MftS: The Prophet’s Words

Posted on by Louise Bunting

Here’s this week’s entry into Monday’s Finish the Story flash fiction challenge, run by Barbara W. Beacham. This challenge gives you a picture prompt and the first line and asks that you finish the story in 100-150 words. The given line is in italics.

Photo Prompt - © 2015, Barbara W. Beacham
Photo Prompt – © 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

The Prophet’s Words

“I see absolutely everything,” Draeg answered, glaring at the man invading his sanctum, “past, present and future. And it is true – the treaty with your people compels me to answer your questions.”

The sun was at its peak when the man arrived, disturbing the most potent dreamtime. From the flouncy clothes and measly bag of tribute, he was obviously a townsman who’d heard tales of the dragon prophet. He hadn’t, however, heeded the warnings.

“I,” the man announced pompously, “am embarking upon an overseas venture. Will it be profitable, Wyrm?”

Draeg huffed a wisp of smoke. His response was carefully worded. “A great profit will be made from the venture,” he said.

The only requirement was truth and truth he spoke. A profit would be made but not by the arrogant merchant.

Finally alone again, he settled back into the dreamscape with a sense of satisfaction. The pettiest vengeance was always the most enjoyable.

Word Count: 150

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36 thoughts on “MftS: The Prophet’s Words”

      2. He’s probably also somewhat disgruntled about being bound by treaty to answer the humans’ petty questions all the time! He’ll wiggle his way out of it as much as he can. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      5. I had sent you a question about how to punctuate or rather when you have a quote, like this: “That’s about how it is.” Said Tom. Does the Said need to be capitalized since it comes after a period?

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      6. I don’t think I ever got that question – maybe it landed in my spam file… I’ll go and have a look in a minute. 🙂 If you include a speech tag it should be a comma within the speech marks and a lower case ‘s’ for ‘said’ – “That’s about how it is,” said Tom. I hope that helps. 🙂

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  3. I loved your story — it was beautifully crafted, vividly imagined and well-paced. Kudos! Thanks, again, for visiting my site, and for your comments.
    Looking forward to more wonderful mythic-sounding stories from you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you! I really enjoyed writing this one – Draeg’s voice was great fun to channel. 🙂 I enjoyed visiting your site and look forward to doing so again.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. “The pettiest vengeance was always the most enjoyable.”
    This is a great line – such a childish thought, and yet so layered and complicated.

    Liked by 1 person

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