The Polls Are Open
Magnificent array of stories, as always. I am beginning to appreciate more and more, the dilemma Sandra must face every week. Glad this is only a temporary position! I have decided to make this week's voting an open project. Please choose your favourite tale before the entry deadline given below, post it to the forum (no need to specify why it was chosen, a simple "LOVED IT" will suffice) and I will tally the votes to be announced the next day (Friday). Sandra has done this once or twice and I think it's always nice to have a say in who makes the honor roll every now and again. In the event of a tie, I will exercise my supreme and unchallenged authority to declare the name of Top Dog.
As for this week's winners, the "COLD" collaboration between Jerry and David once again featured in the running, as did Terrie's "Back Into The Light" (Entry 26 of the "SAS Diaries"). How those 'dillos do capture our imagination every week. But, it was the beauty of language featured in Zaiure's "Tosca" (Part 7 of "Glimmer") that nosed ahead. Ye Gods, this was a difficult decision. So happy I'm off the hook next week!
As for this week's winners, the "COLD" collaboration between Jerry and David once again featured in the running, as did Terrie's "Back Into The Light" (Entry 26 of the "SAS Diaries"). How those 'dillos do capture our imagination every week. But, it was the beauty of language featured in Zaiure's "Tosca" (Part 7 of "Glimmer") that nosed ahead. Ye Gods, this was a difficult decision. So happy I'm off the hook next week!
Words
for next week (selected via a random word generator):
Loop Blister Prophesy
Entries
by Midnight (GMT) Thursday 1st November
Words and Winners posted by Noon (GMT) Friday 2nd November
Words and Winners posted by Noon (GMT) Friday 2nd November
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.
Cold 1.5
ReplyDeleteLily sat beside Rowan, considering the dead shuffling around in the woods.
"Is this the prophecy? In that book you always read?"
"Yes."
She saw one of the dead (or the upper torso anyway) lying in the road, rotting hands reaching for them before it's head was smashed in by hooves of mercy.
Lily reached for Rowan's hand. He winced but didn't draw away. Lily unwrapped the reigns he had looped around his hands. Blisters had popped open from where the flesh had been burned away.
"They were going to burn your body, Lily. I couldn't let them do that."
You have expertly captured how much these two care about each other despite what is happening to one of them, and the horror they see around them.
DeleteThere is such a sad sense of unwritten foreboding it makes the reader want everything to be ok but you just know its not going to be that easy. Great writing Jerry.
My favorite part in this is 'the dead shuffling around in the woods'. Without telling us, you show us the atmosphere that surrounds our heroes. Good writing, Jerry.
Deleteatmospheric - leaves the reader wanting more.
DeleteReading this,one can feel the anguish tearing through Rowan. This is great stuff, Jerry.
DeleteC O L D
ReplyDeleteLilly wanted to touch his blistered hands, but dared not. Her touch would hurt, badly.
“The prophesy… it doesn’t say what WILL happen; only that most would not survive” he said.
He took back the reigns, and watched the horses. They had their ears back, and the whites of their eyes marked their fear. But they were battle hardened, they had seen worse. Much worse.
She knew she was not long for this world, this living world. She was terrified of what she was becoming; the pain and cravings which even now whispered and looped through her body and mind.
Dave and Jerry, an enjoyable continuation. I do like how you're handling the transition from living to dead with Lilly.
DeleteThank you Jeffrey. Lilly deserves to be respected, I think. Well, I guess we shall see what Jerry does to her...
DeleteWhat can I say David.... the transition between Jerry section and yours works very well. I like getting a double help of the same story very much. Its so well done I don't even think to look for the prompt words, plus they blend in so well with both sections.
DeleteThank you Terrie. I STILL have to check and make sure I included the prompt words though.
DeleteNice job with the horses, David. A really clever way to create even more tension.
DeleteI really liked his but with the horses a telling way to put it across.
Delete*Bit with the horses
Deletenice continuation!
DeleteAgain, an outstanding continuation. I sure do hope you guys can keep this up. There seems to be every indication that you can!
