Friday 7 September 2018

Help me make it through the night


Two phrases this week impressed me with a particularly well-executed horror, exquisitely evoked. The sort that leaves me hoping I sleep sound through the night, and especially between the hours of 2 a.m. and 3, which is when the blackest of ideas return to haunt me. And so, another week with dual winners: Terrie for ‘delicately, and slowly, butchered flesh from bone.’ in Demon-food and David, whose ENFANT, contained ‘screaming until they had no voices’. 

Thank you all for another week of taking innocent words and corrupting them beyond imagination.

Words for next week: deliver guardian knob

Entries by midnight Thursday 13th September, words and winners posted Friday 14th

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.

143 comments:

  1. Thanks for choosing my 'horror-full' entry for dual top slot Sandra. I'm pleased to be alongside David's ENFANT, which was especially chilling. Again though some excellently executed entries from everyone. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone offers up for this week.

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    1. Two good choices for top spot. Congrats Terrie and David. It's been so busy at work lately, I haven't had time to write much or comment. My boss is such a stickler of these things. He's gone now, so I had a little time. I'll do better this week.

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    2. Sandra, thank you for the honour of choosing my little story. Terrie is a very tough act to even be in the same class with, no question. Now to try and top myself THIS week!

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    3. My congrats, too, to David and Terrie for their excellent entries.

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    4. Off-subject message: Terrie, 'Room With a View is being re-run on http://www.denofwriters.com which has been set up in the wake of the Cloud.

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    5. Okay, being nosey here. What is “Den of Writers”?

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    6. Great job on two excellent stories, Terrie and David!

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    7. Patricia - 'Den of Writers is a writing group, newly formed in the wake of the collapse of the service provider SocialGo.

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    8. Sounds interesting. Can anyone join?

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    9. I have joined the Den Sandra, and am now finding my way around the site.

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    10. Sandra and Terrie -- off topic message -- I think I'm going to join that Den of Writers forum. I took a quick look and it seems as though it will be fun and very helpful. Hope I haven't stepped on anyone's toes by doing so.

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    11. Well, if I can figure out how to join, that is!

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    12. Re the Den, I'm sure it's the more the merrier, and I recommend you make haste so as to take part in The Room With A View challenge which has certainly stretched my writing in the past and brought forth stories which have surprised me.

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  2. Bad dog, no biscuit

    I recall vividly my guardian telling the story of the emergency cabinet knob order - overnight delivery to my father’s hardware store in rural Kentucky. He’d tell it to all who’d listen, every gory detail of discovering the bodies - and me, at eight years old, huddled in the corner trembling. He’d tell how he took me in and what a nice boy I was.

    Now I’m the story teller, relating the time the bodies of my guardian and his doting wife were discovered. I do, however, omit a few of the gory details. Like where the axe is hidden.

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    1. Oh John, the macabre sense of this is delicious.

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    2. Like father, like son. Marvelous story.

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    3. A straightforward tale of subtle menace.

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    4. Wonderful last line capped off a well-crafted tale, John.

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    5. brilliant stories last week, and look at the entries this week! John, this one's so so good.

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    6. Darkly creepy John, with well inserted prompt words. I like it.

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    7. A handed-down tradition and such a nasty one at that. Great take on the required prompts and so wonderfully put together.

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  3. Sweet and smooth! Thank you, John.

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  4. Many worthy congratulations to both Terrie and David. The excellence of the submissions posted here makes all of us strive to up our game.

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  5. Them

    The doorknob rattled, delivering her from slumber. Her eyes opened, adjusting to the moon-soaked room.

    Had there actually been a noise or was it the remnant of her fragmented dream?

    Just as she was about to push back off into sleep, the knob slowly turned. First this way, then that.

    Someone was trying to get into her room. Thankfully the door was locked. It was the Guardians only rule.

    The door jumped violently in it's frame.

    She sat up, her scream dying in her throat, remembering just in time to not make a sound.

    They were attracted to sound.

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    1. Mystery abounds and tension. Just who or what is behind door number 1?

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    2. Oh this is clever, making the reader's imagination do all the work! And I do like 'moon-soaked room'.

