Shortcut Through the Hills
Fully dressed with their saddlebags packed, they both climbed onto Daniel’s mule, Maggie. Stronger than an average horse, Maggie was the perfect companion for carrying Daniel up and down the hills and hollers where so many of his patients lived.
Chapter 3: Shelter from the Storm
Daniel snapped the reins and gave Maggie a sharp squeeze. The big mule surged forward, leaving the clearing and plunging into the shadowed trail at a fast trot. The air had turned heavy and electric. From the north came the sound of rain, a deep, rushing roar like a freight train beating through the trees and gaining on them.
Chapter 4: Secrets of the Dead
With a nervous little smile, Daniel said, “I’ve got my reasons.” And with that, he walked toward the kitchen. A drawer screeched open, then another. She heard the clatter of silverware hitting wood as he dumped their contents onto the table.
Chapter 5: With None but the Wild Birds to Mourn
Verity closed her eyes, bracing for what came next.
About Me
I used to spend eight hours a day, five days a week, walking aimlessly through a maze of cubicles in corporate America. That all changed in 2020.
A few of the tunes that keep me in that Eidola frame of mind.
Jeffrey Gabbard 