The Golden Table

By David Masselink

The Golden Table is a fantastic treasure, reportedly the greatest treasure of the old kingdom. There are many who quested after it, but only a few found it. Somehow, the story got out that it was protected by three old women.

To call them witches would begger the witch. Some called them oracles, although they told no one's future. Others called them wise women, but that understated their power. And their purpose.

The common sense was to protect yourself from them. Three things were necessary, and others were prudent.

Bring mint, to scent out a ruse.

Bring cumin, for it strengthened one's spirit.

And hold silver, for without it, they would enscorsel your soul. Never release it, not for a moment, or you give them them the upper hand.

What was not known was the purpose of the table. It was made of solid gold, and that was enough for most. But one man, deeply suspicious yet trapped by his own greed, took away a greater treasure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Masselink
• Release date: Jun 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463445549

David Masselink

David Masselink is a writer. He figured he couldn't make a living writing in Prince Edward Island, so he moved west. For many years, he earned a living in Los Angeles, and had no time to write. So he invented an hour at the beginning of the day, writes short stories, and dreams of moving east where the days are a little longer.

Book preview

The Golden Table

by David Masselink

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 David Masselink

There shall again the wondrous

golden table in the grass be found,

which in days of old had possessed

the ruler of the gods…

from The Younger Eddas

* * *

Endlessly has man gathered the sun's blood, to pile up a pool for himself lest it flow to his neighbor. Since the old kingdom fell, men recklessly scattered the gold of others' lives in a mad quest to dam the outpouring wealth.

They fled home and farm to better seize it. They formed small armies and swore blood oaths of endless loyalty. They razed whole villages, slew other contenders, and grasped with eager fingers the gilded twinkle. And Darrow, a knight of some rank and much valor, abandoned his post, his army, and his commander, taking only his closest companion with him. That, and a hint where to find the fabled table of gold.

* * *

He almost missed it, after a fortnight of searching for it, and another of eluding his fellows. The day was fading quickly and brush melted with the stone ruin it assaulted. A shadow orifice hid among the twisted brambles and tumbled wall of a fortress long lost. Winter's last glimmer beat helplessly on Darrow's armor, but the chill seeped through easily enough. Moreover, the gnawing of his gut had not yet met the numbness of his toes. He chanced to spot a thin breath escape the void.

Darrow tugged on the reins, his eyes brightening. He tugged again. His black-maned stallion, once responsive to his slightest command, halted uncertainly. Darrow dropped to the ground. His legs complained sharply, a fair trade for the icy numbness of a moment ago. He took a leaden step forward. He squinted into the dark opening.

A table of gold, here? Hidden long ago -- or so the legend went -- by the aging king when