Tag: fantasy

The Ways of the Paths

08/02/2018

She didn’t look back. After all, she was of the Bakiai, and the Bakiai always looked forward. That was how their paths stayed true. … More The Ways of the Paths

A Mother’s Grief

01/09/2017

A Mother’s Grief “We didn’t do anything to it, Ma,” Aeliene said, a waiver in her voice that broke Shylie’s heart all over again. “We were just playing. It came out of nowhere and attacked us. Baen tried to stop it, but, he… he fell… and… and…” Shylie gathered her daughter close. Grief encased her … More A Mother’s Grief

Lessons Learned

20/08/2017

Lessons Learned Hunger gnawed, growing increasingly harsh and insistent as hours dragged by. The dish of food remained frustratingly out of reach. Finn scowled, trying again to rise. This was ridiculous. He didn’t know what she’d done to him, but the old woman was clearly deranged. “If you wish to eat,” she’d said, “use the … More Lessons Learned

The Burden of Truth

15/08/2017

Yesterday I posted a piece of flash fiction for last week’s FFfAW challenge. As I mentioned there, I’d previously written another version that had to be abandoned as it was far too long for the 175 word limit. Well, I’ve decided to share it with you anyway. Technically, it’s still a piece of flash fiction, … More The Burden of Truth

Homecoming

17/06/2017

Homecoming Something was wrong. Majif  frowned. He’d spent too long evaluating his enemies’ weaknesses to overlook the lack of guards on the gate. He freed his blades, fearing the worst… Reality outdid expectation. Within the walls guards and servants alike sprawled in macabre display: blood drenched and staring; throats slashed open. The attack had occurred … More Homecoming

Greeting the Four

11/05/2017

Greeting the Four The seats had been placed with utmost precision: north, south, east and west, each one carefully aligned. Veraen nodded in satisfaction. “Anything else, Sir?” his assistant – Jaeden? Jened? – said, and he gestured in dismissal, shooing the man out of the sacred space. He’d spent too long in preparation to let … More Greeting the Four

The Lady’s Advice

02/04/2017

  The Lady’s Advice “You need to hold your head up high, child,” the lady said, lifting Gilli’s chin with elegant fingers. “Keep your spine straight and your shoulders back.” “I can do that.” “Act as if nothing anyone says or does bothers you. Confidence is essential. You must remain cool, calm and collected at all … More The Lady’s Advice

Visions of Unicorns

04/03/2017

She loved to watch the unicorns as they took their ease amidst the meadow flowers. They shimmered with an allure that drew her eyes time and again. And if no one else could see them – well, that was their problem, really, not hers. This post is for Sonya’s Three Line Tales. This week’s prompt is … More Visions of Unicorns

Testing Times

03/03/2017

Testing Times Gretnya gripped her husband’s hand, writhing anxiety choking her as the final calf was led into the testing area. Please, she prayed to any deity listening. “It’ll be fine,” Brindel said. “This time it’ll have worked, you’ll see.” The tremble in his voice contradicted the confidence of his words. She squeezed his hand tighter. The … More Testing Times

The End?

20/01/2017

The End? “It’s finally over.” Jonin’s voice held a mixture of relief and sorrow as he gazed at the courtyard below. Helleni hummed her agreement. Leaning into his embrace, she watched in satisfaction as the final cobble was laid. Only they and the workmen were aware of the crypt hidden beneath the stones – and no word of … More The End?

Unexpected Consequences

05/01/2017

Unexpected Consequences Adrugian gazed wearily over the arid landscape, the insistent beat of the sun sapping energy he could ill afford to lose. He knew the villagers below didn’t understand why he traipsed so often to the heights. He’d seen the looks they exchanged. He’d heard their snide comments. Unfortunately, the truth was something they … More Unexpected Consequences

Susceptible

22/09/2016

Susceptible Willow spotted the pair long before they reached her. The man was perfect, open minded and curious. The woman was more… problematic. She exuded confidence, carrying a fixed world-view that prevented any tampering to her thoughts. But the man was too good to ignore. “Come,” she whispered into his mind. “This way.” He stopped, his vacant gaze turning towards the doorway where Willow … More Susceptible