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    3. Thanks to your marvelous writing, RJ, I can feel the fright in this girl. Beautifully done.

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    4. this has a way to go and all of it could be good, if this standard is maintained.

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    5. I don't think I want to know what's behind that door, but if you tell it, I'll read it. Good one, RJ.

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    6. I have to agree with John on this one RJ. I'm torn, I'm not sure I want to know what's behind the door but on the other I do need to know.
      Brilliant build up of tension and suspense with great insertion of the prompt words.

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    7. Amazingly enough, my imagination was running along similar lines this week when I first saw the prompt words. Glad I didn't pursue the notion. It would have paled badly in comparison to this magnificent little tale.

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  6. Campfire Ditty

    "You'll never get to heaven," was the rousing chant.
    "On a Boy Scout's knee," the warbling continued.
    "'Cos a Boy Scout's knee, too knobbly."

    The little troop of Brownies found the last line hilarious and a delivery of irrepressible giggles invaded the tranquility of the forest.

    The lofty guardians were not pleased. Leaves rustled with irritation. Branches creaked with disapproval. Shrouded eyes followed the girls as they hiked the overgrown trail.

    A wind gust swayed the topmost boughs. Violent and threatening. The accompanying whisper echoed no less menacing.

    "Never get to heaven!"

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    1. I like this kind of horror. One not too often told. Good job!

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    2. Loved your description of the forest's reaction. As for the song, cute but Ozark Mountain Daredevil's it's not. Very good story and prompt use.

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    3. That IS an actual song, Jeffrey. It has many verses, all of them detailing a method by which "you'll never get to heaven." Memories of childhood trips and sing-alongs creeping into the story there. LOL.

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    4. Not familiar with this use of the song, but appreciate that this is another where the atmosphere is created and my imagination primed to do the rest.

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    5. something like this shows the divisions between our cultures, even within our own countries. Tis good to see old songs brought back this way, jolting memories and bringing a smile. Liked this a lot.

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    6. You build the tension and the pending menace so well. As the guardians get angrier, you can tell it's about ready to boil over before it happens.

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    7. Great imagery Patricia. I really liked the image of leaves rustling and branches creaking with disapproval and irritation. Then there's that clever hint of something ominous approaching.
      Got me hooked.

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  7. The Debt Collector

    He took her so fast the doorknob was still in her hand. Three Crows wondered if it might be used as a weapon. “Where are we?”
    Coyote grinned over jagged teeth.
    “The dreaming between worlds. Your friends can't help you.”
    He ran his leathery paw over her swell.
    “When you deliver your childI will be its guardian.”
    “The hell you will.”
    Coyote cast a yellow eyed glare.
    “The Outlaw owes me. I gave him his guns. His firstborn is rightfully mine.”
    He pressed his pointed little ear to her belly, growling as he listened for a heartbeat.

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    1. This is very good how you use native american mythology. Nice use of prompts and a nice ending.

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    2. "The dreaming between worlds"
      That is deeply poetic. I love that line. It lingers with me. A top notch turn with this installment as well.

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    3. Superbly atmospheric. The opening line instant in seizing attention, the words of dialogue contrasting with the ugliness of the speaker.

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    4. Your use of dialog in this tale is splendid, David.

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    5. intriguing actions going on here, not boding well for the future.

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    6. Three Crows really takes all this well considering all the tension packed goings on. Very enjoyable.

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    7. I'm so enjoying this serial. Brilliant dialogue, great images David.

      I know that Three Crow is slightly incapacitated by pregnancy but I have a feeling she is one tough cookie and will surprise everyone.

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    8. I'm with Terrie on this. I'm not so sure Three Crows will surrender so easily. This serialization is clipping along at a great pace with each episode furthering the story with much skill.

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  8. Illicit

    He is my guardian. Old enough to be my father. Old enough to be my grandfather, if truth be told. Sometimes, rumours surface that he could actually be either.

    The door hinges creak as he turns the ornate knob to my room. I await his entrance, always delivered with a dashing and theatrical flair. I shiver and tremble at his approach.

    Encouraging him to share my bed was far from easy, but I can be very persuasive despite my tender years.


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    1. Frightening and disturbing on several levels... Bravo!

