GENRE: Gay Historical Paranormal Spicy Romance
LENGTH: 20,884 words
RATING:

In the spring of 1817, Christian Maxwell is recovering at home in Wiltshire from a spate of illness following his adventures at Haverford House earlier in the year. Sam Gillespie, Christian’s constant companion in life and paranormal investigations, suggests a road trip to aid Christian’s recovery. They plan to visit friends and places from their previous adventures until reaching a house party at Chepstow on the Welsh borders.

During the journey, the bond between the couple seems stronger than ever. Once they reach their destination, exuberant Sam throws himself into socialising, while retiring Christian feels increasingly isolated despite being surrounded by conviviality.

Might this be an indication that they are ultimately unsuited? Or will unexpected peril prove that the link between Christian and Sam is unbreakable?

EXCERPT:
Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.

For once, Christian took the lead.

In his view, Sam was the epitome of masculine capability. Christian was deeply grateful for Sam’s acceptance of his oddities. Although Sam chose to regard these abilities as special, Christian remained unconvinced they were worth desiring, let alone envying.

The pair crossed the boggy field beside the riverbank. As his feet sank into the oozing mud, Christian was grateful they had both worn stout boots for this part of the journey. They picked their way across to the great stone which appeared more substantial than the heavily pitted stone at Minchinhampton. The Broad Stone was merely misshapen by age and the elements, standing in a shallow pool of water.

“Are you willing to trust me?” Christian asked timidly as they stood within touching distance of the stone.

“In every conceivable way.”

“I have no idea if this will be successful.”

“We won’t know until we try.”

“Place your hand on the stone.”

Sam obeyed and cocked his head for further instructions.

“Spread your fingers.”

Christian placed his hand over Sam’s. He relished the contrast between the rough, cold stone and the warmth and vitality of Sam’s skin.

It was a heady sensation, being joined with Sam as the stone eagerly transmitted its long history. His impressions were slightly fainter than usual but no less vivid.

He opened his eyes, smiling widely, feeling alight from within. He was disappointed to see no answering smile from Sam.

“Nothing?”

Sam shook his head. “Oh well, it was worth an attempt. I suppose we should return to the shore.”

Christian had rarely seen Sam so dejected.

“Since we’re already here, why don’t we have another try? You’ve told me before that experiments rarely work the first time. Regard this as a scientific endeavour.”

Christian placed his hand on the stone, feeling the full force of reverberations.

“Put your hand over mine.”

Sam hesitated for an instant. Then Christian felt his tentative touch. He spread his fingers to allow Sam’s fingertips some contact with the stone. Sam’s palm was flat against the back of Christian’s hand, their fingers not quite meeting. Instead of being drawn into place memory, Christian applied himself to become a conduit for Sam.

He tried to transmit his impressions outwards. The traces of the ancient boar hunt, the generations of fishermen, how the stone had become part of the landscape as the river gradually carved out the ancient shoreline.

Finally, he opened his eyes with a shaky sigh.

Sam’s face was still, his eyelids closed, his face a picture of concentration.

Then as if sensing Christian’s waning focus, Sam’s hand shifted away.

His lips curved in a smile and his eyes opened, blazing bright blue with wonder.

“It worked?” Christian asked croakily.

“I’m sure I felt only a fraction of what you can perceive. All the same, it was quite remarkable. No text book could possible replicate the experience.” He added huskily, “Thank you for sharing your precious gift with me.”

With the stone as their witness, Sam raised Christian’s hand to his lips.

“You are a constant inspiration. I could wish for no better companion.”