Captivated

15/09/2016

Captivated Raedan’s hands clenched around the gift box as he listened to the announcement. Lady Seleste had chosen her suitor. And it wasn’t him. Everyone else faded into insignificance as she glided across the hall. With each tilt of her head, each flash of a smile, she set his senses reeling. She’d captivated him from the first. Now he had one … More Captivated

Sunlit Leaves

11/09/2016

They hide amongst the sunlit leaves, with only hints of movement to betray their presence. If you watch carefully you might see a darting shape, there and gone in the blink of an eye. But listen. You can hear them: the swish of fluttering wings; the pattering of tiny footsteps on branches. And there – the tinkling of … More Sunlit Leaves

Trees

29/08/2016

They huddle beneath the sheltering branches, hidden from view by tangled growth. Soon they’ll have to move – their pursuers won’t have given up so easily – but for now they sleep in restless slumber, recovering their strength for the struggle ahead. Their dreams are haunted by dark figures who laugh as blood cascades over a … More Trees

CFFC: Stairs, Steps, Ladders

29/07/2016

Blame Maddie stomped and banged, making her displeasure as clear as she could as she wielded her broom, dust motes swarming around her. It wasn’t fair! None of it was her fault. Not really. She couldn’t have known what would happen. And besides, things probably wouldn’t have been any different even if the ladder hadn’t been there. All that damned girl had had to do was … More CFFC: Stairs, Steps, Ladders

FFfAW: Imaginary Friends

28/06/2016

This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. This week’s prompt was provided by me. Imaginary Friends “It’s just your eyes playing tricks on you,” everyone always told her. “None of it’s real.” Even her grandmother – who told the most wonderful stories – had always waved a dismissive hand and said, “Your imagination is running away … More FFfAW: Imaginary Friends

FFfAW: The Window

16/06/2016

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. The Window Raen stood in the doorway and considered the benefit of retreat. … More FFfAW: The Window

Cee’s Oddball Challenge: Beware – Giants Sleeping!

12/06/2016

This post is for Cee’s Oddball Challenge. Ssh. You must walk on tippy-toes as you creep past the giants’ lair. Take care not to wake them. Run if you feel their stares. Oh no… Run! These oddball photos were taken at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a fascinating place in Cornwall that we just had to revisit … More Cee’s Oddball Challenge: Beware – Giants Sleeping!

FFfAW: Perfect Position

30/05/2016

This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a challenge that asks you to write a story of 75-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by TJ Paris. Thank you, TJ! Perfect Position Viordan clambered up the scaffolding with the ease of long practice, the familiar weight … More FFfAW: Perfect Position

FFfAW: Creations Studio

24/03/2016

This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy.  The FFfAW challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by Uday . Thank you Uday! Creations Studio The moment Tessa saw the strange doorway her world shifted out of … More FFfAW: Creations Studio

FFfAW: Gifts

09/02/2016

This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy.  The FFfAW challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by Ady. Thank you Ady! Gifts “Thompson here yet?” Billy jumped, squawking in surprise at the sound … More FFfAW: Gifts

FFfAW: Passing Storm

19/01/2016

This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. This week’s photo prompt was provided by me! Thank you PJ for choosing it. The challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. I hope you like my offering. Passing Storm Eahlwyn stumbled … More FFfAW: Passing Storm

FFfAW: Tubby

10/12/2015

This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. The challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the picture prompt below which this week was provided by me. I hope you like it. Tubby Tubby liked to watch the people as they ambled by; … More FFfAW: Tubby

FFfAW: The Gathering

03/12/2015

This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. After being absent for the whole of November with NaNo I couldn’t resist diving back in – I’ve missed the community on the challenge too much not to! This week’s photo prompt was from pixabay. The challenge is that you … More FFfAW: The Gathering

MftS: Interlude

13/10/2015

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. Interlude Now this is living the life of Riley. Axien blinked … More MftS: Interlude