This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. This week’s photo prompt was provided by TJ Paris. The challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. I hope you like it.
The Lost Kingdom
“I can’t leave,” she’d told him.
Arliss gazed at the expanse of ocean, age-gnarled hands clenching into fists on the weathered battlements, salt spray dampening her cheeks. Waves snarled against the rocks below – a pack of rabid hounds leaping at the once mighty fortress, longing to devour.
“It’s my home,” she’d said.
She remembered when the sturdy walls had been untouched by such elements. With closed eyes she could still see the patchwork of fields and villages sprawling across the rugged landscape, the coast a distant line. It had been a beautiful sight.
“Where would we go?”
They’d received no warning; offered no chance of escape. The massive wave had swept across the countryside, consuming everything in its path. In less than a day the land was drowned. Only the castle and its handful of inhabitants was spared.
“Then I stay too,” he’d told her.
Ten years had passed since the others left. She and Kinnard alone remained: Lord and Lady of a watery realm.
But maybe now she was ready to leave…
Word Count: 175
Considering I knew what story I wanted to tell for this picture pretty much as soon as I saw it, I’ve found this one really difficult to write. Trying to tell the whole thing in 175 words was not easy! I really do hope it made sense as I had to leap back and forth chronologically in order to fit it all in.
As I’m sure you know by now, my names generally have meaning. This week: Arliss is both an Irish girl’s name meaning ‘from the high fort’ and a Hebrew name meaning ‘pledge’; Kinnard is a Scottish boy’s name meaning ‘from the high place’.
An Enchanted Place 
Glad his partner supported. A decade is a good time to accept the change and move forward
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It’s definitely time for them to make a new start. Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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This is wonderful Louise, I love it! I’m happy that Kinnard decided to stay with her. I love how it ended! Thank you so much for being a loyal story writer for FFfAW. I appreciate you! And, I always love reading your stories.
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Thank you, PJ. It’s always good to know you enjoy reading them. 🙂
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I do! You are a wonderful writer!
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Thank you. 🙂
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But is he ready to leave?
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Good question. 🙂 She has the idea that he’s only stayed for her but it could well be that he’s not ready to leave either. Thanks for visiting.
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A lovely tale Louise 🙂
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Thank you. 🙂
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Go or stay, they’ll be together I think 🙂
After reading your explanation of the names, they were very well chosen.
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I always like to give my characters names with meaning if possible – sometimes it can add a whole extra layer to a story. Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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interesting twist in this story!
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Thanks, Aletta. 🙂 I’m glad you liked it.
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Comfort zones are hard to leave.
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Very true. Thanks for reading. 🙂
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Great story..such a strong bond of love there!
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Thank you, Jessie. 🙂 The story was threatening to get rather too dark before I added in the touch of romance!
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This reads like the beginning of a longer story, Louise. I especially liked the first paragraph gnarled/snarled and the way it flowed.
Ellespeth
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Thank you, Ellespeth! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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