DeleteMe too, Patricia! I can't wait to see what happens!
DeletePsychedelic Soldiers
ReplyDeleteWho knew consuming blister fluid could make one loopy? Daktoni surely didn’t, but now it was all the rage. He’d discovered it by accident while feasting on one of the Watushi warriors after a skirmish. Apparently the warrior did a lot of walking as his feet were covered with pus filled sores.
Now, blister fluid was widely used at the prophecy gatherings to produce the hallucinatory state. It worked as well as juju weed with no need to light up. Too many tribesmen were developing coughing sickness from the smoke. If nothing else, the Kookani were conscious of their health.
This has just the right blend of quirky cannibalism and nose wrinkling, pus filled, yucky-ness. Brilliant John.
DeleteTo me Kookani is a nice play on words. Well written and I really enjoyed the use of blister fluid, even if gross.
DeleteCould be that Daktoni came up with a real money maker, John. That blister fluid is a hell of an idea. An original and very well-crafted tale.
Deleteyuk and more yuk but that's what horror's all about, right?
DeleteBlister fluid as an hallucinogen? Only your imaginative mind could come up with such a drug, John. How I do envy your thinking outside the box every time.
DeleteI kept coming back to John's entry, and it's novelty and originality won me over. I vote for this one, but it was a damned tough choice.
DeleteThank you so much! And well done to Jerry, David and Terrie. :)
ReplyDeletewell done, ya'all
DeleteCongratulations to Zaiure and well done Jerry and David. Thanks also for the mention Patricia.
DeleteI stopped for the week, and guess where I got off?
DeleteThe roads looping the Island affords glimpses of sea amid the curves and dips of rolling cliffs; and secreted away within the hills, where villages nestle and invite you in, I found the shop where the week begins and ends with Shaun’s bargain hunting forays.
A shop filled with pictures, paintings, bird kites, and cabinets of glass, walking sticks and a window full of Remembrance Day memorabilia.
Here, quiet voiced, Antonia shared hopes for the shop and tales of island life and customers: And I as prophesied, have blisters from walking the hills and streets of this magical Isle.
What a beautifully composed homage, full of vivid descriptions and peaceful atmosphere. I believe the Isle is brimming with tales of folklore, if I'm not mistaken. This piece conveyed the sentiment. Did you actually visit or did this spring from your imagination?
Deletehis flows so easily and smoothly this flows along. I couldn't help but smile while reading this.
DeleteWhat a lovely gesture. Well done.
ReplyDeletethank you, Terrie, lovely description of the island and the shop! Really appreciated.
DeleteAccolades a'plenty this week. Congrats to Zaiure for the apex of the podium. Huzzah's for those flanking her, Terrie and the combo of Jerry and David.
ReplyDeleteA Home spun Tale: A Short Fictional Autobiography-3
ReplyDelete“You still believe in me, Mr. Fuzzy?”
You still believe in me Matt? Who’s at the anointed apex now?
“Absolutely. Patty Caked has seven Borden axes and Da Well has six Ripper knives.”
That sucks and you have?
“Two hangman gallows of improvement. Mrs. Tosca has us write about how our study body for the week died.”
You write about how they died. They write about killing them. Change your loop.
**
The next morning, a blistered prophecy read:
The wind was against them, letters intercepted on their way.
The conspiracy, fourteen of a party.
By Fuzzy will they die.
I smiled at the start of your story Jeffrey, as the name Mr Fuzzy lulled me into a false sense of genre. It felt like a child's fairy tale, but I should have known better because by the last line I knew I definitely did not want to meet Mr Fuzzy at all. Cleverly constructed, great use of the prompt words... I'm also going to look under my bed tonight …..
DeleteI'm with Terrie. I'm steering clear of Mr. Fuzzy.
Deleteme too...
DeleteInspirational name that...Mr. Fuzzy. So deceptively non-threatening, or so one would first imagine. I don't think I'll spend time with Mr. Fuzzy after all.
DeleteSame Old Story
ReplyDeleteThe loop was continuous. How many repetitions now? He had lost count. And the exact scenario every single time. Beginning duplicated. Ending equally identical. If only circumstances could change...just a little variation would suffice. Make it less blisteringly boring.
