It’s Fall Writing Frenzy time! Kaitlyn Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis host this kidlit writing contest every year. It’s been a few years since I last participated, but writing this was a lot of fun. I hope you enjoy it!
“Wayfaring Jack” by Teresa Traver
“They’re coming,” Gabe whispered. “Do you hear?”
Withered leaves rustled in the breeze. A crow cawed. Then I heard the distant blast of a hunting horn, followed by hounds baying.
Cold fear pierced my heart. “You’re right. We need to find shelter.”
But where? Abandoned farms lined both sides of the creek, but I knew an unoccupied house offered no protection. Threshold magic only worked where there was light and comfort, warmth and hope.
I squared my shoulders. “The Sawyer place is closest. If we cut across the cornfield, we’ll be there in minutes.”
Edie gasped. “The cornfield where Jack walks?”
“Better Jack than them.” I gestured toward the distant pack.
My younger siblings nodded, and we set off.
We paused at the edge of the cornfield. Deep inside, a light glimmered in the mist, slowly drawing closer.
“Hello?” I called. “Who’s there?”
No answer, until a hand bearing a lantern broke through the mist. It had to be him: Wayfaring Jack.
The horn sounded behind us, much too close. “Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea,” I muttered.
I grasped Gabe and Edie’s hands, drew a deep breath, and followed the lantern into the mist.
The End. . . for now!
Teresa Traver 