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    2. That last line was unexpected. As usual your smooth writing and blended prompts are enjoyable to read.

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    3. Disturbing and yet I wish to read more.

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    4. Wicked wrenching of the reader's expectation!

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    5. What a deliciously wicked tale, Patricia. Marvelous ending!

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    6. twisted darkness are the words which sprang to mind.

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    7. Sometimes I try to be clever in my response, try to make it flourish. But this story needs no help from me; it's just plain good.

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    8. As always your entries are thought provoking, delivered with a twist and are so absorbing Patricia.

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  9. Squatter’s Rites-4

    My guardian angel sure earned it’s wings, delivering me to my lawyers office safely. Five twelve and the light was on. I turned the art deco door knob. Mr. Gyst was coming from a back room as I entered.
    “Mr. Plumber?”
    “Yes Mr. Gyst.”
    “Paul, please. You look like you saw a ghost.”
    “Funny!”
    I explained what happened.
    “A real live ghost? Did you take any pictures?”
    “You’re an ass. It’s my house and I want it out.”
    “I don’t do exorcisms but I have a client who might.”
    He opened his billfold and handed me a card.

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    1. I like it

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    2. It took me a minute or two to catch on, Jeffrey, but once I did... loved it!

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    3. Subtle insertion of the prompt words Jeffrey, and well executed dialogue. I love this ghostly serial and how its starting to expand.

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    4. Nice one, Jeffrey. I like his response to the question of taking a picture.

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    5. "Real live ghost." Oh nice one, Jeffrey! I wonder what imaginative name you are going to come up with to appear on that card. I'm pretty sure it will be something out of the ordinary.

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  10. NAIDRAUG EHT DRAUG LLIW OHW
    The knob on my scalp hurt. Mr. Jerry smirked as I pressed it, while pretending it didn’t hurt. “I was sleeping, you twat!” His fat ass had been asleep on the filthy couch all afternoon, covered in empty beer cans, delivered just that morning. I didn’t think my quiet giggle at cartoons was loud at all, but what did I know? I was just a foster, and HE, guardian. That night, I watched a big man slip through an open window with a baseball bat in his hands. I almost yelled out, but then remembered that he needed his sleep.

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    1. Twisted as is often expected from you, David

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    2. Mystery underlined by the clever title.

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    3. definitely mystery and a lot of menace too.

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    4. As always David your tale ends with an unexpected twist but I do like that dark humour you incorporate with seeming ease in that last line.

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    5. Sounds like Mr. Jerry is going to get what's coming to him. Very enjoyable.

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    6. I like this a lot. As Antonia pointed out, so much menace in so few words. And that touch of irony did not go amiss.

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  11. Nice ending to a very enjoyable story.Cute title.

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  12. Thank you, Jeffry and Mr. Jerry. The title was an accident of sorts. I typed it out, and that is what it did. I liked it, and kept it.

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  13. False promise? [Threshold 219]

    The bed! Oh the bed was something wondrous, else I might’ve succeeded in persuading Raven to refuse an offer delivered (I was sure) with less than kindly intentions. But he, sure his standing at least high as his grandmother’s (hard to judge who better liked; he less likely viewed as guardian of their morals, given the lasciviousness of the glances following in my wake) accepted and smiled as we were shown into a room whose steep-sloped ceiling told us we were in the roof and viewed a bed whose brass knobs gleamed gold in the light of the setting sun.

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    1. don't know how you make a mere 100 words seem like so much more. Does writing a continuing story make the word constraint easier? Either way this packs so much into so little.

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    2. Oh, lasciviousness of the glances is beautiful.Your story flowed very well. @RJ, IMHO, short answer is yes, as you have the story in your head but those prompts.

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    3. RJ - don't know about the word constraint being easier. It'd taken years for me to appreciate not every episode has to be 100% action (and it helps to have no preconceived ideas as to where it's going!)

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    4. I have to agree with all the above Sandra - and that word lasciviousness just rolls off the tongue, into the brain and wont go away . Love it.

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    5. This is some kick ass, beautiful prose. Well done, Sandra.

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    6. You should just once, break your rules and make yourself the winner.