But no! Presumably, a prophesy is a prophesy and not to be tampered with.
Gabriel adjusted his halo, fluffed up his wings and went in search of yet another suitable virgin.
A good alternate version of a biblical story. Good use of the prompts. I hope you continue with this.
DeleteThis is wonderful in everyway. A brilliant take on old story and with a hint of humour too. Loved the image of Gabriel fluffing his wings.
DeleteIt must be difficult when your virgin ends up with child, that is if I'm thinking of the same story you are. But then again, that was the whole point. Good story, Patricia.
Deletethat was fun, and cleverly done, as always.
DeleteGreat last line to a well-crafted story, Patricia.
DeleteTo See A Fine Lady
ReplyDeleteLondon was rotting to mulch beneath a rustling emerald canopy. Serpentine ivy and rambling root tubers cowling skyscrapers and smothering streets, while deep within the veins of these verdant depths seared fragments of the seed bombs bled to rust.
The loop was the only clear route. Adil circumnavigated its blister inducing circumference with a dogged determination, proclaiming the prophecy at every settlement.
Finally, he settled by a forest of thistles to await the arrival of the fine lady. Slugs on her fingers, grubs on her toes, blighting the weeds wherever she goes.
Wonderfully descriptive imagery David, 'serpentine ivy, and cowling skyscrapers' followed by a great twist on a nursery rhyme. Great use of the prompt words too.
DeleteThe setting was so vivid, with the streets of London becoming choked with vegetation. The scene seemed appropriate for an action movie that I would enjoy seeing.
DeleteGreat writing here, David. The last paragraph - the slugs, the grubs - beautiful stuff.
Deleteoh I like this... a lot...
DeleteEchoing Antonia, I also liked this very much indeed. The last paragraph struck a chord that I had to dig deep in order to unearth from childhood memories..."Ride a cockhorse to Banbury Cross"...right? Did I mention that I liked this very much indeed?
DeleteYou guys made this a hard choice but finally, after lots if waffling, I have decided on David's story here for my vote based on the great descriptions that it's hard to believe it's contained in only a 100 words
DeleteDavid, a terrific opening description that drags the reader in and that ending rhyme is well done. A very well written story.
ReplyDeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 27 - Tosca Revealed
ReplyDeleteA misshapen individual plastered in dirt, moss and twigs, crawled into the light. Shiny, green, beetles scuttered among the moss, and peculiar creatures wriggled between the twigs. Dead things twisted and looped within the tangled mess and through it poked the occasional bony plate of armour. The stink filtering from it was powerfully rank.
Squinting against the light, Tosca peered back at the platoon through tufted whiskers that covered a muddy, blistered, snout, that was not pangolin, ‘vark, or ‘dillo.
Trying to evade the smell, Nigel breathed in quickly and grimaced. ‘Are you the guardian warrior?’
‘Prophecy says, I be.’
Dang, Terrie, you have a way with words, that's for sure. Nicely done.
DeleteAll the good build up. The intriguing descriptions and all it leads up to is "Prophecy says I be" that's good!
DeleteAs John stated, Terrie, you certainly do have a marvelous way with words. Your choice of verbs is splendid.
Deleteanother fine instalment!
DeleteI cannot believe I neglected to comment on this first time around. I can only assume its perfection left me speechless. Those "shiny, green, beetles" made me shudder. I have a huge aversion to all forms of insects, with the exception of ladybirds. I do so look forward to each episode of this fascinating world. And to think, this all began with a prompt word challenge of "armadillo," right? It's the same with my Cripplegate Junction and "ginger," so spawning Marmalade who has turned out to be a giant favourite with the masses...!!!
DeleteYour Chariot Awaits
ReplyDeleteThe crowd buzzed at the Circus Maximus as sweating horses strained at the reins. Prophesied by Romulus himself, the red faction was destined to win with complete downcast of Rome eminent if failure occurred.
The chariots looped wildly around the course at a blistering pace, drivers whipping the steeds mercilessly.
