Friday 13 October 2017

Tacking thumbs and pricking blisters

This week showed up the gap in my knowledge and understanding of several aspects of the horror, fantasy and science fiction genres this site promotes . It’s taken a couple of years for me to be revealed as a fraud but John’s ‘From the mouth of the dragon’ which garnered such praise from everyone else bypassed my understanding by miles. Nevertheless, I name him as one of a trio of winners this week, alongside Jk’s Ellis 010 and  David’s TRASH Rash, and thank you all for a thoroughly entertaining week of reading, both posts and comment.

Words for next week: score vulnerable wicked

Entries by midnight Thursday 19th October, words posted Friday 20th

Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction is, as always, welcome. All variants and use of the words and stems are fine. Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever social media you prefer.

69 comments:

  1. John, Jk, and David excellent stories last week and congrats on sharing top billing. The rest of you weren't that shabby either.🎉

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    1. Thank you Jeffrey. The stories from everyone are what make me keep coming back here

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  2. “An argument he didn’t win” [Threshold 186]

    Sourly – I was becoming sick and tired of people traipsing through Raven’s life – ‘You were keeping score across his back?’

    Eyes yellow as the stale piss he was named for; teeth wicked with something vegetable and green Lant’s snarl would strike terror into anyone whose vulnerability had not been fortified with Highland Park. As mine had.

    Raven reached painfully out and grasped the bottle from me. ‘Medicinal.’ he croaked (when I’d intended aphrodisiac). I almost demurred, but for a slow-eyed and significant wink; the slightest prick against my wrist.

    Gingerly, I secreted the knife he gave me among my clothes.

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    1. ah, back on side again! And the prompt insertion as smooth as Highland Park too

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    2. I Googled Highland Park as there is one in Rochester, NY. I like ours but a single malt scotch whiskey is something special, like this story.

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    3. Thanks Jeffrey, but could I point out that if it's Scottish it is 'whisky', without the 'e'. 'Whiskey' with the 'e' is Irish.

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    4. Sandra, I would argue that your understanding, or lack of as you wrote, of horror is at a much higher level than you gave yourself credit for. This piece proves it. This Lant guy is one bad hombre.

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    5. And the pendulum swings yet again. Ye gods, what an awful (in the best possible way) descriptive passage is: "teeth wicked with something vegetable and green." Can't wait to find out what happens next. (Hopefully, someone will present Lant with a toothbrush or at last some dental floss!)

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  3. A Crooked Shadow

    Ethan had said she was imagining things, vulnerable after the death of her brother. But even he was finding it tough to explain the mysterious jagged score that had been gouged into the varnished oak paneling on the kitchen door.
    Noosh shivered, convinced now that something wicked had infested the bones of their new home. She hugged herself against the terrible chill in the air.
    A door hinge creaked.
    A floorboard cracked.
    A crooked shadow fell on the wall and slowly elongated.
    Noosh reached for Ethan’s hand. Couldn’t find it.
    Panicked.
    Turned.
    Found him gone without explanation…

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    1. oh, I love the slow elongation of the crooked shadow! Great line.

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    2. My favourite line too, and this subtly chilling.

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    3. Nice narrative creating that tension. Good line, bones of their new home.

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    4. Talk about cranking up the tension... I found myself scooting forward on the chair. Nicely done.

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    5. The stuff of which "Twilight Zone" is made. This comes with the type of visual that would cause me to watch through splayed fingers...unable to look away but also unable not to observe what was going on. That last line is totally chilling.

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  4. Pirate Doctor

    I was escorted to the bridge. I felt extremely vulnerable as death clawed at my soul. Like it was settling some ancient score for all the lives I’ve saved. A Kalvari was in the captain’s chair, three humans and a Zaherian were fixing equipment.
    “Rethic, here's the doctor.”
    “Good, leave.” he spun the chair, his wicked visage only accented by one blood red eye, glaring at me, from his dirty gray fur.
    “Doctor Karthis, an option for you. Our captain is badly wounded; if he lives, so will you, the crew, and passengers of your ship.”
    “Why me?”

