Starting tomorrow, the Monday/Wednesday/Friday posts will be the newest Ichabod Brooks tale. There are 8 parts as he takes on the challenge of the Starwind Egg! Today, we simply have a message to anyone who wishes to employee Ichabod Brooks:
To All Potential Employers
If you are reading this sign then I assume you have come with a job offer. You were possibly referred by a previous client or have heard a tavern tale about me. My reputation precedes me and I can assure you that some of it is warranted. The rest is embellishments and drivel created by bards who love money more than truth. So if you have come here to hire me for some fantastic quest that spans the globe then turn around and walk away. I am a simple man who is only interested in providing for his family.
If you are still reading this and wish to hire me then here are my rules:
- I take half of the payment up front and it is delivered to my home. The job does not start until my wife confirms the money has arrived.
- You will answer all of my questions about the job. Answering with ‘unimportant’ or ‘need to know’ is acceptable. Just know that if the information I requested turns out to be essential, I will have words with you later. Lie to me at your own risk.
- I use my own equipment unless the job requires a special item. If that is the case then I will inspect it for curses prior to signing the contract with you.
- Write your name on the contract. ‘X’ is not acceptable and the enchanted quill I use is easily angered.
- Tell me if I am working alone or with others. I hate surprises.
- I am allowed one souvenir of my choice to bring home to my son. It will not be anything that is needed by you, but something small that nobody will miss. This rule is non-negotiable.
- Betrayal will be met with creative punishment.
If you agree to all of these rules then proceed to the house and I will meet with you. If I am on another job then my wife will discuss the more specific terms of our potential contract. Do not think that will make your life easier because she is the one who created the above rules. Good luck.
Thank you for your visit and potential business relationship.
Sincerely,
Ichabod Brooks & Family
P.S. – If you are here to attack my family then know that there are many traps on the property that react to aggression. Getting past them only means you face our pet ‘Beardy’. Defeat ‘Beardy’ and you must fight me. Kill me and my wife will be waiting. That will be the end of you. Have a good day.





Love these rules, especially the payment upfront (wouldn’t we all want that?) and numbers 3 & 7. Welcome back, Ichabod!
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Been too long. Be interesting if this helps the published short story sell.
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Can’t wait. I really like this character.
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Tomorrow is definitely going to be a big day around here.
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I’ll try to share it around early, but my write something myself in the evening.
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Thanks. Though the Ichabod post will be separate from the ‘Two Books Live!’ post. Reminds me that I should send out the guest posts I finished.
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I probably have everything I need. I just need time to assemble the interview. I’ll do it ahead of time so I can double check.
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Cool. I’m just trying to get my butt in work mode. One of those low energy days.
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I understand that. Some long puppy nights this weekend for me. It’s gotten better, but I’m tired.
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Well, the power just went out, so that ends that debate. Now I just need to find a place cool until the power comes back.
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Maybe you can find a nice cool mausoleum somewhere. Great for writing about your psyche ward Island characters.
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Finished that over the weekend, so I’m editing. Sadly, can’t wander too far away because the kid is due home in 1.5 hours. Need to be ready to turn the AC on once the power is back and get the house cool for him. I can suffer, but him and his asthma causes trouble.
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I can see that. Is it just you, or widespread. McDonaldland may have to fill the gap.
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The neighborhood and it just came back. Kid will be home soon, so my goal is to simply cool things down around here.
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Sounds like you got off easy. (Other than the working part.) McDonalds playground was something my kids craved.
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My son plays at that when we go there, but he prefers one of the playgrounds around us.
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Looking forward to the stories.
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Thanks. First part is tomorrow. 😀
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I know. 🙂
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Reblogged this on firefly465.
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Thanks for the reblog. 🙂
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I’m ready and waiting!
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First part is up today. 😀
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