With orders directly from Odoacer, the blue clad groom concealed the bucket of arsenic laced oats beneath his cloak. He watched as the lead red horse slowed, foam flying from its grimacing mouth.
The fall of Rome was now complete.
"For such is a crowd — eager for excitement and thrilled if the emperor shares their tastes." Tacitus
DeleteA good and well written story, John. Like how you used the prompts.
Your splendidly vivid choice of language makes this so easy to read, John. I felt as though I was in the crowd, yelling my head off. Great job!
Deleteanother vivid piece, full of imagery.
DeleteI adore the history of the Roman Empire, beginning with the legend of Romulus and Remus. This was full of the intrigue and treachery associated with that period. But I must admit sympathy for the poor horse.
DeleteCatch As Catch Can
ReplyDeleteIt was prophetic really, that he enter into the animal control business. It had been his father's job. And his father's father's job. And, well who knew how far back the tradition continued?
This assignment was particularly difficult. His palms were already blistered from holding the pole far too tight. The beast was dangerous, not to mention tricky. Failure, however, was not an option. Consequences would be dire. Had to keep on trying.
Looping the first head wasn't so bad. Looping the second presented a bit of a problem. But looping the third head...hell's bells, that was a bitch!
Hell's bells indeed. Is this the week we vote for the winner? I just flagged this one for serious consideration.
DeleteYes indeed, John. I HAVE designated this week to be the Peoples' Choice. I look forward to see what everyone is going to vote for. Now you can all find out what a difficult job faces Sandra week after week! LOL
DeleteI may pick a tie for first and 8 or 9 runner's up.
DeleteWouldn't surprise me...!!!
DeleteThree heads..Cerebus perhaps. A lovely story, Patricia, unique, interesting and very enjoyable. Is it worth a Borden axe?
DeleteSounds like the animal-control guy could use another hand or two. Very original storytelling here, Patricia. A good read!
Deletenow it's gonna get seriously difficult to choose, tomorrow eve will find me re-reading and groaning...
DeleteSquatter’s Rites-10
ReplyDeleteThey stood before the house, the sun peaking above the horizon.
“Remember the prophecy;
Woe to those who don’t head
cast only in need
never for greed.”
“I only want them out.”
“Loop this vine around our left arms and hands.”
David sniffed the air. “What’s in that?”
“Angelica, osha, copal, wrapped in a garlic, basil, paste.”
“Not the best smell.”
“Now kiss me.”
“That part of the spell?”
“No, I wanted one.”
Fortuna chanted. Jacob and Candice, felt the blistering heat. All Jacob remembered was the image of Candice burning up as he was cast out of his house.
Good one, Jeffrey. I like Fortuna's playful side.
DeleteThis had an almost poetic feel to it. You are doing a great job with this serialization, Jeffrey.
DeleteA NEW DAY
ReplyDeleteAn undertone of cautious whispering shifted to anguished wailing as a thin red glow appeared on the horizon and steadily ate its way upward. The ancient prophesy that envisioned a great red blister rising in the east had come true.
The blister grew larger; its color began to shift to a lighter color. Our life-sustaining darkness steadily disappeared as the blister became an ever brightening loop. Then gradually, like a soft breeze slowly gaining strength, came the perilous sensation the prophesy solemnly had foretold.
Helpless, we, the ice-people of Thear, could only embrace each other as we began to melt.
Make way "Twilight Zone" for another outstanding episode. Vivid. Descriptive. Great imagery. A complete beginning, middle and end. Can't really ask for anything more.
DeleteVery good descriptions and setting. The description of the sun by those who don't know what it is was spot on.
DeleteHello sunshine. I'm certainly glad it finally came, despite the darkness being life sustaining for the ice-people. Really good, and on my radar for the top spot.
ReplyDeleteclever imagery here, like this one.
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Thirty Six) - "Lagoon Festoon"
ReplyDeleteThe promised "GRAND OPENING SOON" of the Picaroon Lagoon attraction was becoming an unfulfilled prophesy. Evidence of activity continued, although nobody was ever seen working on the project.
