FFfAW: The Window

Posted on by Louise Bunting

His post is for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a flash fiction challenge run by Priceless Joy, that asks you to write a story of 100-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by Nonnaci. Thank you Nonnaci.

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The Window

Raen stood in the doorway and considered the benefit of retreat.

A group of senior mages clustered in his work chamber, their gestures wild and voices excited. Their grey clad forms obscured his view of the window but he could feel the hum of active spells. He cursed. Now was not a good time for the old fogeys to poke into his work.

“Ah, good. You’re finally here.” Raen bowed his head as the high mage’s sharp gaze locked him in place. “Care to explain.”

The mages moved aside. Broken glass covered the floor, shards glimmering in the light from within the circular frame. Bloody footprints led away from the mess.

Raen winced. Explain was one thing he couldn’t do.

He’d only ever wanted to observe, to learn about lifestyles in other realities. After years of research he’d discovered the latticework of spells necessary to create his first window. He’d never considered that a window worked both ways… or that a broken window could become a portal.

Not until last night, when she’d come through.

Word Count: 175

To read other stories, click the blue frog.

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21 thoughts on “FFfAW: The Window”

    1. Thanks, Haylee. 🙂 I’ve always had a fondness for cliffhangers that I can’t generally indulge with flash fiction! 175 words really wasn’t enough words for this one. A longer version may well be included in the anthology I’m putting together for on Amazon. 🙂

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      2. Pretty much. I want a mix of lengths, from 6 to 1000 words, as they’re all classed as flash fiction. I’ve got quite a lot of stories that really needed more than the word limits allowed by the challenges I wrote them for, so they’ll be lengthened and changed. It’s a project I’ve been planning for a while now. I’ve decided to use the July CampNano to finally get it done. 🙂 You ought to try collating your 6 word stories somehow. Have you ever thought about writing anything longer?

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      3. I’ve done bits… But that’s just it – all in bits and unfinished. I think that’s why I like six words so much, don’t really have an excuse to be lazy!
        It’s a great idea to put them all together though and hopefully Campnano will allow you to achieve it. Look forward to seeing the finished article!

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    1. It could definitely be lengthened! My July CampNano project is editing and lengthening some of my flash fics for use in a collection for sale on Amazon. This one may well be included in the list! Thanks for visiting, Mandi. 🙂

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      1. Oh, awesome. That’s exciting Louise, make sure you let us know when the book is available. I’m sure it’s a long way off, but I like your flash fiction a great deal, and would love to read your collection 🙂

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    1. It could be her blood. On the other hand, someone else might have followed her through… I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I’m currently thinking that I might lengthen this one for inclusion in a book of flash fiction and short stories I’m putting together for sale on Amazon, so the answers may be revealed. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Ali. His research took I’m down a route he really hadn’t expected! This story may well be lengthened for use in my anthology. The character and setting is actually one from a series of novels I might someday get around to writing. I’m glad you enjoyed the read. 🙂

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    1. I originally intended to write a much more complete story but the word limit was just too restrictive! I’ll probably lengthen it for inclusion in the flash fiction collection I’m putting together for on Amazon. 🙂 Thanks for visiting, Maniparna.

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    1. Thanks, Jessie. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it. As I’ve mentioned to some other commenters, I’m currently putting together a flash fiction collection for on Amazon. This story, and several others that feel incomplete, will probably be lengthened and included in it. I have number of ideas on ways it could go!

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