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Short Stories & Tall Tales by Darren Travers
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Darren is absolutely delighted to have the honour of being part of the prestigious ‘Authors Spotlight’ on the ‘Rope and Wire’ website. He has a genuine love for the Wild West and is currently trying to get his action adventure novel, “The Five Stars Of Cordrye” published. This Wild West adventure stars the heroic figure of Thomas Murphy who also stars in Darren’s short stories which are published here.
His horror short story, “The Visitor” came 5th in the ‘Spinetinglers’ February 2010 online competition and is published on their website. “The Darkened Figure” which is another of his horror short stories is published in Issue 16 of the ‘Horrorbound’ website. He has also written over 100 poems, 10 acting monologues, 5 screenplays and 2 more short stories.
He is also a very experienced stage and screen actor. Film highlights include playing the insanely animalistic parent ‘Jack Purcell’ in Jason Figgis’ upcoming horror chiller “Railway Children,” the charismatically haunting 3000 year old vampire, ‘Acacius’ in Jason Figgis’ eagerly awaited horror, “The Ecstasy of Isabel Mann,” the heroic ‘Crusader’ in the blockbuster film, “The Da Vinci Code,” the charming salesman ‘Rob Marshall’ in the award winning short film, “Connection,” and being lead actor, writer and producer on the double award nominated short film, “The Detective.”
TV highlights include playing the Cockney scoundrel ‘Arthur Palmer’ in ITV’s “Martina Cole’s Lady Killers,” the wildly funny ‘Stefan Archer’ in the comedy pilot, “DysFunctional Fitness” and he will soon be playing the extremely troubled husband ‘John Keogh’ in Bernadette Manton’s explosive drama, “Magpie.”
Stage highlights include playing the roguish ‘Robin Conway’ in J.B. Priestley’s “Time And The Conways,” the sensitive teacher ‘George’ in Edward Albee’s famous “Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?” the emotional powerhouse ‘Boxer’ in George Orwell’s acclaimed “Animal Farm,” and the Boston soldier ‘Robert Bailey’ in the mesmerising Iraq based play, “Touch.”
If you would like to learn more about Darren’s work then you can read his other short stories, watch his acting showreels and view his CV through his acting and writing website
“The Seven Shooter Gun”
Darren Travers
The small moustached man sipped on his fine glass of sherry like an anxious dog gnawing on a bone. His beady eyes were transfixed on the second hand of the Grandfather clock that stood proudly at the room’s end. Just as the chime struck 9pm, he turned worryingly to his companion and said, “Are you sure he’s gonna’ come?”
“Off course he will. Now relax,” replied the calmer presence.
But those words did little to appease his soul. Time was running out and with it all his options. If this man was to be his saviour then he’d better show up fast. Or else Bob Baxter would have to find another hero.
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“Stagecoach To Rakers Hill”
Darren Travers
Thomas Murphy was glad to be leaving town. He’d just spent the most tedious week of his life holed up in the desolate village known as Barksville. It was a tiny settlement which had no saloon or night-time entertainment. Not even a bottle of whiskey could be purchased anywhere. He hadn’t seen a beautiful lady since he arrived and not a single man had an ounce of charm. It was the sort of place you should never stay in unless you’re paid to or you have to. Unfortunately for Murphy he had come here to receive a telegram. One which finally arrived late last night. It was to tell him that the Wilder job was on in two weeks time. With that good news intact the handsome man rested his body and mind as he sat in the stagecoach carriage.
Outside the driver called for the last time, “I’ll be leavin’ in two minutes for Clay Park and Rakers Hill.”
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“BONY CREEK CABIN”
By Darren Travers
The shivering snowflakes pelted unforgivingly against the frail man’s elderly face. Each white splash of cold seeped and sunk into his skin. Moments later another icicle had formed along his bony bridge of nose. Hanging side by side now with the seven other pearly glaziers that stretched his minute head. Desperately he tried to look ahead towards his target. But his flimsy hat flopped and flapped annoyingly against his face. Forcing his tired eyelids to open and close like a revolving door. He coughed out painfully adding sorrow to the solitary surroundings.
Firmly he held the reins of his shaking horse. Plod by plod, the resourceful creature carried his awkward friend. Trudging slowly through the cake of snowy grass. Hoping that the next step would be his last. But the delicate tap against his hide informed him that the journey wasn’t over. Up above the lonely travellers, the starry night inter-joined so perfectly with the falling flakes that it was impossible to tell which white object beamed above their creeping souls.
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TUNNEL OF THE DEAD
By Darren Travers
Standing on the top of the hill, Buck Henry had a great view of the land below. He could see for miles over the sprawling cavernous landscape. The sun-scorched ground was lit up by the beaming sun above. Small mountains, caverns and boulders filled the area. The figure in the distance was still on his trail. Knowing that life has few real coincidences, he felt that he was being followed. Could it be someone from Big City was coming for the diamond? The thought had crossed his mind. Tumblers Hill was only twenty miles away so he could reach it in a few hours. After one last look at the figure that followed, he hopped back on his horse and turned back towards his destination. Then he went on his way.
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PIT OF TERROR
Darren Travers
Hanging upside down with your legs and hands tied was a bad enough experience. But to awaken from your forced unconsciousness to such a delight was double the torture. Blood rushing fiercely to your brain. Your eyes and nose heavy with the thundering pressure. Your mouth dry and sore, aching for some water to relieve the stress. Every limb in your body feeling stretched and strained. The inner workings of your stomach feeling queasy. Even the ankles and wrists suffering the crushing pressure from the ropes that held them tight. Then your eyes look around trying to piece together the puzzling picture. But when you’re upside down, everything is distorted. Can you see clearly and what do you see? Mountains, trees, people? White men, Indians? Who do you hear speaking? What are they saying? Why the hell are you in such an awful predicament?
All of these thoughts and feelings racked through the soul and mind of Thomas Murphy. His questions were answered. Answered by the evil, cold tone of an old friend. Burt Stryker.
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