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    1. I don't know what a Kalvari or a Zaherian is, but it doesn't matter. You used them to show us the unusual aspects of this pirate ship. Good use of show, don't tell. I also liked how you showed us that Karthis was a doctor without telling. Good writing here.

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    2. Some very nice phrasing included here. I liked the internal reflections of the doctor and the idea of "one blood red eye."

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    3. 'Rock' and 'hard place' apply to this.

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  5. Artistry

    She radiated vulnerability. He'd painted scores of beauties and none compared. This would be his masterpiece. She expressed reserved reluctance to be alone with him in his studio. Most improper!

    Her moralistic hesitancy was enchanting but he was insistent and persuasive.

    "You would not be so wicked as to deny us assured immortality?"

    She allowed herself to be swayed.

    Not without mercy, she waited until the portrait was complete and he could gaze upon its perfection before she poured him a glass of doctored malmsey and then slit his throat -- slowly, deliberately, skillfully -- with a sharpened palette knife.

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    1. That's one way of having your portrait done by a posthumous artist. Probably kicks the value up a bit. Really enjoyable.

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    2. Yes, a well-controlled and perfectly-painted revenge. I must remember 'moralistic hesitancy' - a useful phrase.

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    3. oh yes, drags us in and then slices up the story and our expectations!

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  6. The Dracunculus vulgaris uses the smell of rotting meat. Vulnerability is a much better bait. Moralistic hesitancy was a nice description. Good prompt use.

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  7. Mouth of the dragon revisited

    In a field on the outskirts of Macon, Georgia, littered with charred debris from the ruined city, a wicked glow emitted from a pool of viscous slime. The pool shimmered, portentous, vulnerable, omnipresent, and then it began to expand. It rose from the grasses, taking shape, gaining strength, preparing to even the score. The sky darkened as the antichrist flexed his sinuous limbs and released a dreadful laugh through slimy pointed teeth. He tested his powerful legs and began to run.

    “Watch out believers,” he shouted, his voice a mouthful of gravel. “I’m fucking back!”

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    1. Lovely descriptions, leaving the actual look of the scene up to the readers imagination. That last line is something I can envision the anti-Christ saying.

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    2. You could easily see this entire scenario take place in the imagination. We might have known the Prince of Darkness would not take this lying down! And yet another very portrayal of a nasty mouth and degraded teeth. And me having to have an extraction earlier this week too. Thanks for the reminder guys!

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    3. So vivid - and 'his voice a mouthful of gravel' a wonderful sound.

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    4. I'll be looking for this antichrist flying over the island any time soon...

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  8. Cripplegate Junction/Part 118 - Tunnel Vision

    Clive Bailey searched the twin arches for a potential scoreboard of safety between the two. There was none and he doubted his ability to make the correct selection.

    He no longer felt vulnerable in the presence of the Station Master and wondered how he could have been threatened by such a benevolent personage or believed the man, kindly expression reflecting almost paternal concern for his wellbeing, to be a wicked character.

    "Choose for me?" he asked in the voice of a small boy, not unlike that of young Christopher.

    It was not an unexpected request.

    "My pleasure, dear chap."

    --------------------------------------------------------
    To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
    http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
    A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
    ---------------------------------------------------------

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    1. This is a well written soft story. Yet enough tension, about the situation and the Station Masters decision to keep us reading and guessing.

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    2. So ... why do I fear for Clive, hmm? Your ability to deliver the most subtle of horror is truly enviable (and I;m sure this isn't the first time I've mentioned it.)

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    3. I'm with Sandra, fearing for Clive in the face of this oh-so-nice person...

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  9. Symposium V

    Dr. M;
    I’m in receipt of your letter, no need to apologize; there will never be a score between us. To your question. Perhaps why does man know good from evil is better? Vulnerability; allows people to understand the difference, brought about by the misconception that wicked is evil. It’s a category unto itself. Ask Yoritomo, Ivan, Napoleon, and others.
    The leaders in a society like such disassociation. It places guilt on the defenseless, those who need our protection from their so called protectors. With that thought, I’d like to suggest another for our symposium, Dr. J.
    Dr. F.