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    7. I second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth John's suggestion.

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    8. Beautifully vivid description and sense of promise accompany this episode. How you keep it going so expertly is a talent I hope to acquire at some point.

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  14. Change of focus [298]

    Yanno Petzincek, desperate to reach his son, to reassure himself all was well, failed to appreciate Filip’s guardian instincts and tugged at the release-knob so as to effect escape. Stumbling in his haste, he failed also to note the boy beside the royally-attired Batiste Balincek had come forward.
    Had straightened up. Was at least six inches taller than Aleks (despite the possibility he had grown), was darker-haired and had eyes not the gooseberry-green of Yanno’s but brown.
    Had an expression not of delighted welcome but one which confirmed what he intended to deliver from the gun held in his hand.

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    1. You guys have me wanting to try a continuing story. Good job here

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    2. The best traps use the best bait. Wonderfully spun.

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    3. This is rich with beautiful language, Sandra. Such a pleasure to read.

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    4. and ... you do it every time, cliff hangers!

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    5. You're hitting on all your cylinders this week, Sandra.

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    6. NOT Aleks? I was so afraid such was the case. But that is one enterprising kid and I'm sure he's come to no great harm. Right? Right?

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  15. ALIEN INVASION

    “It’s incredible how different from us this thing is. Its ears look like door knobs.”

    Medical Examiner Hesbith Fent smiled at his assistant then stared at the examining table. “This species has many strange parts, Mamdoor… the number of arms, the huge mouth, the odd skin color - butt ugly, isn’t it?”

    Mamdoor chuckled. “And evil, too. Thank God for our Guardian Defense Shield, which delivered us from this menace by annihilating its ships before they released their weapons.”

    “And thank God for the stupidity of these creatures,” said Fent solemnly. “This is Earth’s third failed attempt to conquer us.”

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    1. Jeffrey here. J.E. Really liked this story. To me, though strange, aliens with a singular god is unusual yet as I thought about it...why should it. Loved their description of humans. Solid story.

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    2. Great descriptions J.E. I do like the premise of the story and would like to see how it unfolds further

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    3. What a great last line - really surprising and fun to read.

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    4. Lovely twist at the end. It reminded me a little of a Twilight Zone episode where the invaders terrorizing an old woman living in a shack turned out to be from Earth. Given that association, I see this depicted in black-and-white.

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  16. Squatter’s Rites-4a
    The window sign: Fortuna Regina’s Espiritus Emporium. No door knob here. The gargoyle knocker produced a hollow echo.
    The door opened, a provocative goth Jean Harlow greeted me.
    “I think I can help you.”
    “I haven’t told you what I want?”
    “Paul called me. I’m Fortuna Regina, tell me what happened.”
    Her Creole accent was hauntingly relaxing and enticing as I explained.
    “Sounds like a lower mid ranged guarding spirit. It can be removed. Return tomorrow at noon and I’ll be ready.”
    “How much will it cost?”
    “I rarely accept cash. I’ll deliver my value when finished.”

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    1. ooh a second instalment thank you Jeffrey. A really enjoyable continuation with well placed prompt words and great dialogue to move the action along .

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    2. This was a well told, enticing story with some humorous aspects as well. I'd be a little nervous on the cost.

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    3. Your stellar use of dialog really stands out in this tale, Jeffrey. Very nice!

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    4. A continuation that I did not expect. Two in one week. What a treat! Love the image that sprang to mind with the description of a "goth Jean Harlow." This flowed very nicely indeed.

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  17. Stop the Week, I Want to Get Off (13)
    Moving the glass cabinet has delivered more rewards than we hoped; compliments and interest in the contents. It’s no longer a barrier, it’s a showcase. The move has also given us floor space. Not that we have benefited much, I keep catching my clothes on the knob of the Avery weighing scales…
    There must be a guardian looking after us, surprising things happen, like today, we bought in a box of crested IOW china and sold it within 15 minutes. I was half way through washing it when the whole lot sold. I did finish washing it for the customer…

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    1. Again, a wonderfully absorbing insight into the daily running of your business. I do look forward to your weekly offerings Antonia.

