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.
The Bare Bones
The cemetery spread along the area known as Devil’s Abode. Some knew it by a different name: The Gateway, home to the King of Bones.
The group paraded in solemn order, Andrew’s coffin borne aloft. Will’s despair grew with every step he took. Had he not left early, not been distracted by seductively swaying hips, he could have stopped them – his brother would still be alive.
Tears dampened his cheeks as they entered the mausoleum, descending into darkness. For centuries their family had interred their dead within the chamber below, the underworld’s guardian assuring the departed soul’s safe passage.
“Farewell, brother,” Will murmured as they placed Andy’s casket before the king upon his skeletal throne.
Piercing eyes glinted as the ancient being turned his gaze in Will’s direction: uncovering truth; easing guilt. A voice rumbled through his mind. “No blame lies with you, wise protector. The brave one made his own choices.”
Will bowed his head, accepting absolution.
Word Count: 150
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An Enchanted Place 
You painted a very vivid scene with words. I enjoyed this very much so!
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Thank you, Francesca. 🙂 I enjoyed writing this one! I’m glad you liked it.
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How mysterious… I enjoyed the urban fantasy feel of this. Good stuff, Louise 🙂
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Thanks Sony!. I’d originally planned to give it an otherworld setting but decided in the end to keep it in this world. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the read.
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Good decision – it adds to the mystery 🙂
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This is really great. I’m glad you kept it local.
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Thank you. 🙂 I’m glad you like it.
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I liked the way you blended, the new, the old and the mystique. Good one.
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Thank you. 🙂 I’ve always been fascinated by folklore and the strange figures in the old stories and wanted to create a sense of that. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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I like “the King of Bones”.
It’s good to be absolved of blame but I expect deep down he will still blame himself. Great spooky story!
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Thanks, Ali. 🙂 He was originally going to be called ‘the Lord of Bones’ but then I discovered there’s a Game of Thrones character who goes by that name! You’re right, he’ll likely carry a sense of blame for a very long time. I probably should have written that the King somehow removed his guilt… Hmm…That might be a future edit…
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Loved the implications of absolution. Well done. tombs are scary on their own, but a being to oversee the bones of he dead spooky!
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I’m glad you liked it. 🙂 I enjoyed going down the more spooky route this week!
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Well done Louise! Very well told tale. Thank you for writing again for the Mondays Finish the Story challenge. Be well… ^..^
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Thank you, Barbara. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂 I enjoyed writing for the prompt.
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🙂
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Oh Louise there are some deep connotations in this one. Excellent write I have to say….
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Loved your take to the prompt! All the guilt his brother was feeling was relieved of him. Great images and great word playing! Love it!
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Thank you, PJ. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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great work Louise, a very enjoyable read 🙂 the mausoleum reminded me a bit of Game of Thrones, where the Starks buried their dead in Winterfell..
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Thank you. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hadn’t noticed that similarity, though I can see it now – Game of Thrones is hard to avoid sometimes!
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