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    1. These exchanges are always enjoyable and well written...even if the subject matter sometimes just slips beyond my reach.

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  10. Ellis 011

    Jasper poked his head around the door, asked “What’s the score, Jess?”
    “There’s no drug trace left in the urine. It was probably GHB,” she replied

    I’ve wondered what that would be like, I heard it made you feel wickedly sexy, but it was tricky to get the dose right. I wanted to try it with someone safe, at home, taking it in a club left you vulnerable to blokes out for a good time.

    “Did you shag anyone last night, Ellie?” Jasper cutting to the quick.
    I considered my body, nothing felt used or sore.
    “I don’t think so.”

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    1. Adore the suggested doubt associated with the final answer here. I also like the idea that sampling the drug might be acceptable under safer circumstances. Strangely, I originally read "GHB" as "GBH" and thought...grievous bodily harm? Left me shaking my head for a minute until I reread. DUH...!!!

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    2. This series never puts a foot wrong (and that an unintended pun!!) And Patricia has mentioned the DIY GHB and the final line which especially delighted me.

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    3. excellent instalment, information and disinformation going on here in equal proportions.

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  11. Jess, for now is much more relaxed than I'd be if I thought someone had druged me. I enjoyed how you wove the prompts into your enjoyable story.

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  12. Many congratulations to John, Jk and David. You know it must have been a good week when we get three winners. Nicely done!

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  13. Kursaal (Episode Ninety Two) - "Lenny The Lovelorn (a/k/a Lenny The Loner a/k/a Peeping Lenny)"

    Lenny Jester envied his brothers' amorous liaisons. The charismatic Arbuthnot, despite a diminutive stature, was adored by the ladies and Benny, with his wicked good looks, enjoyed an entourage of Adonis lookalikes.

    Sympathetic to Lenny's plight, Arby offered introductions to ex-paramours, but Benny was a different matter. Unfortunate inadequacies left Lenny vulnerable to Benny's jabs about romantic prowess. He vowed to settle the score.

    Toward that end, Lenny sought the advice of the mysterious Wheelman, operator of "The Orbiter" and dyed-in-the-wool homophobe who, by unexplained means, eliminated many a gay individual from the park.

    Lenny looked forward to Benny's comeuppance.

    ---------------------------------------------------------
    To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
    http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
    A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
    ---------------------------------------------------------

    NOTE: All three Jester Brothers and The Wheelman have featured in previous episodes.

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    1. Uh-oh. I hope we don't have to wait too long for Bnny's comeuppance (or not).

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    2. I was a little conflicted reading this, from the perspective of feeling your face is being rubbed by another bragging about their amorous ability brought back high school memories. In that respect I identify with what Lenny is going through. A good continuation and prompt use. I am looking forward to the next installment.

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    3. there's a good deal of menace lurking under this instalment, which will burst out any time soon, I have no doubt.

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  14. Increasing the footfall of a brothel

    The premises of ‘Wicked Pleasures’ being on the second floor I necessarily first encountered the reception area of the ground floor pop-in centre for venereal diseases. Daily I dreamt of scoring Satan-decorated fingernails down the face of bovine-featured Angela Grey who sat stolid as suet pudding inside the entrance.

    I’d seen too many vulnerable-to-upbringing or conscience-stricken men hover on the doorstep, put two and two together and come up with a miserable minus one to know our survival needed a new strategy.

    Such as seduction (of the manager) a will (in my favour) swiftly followed by a (natural, naturally!) death.

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    1. Do The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men, Gang aft agley? Satan decorated fingernails goes so well with Wicked Pleasures. Well used and placed prompts, to go with a good story.

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    2. this was another of your clever stand alones, which are escaping me at the moment, so I welcome yours.

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    3. This was a thrilling and fast-moving read. And how enviable in terms of a neatly-timed conclusion was that final line.