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    2. I'm glad that your store has been doing well. You've brought us a slice of your life, thank you for sharing. This is well structured, woven like wool scarf. It make us feel warm.

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    3. John, the cabinet is nearly 7' tall, over 4' long and 18" wide. The base is a mirror, after that there are 4 glass shelves. It's on wheels but is still a fantastically heavy thing to move.

      The book about the shop is growing, over 7000 words done and a ton of memories today when I read through the first two years of trading in our daybook (we're too busy these days to keep a record!)and busy saying 'do you remember?' to Shaun.

      Today a customer asked Shaun if he wrote the advertising blurbs. He said no, that was me. She said 'I thought they were written by someone younger.' from which I deduce I haven't grown up. Very pleased to hear it... growing up is for serious people and that I am not when let loose on a project. All 20 books I wrote for an educational reading scheme back in the early 80s were humour based. Children learn better when it's fun and selling on Wightbay is more attractive to potential buyers when it's fun.

      The other thing is, you never know what is going to make someone laugh. One man said the ad he loved best was when I'd written
      'nothing to say about this, it is what it is.' That sent him into gales of laughter, apparently! I guess even being unconventional can have its appeal.

      Leonardo should be calling by some time this evening, I have the outline of what he wants to say, he hasn't condensed it yet. More as it happens!

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    4. No one can say you lead an uninteresting life. Keep it up...

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    5. This is always a pleasure to explore.

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    6. So charming and so enjoyable. Long may you continue with these snippets into the life of a shop that sells many and often unusual things.

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  18. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. this leads us into unknown territory that might, just might, prove to be a bit scary...

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  19. (Original version deleted due to being over the word limit)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cripplegate Junction/Part 156 - Set In Stone

    Still wearing his "Elsie's Dairy" apron, Hamnet stumbled from a privet hedge onto the Sanitarium lawn. The delivery boy recalled a man in a pinstripe suit and soldier with bloody head bandage trying to help him. Both were gone.

    A sign upon a knobby tree trunk read: "Statuary." He followed the arrow to moss-covered pedestals supporting alabaster figures. One, labelled "Guardians of the Game," featured two young ladies playing chess.

    The most intriguing was a cat carved from orange marble with gold-flecked emeralds for eyes. A small plaque read: "Skimbleshanks, Original Railway Cat."

    Hamnet found the sculpture very familiar.

    -------------------------------------------------
    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. Very well done piece, Patricia. It's entertaining and mysterious. I thought that name was familiar. Very good use of the prompts.

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    2. An intriguing installment. The part about the cat was the clincher but I really enjoyed the chess playing ladies.

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    3. Hamnet's appearance always delivers a kick of delight, as do your out-of-the ordinary uses of the prompts.

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  20. The Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 21 The Secret Entrance


    Nigel arrived and delivered Aubrey, unceremoniously, onto the floor beside Clancy: Within two hiccups, the pair curled about each other and began snoring loudly.
    Sarg barked out new orders, sending Nigel and the crew back to the palace for the missing contraption items.
    On arrival, they bullied the still snivelling proprietor into showing them where the items were. He took them to the back room and pointed to a large knobbly protrusion.
    ‘It’ll open a secret entrance if you give it a whack, but you won’t get far; the guardian warrior is well armed. You are no match for them.’

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    1. Loved how you used hiccups as a measure of time. Nice use of the prompts and now I curious about this guardian.

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    2. You're really developing this series nicely, Terrie. There is so much to draw from and you keep the tone steady and fun.

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    3. there seems to be no disruption in the series week by week, which means it's holding together as a good story should. Keep it going.

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    4. Especially enjoyed hiccups as a measure of time, but all is enjoyable.

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    5. No match indeed! Now that's a fact I seriously doubt. As always, entertaining and enjoyable. A do so love this world of 'dillos.

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  21. Kursaal (Episode One Hundred Thirty) - "Commedia Dell'Arte"

    The delivery of a "Punch and Judy" stage to the Kursaal's main entrance seemed expected. In an environment where most attractions relied upon knobs, pulleys, levers and other mechanical paraphernalia, it was reminiscent of a simpler time.

    A board announced performances every hour with free tickets to those under twelve. Children soon arrived in droves...with parents or guardians, but chiefly alone. Little Libby Pepperdyne was among them.

    She noted many similarities between the hand-manipulated characters (puppeteer identity unknown) and actual persons (the Constable, for example). Most striking, however, was Mr. Punch. The spitting image of Capers the Deceased Clown.

    ------------------------------------------------------
    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: Little Libby Pepperdyne and Capers (the Deceased Clown) have featured in previous episodes.

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    1. I read an item recently where someone was calling for Punch and Judy shows to be banned, sexist, etc. etc. It's as well they didn't get to read this instalment before writing the piece... it might have coloured their deliberations...

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    2. So many images from The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, and Alfred Hitchcock flooded my mind, all due to your marvelous last line.

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    3. A wonderfully constructed build-up to a fabulous final line, Patricia!

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    4. Punch and Judy comes into the same category for me as clowns - they make me squirm. This view of them makes them ten times squirmier.

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  22. The Mad Italian 72

    MPs should be the guardians of their constituents’ needs. They go to the Commons to deliver on that commitment. For all the value a constituent gets from their MP, that person should wear a wooden knob for a head.
    Whilst the Brexit arguments persist and the Prime Minister’s stay at No 10 looks ever more in doubt, no one is saying the MPs are reneging on the commitment to those who voted Leave. Every MP has a vast amount of votes to Leave registered against their name. Why is it so hard to do what the populace clearly voted for?

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    1. In the modern era, a constituent is one who donates, not a voter. Maybe the Mad Italian is depressed that we've devolved so much from his time.

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    2. in the UK, a constituent is someone who lives within the boundaries of the MP's area. As in:
      a member of an area which elects a representative to a legislative body.
      "the MP is playing on his constituents' sense of regional identity to win votes"
      synonyms: voter, elector, member of the electorate, member of a constituency
      "MPs have a duty to listen to the concerns of their constituents".
      Leonardo doesn't get things wrong. He's too precise with his chosen words to make an error like that, Jeffrey! After all, he has over 500 years of experience to draw on...

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    3. And Leonardo's experience shines bright as a beacon. Shame not all are able to see the light!

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  23. Between Darkness And Light

    Unearthly watchers, caught in clouds of toxic white,
    Bellow loudly into the thin fog of misted shadows
    shifting, slowly, between dark places and the light.

    Veiled in coiled, and dancing, plumes of mottled flame
    they rise and fall between the brilliant spark of upturned sky
    and crusted knobs of uneven, earthy, iced- terrain.

    Howling curses against the soft shadow of angel wings,
    These guardians deliver soiled obscenities into the spiralling dark,
    so the tattered vapours ark into thick-woven, barbed, and tainted rings.

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    1. This is such an enjoyable read, Terrie. The images you created are utterly remarkable.

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    2. Evocative imagery in this poem. This sneaks up on you quietly, like the night.

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    3. The contrast between your wonderful 'dillos and your wonderful poetry is an amazing thing, Terrie. How is it that one person can be so talented in both areas? You can tell me...if it's a secret, I promise I'll keep it to myself.

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  24. Now I Lay Me Down...

    Bedknobs are innocuous things.

    Or so you are led to believe.

    I purchased my elaborate four-poster at an estate sale and eagerly anticipated its delivery. The day of arrival, I could hardly wait for nightfall. The four carved protectors atop each upright would guarantee peaceful slumbers and banish the terrors that constantly plagued my dreams.

    But the winged guardians were not all they seemed. They chittered at each other in the darkness and whispered to me that I should continue the legacy.

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    1. This is weirdly good and excellent use of prompts.

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    2. This is very creepy - claustrophobia alert required!

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    3. very creepy! too many thoughts...

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    4. So much for a good night's sleep...

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  25. The Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #146
    Trains and Glass Caves Don’t Mix


    Being an Assassin-Guardian I couldn’t resist yesterday’s lethal escapade. Some rebellious nobles harboring evil designs received a timely delivery - direct to their door knobs. A productive use of a Saturday I must say. Now I’m off to the farthest near station and thence to Cecily’s.

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  26. Assassin_Guardian just might be an oxymoron. Short but some very good writing, Rosie.

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