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  15. Cloudy Vision

    I dropped in to check the score of the game; still tied at one. She sat with her hands cradling a glass of something, her look vulnerable but hopeful. With no time for such things I sat and ordered a Guinness. Her hazel eyes blazed as she watched me, my thoughts turning wicked. From somewhere music started playing and soon we danced, close, oblivious. In retrospect, I should have asked the proverbial, ‘is that a banana in your pocket?’

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    1. Oh dear! Inelegant snort at the final line. Truly loved this very wicked little tale.

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    2. Oh, yes, nice line, though to me it was no compliment. There was a sadness to this story, you placed oblivious perfectly.

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    3. a cold little story that captures so many of these transient happenings.

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    4. Sandra's observation of "wicked little tale" sums this up so nicely. I must admit, I walked away humming The Kinks' "Lola."

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  16. Change of focus [257]

    Two days after his son’s funeral Tolly Morgan called on DI Pettinger. John studied him: a man who’d revelled in control suddenly become vulnerable. Physically unchanged but internally shrunk.
    ‘I’ve a proposition to put to you.’
    ‘Let’s go somewhere less official.’
    Pints of Adnam’s finest before them, Morgan said, ‘Society is rotten, wicked to the core. Something must be done.’
    Pettinger inwardly sighed. ‘We’re doing –‘
    An impatient gesture. ‘I’ve received scores of emails on the theme of “hanging’s too good”. What I want is to find a way to stop it happening before it starts.’
    Glumly, ‘You’re talking castration?’

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    1. another classic instalment, taking us deeper into the mire that surrounds these devious people.

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    2. This contained some deliciously dark thoughts...and none more so than that final comment.

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  17. As with almost all of your stories, you are able to bring the reader into the scene, put them at table next to the action and then take their order for more.

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  18. Act Of Succession

    The untimely deaths left a gap in the hierarchy. The prospective replacement was young and somewhat vulnerable but with training, it was felt she could do an exemplary job. Few harboured any doubts on that score. After all, her recent destructive actions leading to the present situation were not without merit. Which position she would fill could be decided later.

    In the end, it proved surprisingly easy to persuade Dorothy to exchange her gingham frock and ruby slippers for the traditional garb of a wicked witch.

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    1. How sly that pairing of 'wicked' with 'witch' so that it slid past my eyes not once but twice! And 'doubts on that score' - superb.

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    2. Again a novel twist to a classic though this might be more of an extension to it.
      Yes, very good placing of prompts and hiding all till the end.

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    3. clever twists to an old tale, surprising how often writers can do that, if they have that kind of devious mind, of course...

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    4. Are you calling me one in possession of a "devious mind," Antonia? Oh how I wish I were talented enough to be worthy of the title.

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  19. The Mad Italian 27.
    Battles persist within your governments – I say this advisedly for this is happening on both sides of the ocean. Fortunately, the English side is not engaged in a wicked battle of words over deceased soldiers, as in the USA, although the vulnerable among the English are about to be made poorer with both parties scoring points against each other whilst new legislation is brought in.
    It would seem that government ministers, for all their wealth and position, are incapable of seeing that the common people are always the first to suffer from anything new. Some people will never learn.

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    1. Seems like this week's words were especially chosen for this Mad Italian

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    2. The common people have been suffering since man invented government. The commoners generally see all representatives, except their own, as the problem.
      A great installment and well used prompts.

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    3. History always seems doomed to repeat itself. I'm not surprised that Leonardo can put this notion so succinctly and with such eloquence. To "never learn" is indeed a sad statement.

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  20. Wow, this is late even in my timezone. Oops. Well, here it is anyway.

    The Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #99
    Bedtime Stories


    The sun burned over the Land of Ice the day he appeared. A wicked warlord in disguise, he came over the water, as ice is vulnerable to heat. Lord Inferno went to settle a score. He sought revenge for some imagined slight to his sister, Lady Blaze. We were sent as negotiators, pirates being used to icy sea-storms and fire-powered weaponry.
    “Grandma Silbhe, did you win?”
    “Yes dear. We convinced Ice Shard and Inferno to sign a treaty. It worked for a while.”
    “I’m glad. Peace is nice.”
    “It is. Well, now it’s time for sweet dreams, little Rosebud.”

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