Most recently, press-gang archetypes had been added. Rusty chains looped around waists and attached to shackles at the ankles. The lifelike characters with blistered skin and protruding bones seemed, at times, to shamble along the main deck (although they went nowhere) while O'Malley Macaw observed with a watchful eye and the occasional squawk.
Notably, the parchment affixed to the mast with an invitation to "Join The Skeleton Crew" had now been removed.
---------------------------------------------
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: Picaroon Lagoon (Pirate Exhibit) and O'Malley Macaw (Lively New World Parrot) have featured in previous episodes.
the Kursaal has taken a surreal and horrific pathway now, where will this lead us...
Deleteblistered skin and protruding bones really creates a horrifying image. Well done.
DeleteA skeleton crew, very well written and described.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 162 - Time Flies
ReplyDeletePoppy was relieved Marmalade had finally appeared. To board the train without him was unthinkable. The cat pranced pay-over-paw between the dandelion clocks growing along the track.
Miss Constance called these wildflowers "prophesy plants" because of their ability to tell time courtesy of little white puffs that looped and floated on the breeze. The governess maintained they were far more accurate than any timepiece found within the confines of Cripplegate (most of which didn't even run). She also claimed the sap would heal blisters.
Miss Constance had been wise in many ways.
Poppy wondered what had happened to her.
----------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
it's the killer last line thing again...gets me every time.
DeletePatricia does come up with some zinger last lines.
DeleteA very enjoyable installment. Never knew that Marmalade was a 'he'.
DeleteInterestingly, most orange/ginger cats happen to be male (around 80% I think). Has something to do with genetics and the X chromosome.
DeleteStop the Week; I want to get off (20)
ReplyDeleteThe sunlight through the big shop windows is blistering by 3pm, before then we are in shade and jackets are needed. It’s been relatively quiet; the prophesy of bitter cold winds and sunshine was right and many are homebound. We’re caught in a loop of work, more work and little reward right now, but the rewards will come, for the goods arriving are just wonderful. Victorian chimney pots, anyone? The book is slow, the need for finance is great, I have just signed up for more tarot readings. At least there I am in control… unlike the shop madness!
Is there a website for this marvelous sounding shop? I'd like to see it. I'd come visit, but the distance is great.
DeleteThe shop and its inventory of wonders grows more interesting with every installment. I don't know that I've ever actually seen a Victorian chimney pot in real life...but I'd like to.
DeleteA repository for the unusual and unique. As usual, well written and enjoyably relaxing.
Deletethere is no website for the shop, for nothing would really capture its essence.
DeleteI am surprised you guys didn't pick up on my reference to the 'dillo commander visiting, I did actually have a visit from Terrie, we talked for what felt like ages, so comfortable, and so her other entry this week is for real, she did come, we did talk, she was on the island...
The Mad Italian 79
ReplyDeleteYour government is trapped in the loop of self aggrandisement and rabid abasement before the electorate. The Budget will do nothing to ease the woes of people with less than the national average, despite the prophesy of those who should know better. It is a pity someone cannot create a blister which could be deflated with a single jab of a needle. I leave it to you to decide what the needle is attached to… the endless talk leave the populace bemused and at times amused by the antics but it is not good government. That has long gone.
The Italian is a bit prickled today, though likely with good reason.
DeleteLeonardo's tone is a little regretful this week, I find. Regardless, the mood does nothing to diminish his amazing understanding from the very pulse of current events.
DeleteWe maybe a large pond away but much of what Leonardo says also applies to us. Nice us eof the prompts.
DeleteDON'T FORGET...
ReplyDeletePost your choice for this week's winner(s) by Midnight tonight. Thank you.
That's GMT by the way. You'll need to work out what that is in your own time zone. I'm useless at that type of thing...!!!
DeleteArrrrgh! choosing just one is is so hard.....
DeleteI liked the wonderful imagery of David's 'To see a fine lady' so it is my choice for top slot.
Johns 'Psychedelic soldiers' and Jerrys 'Cold 1.5' are my choices for honourable mention.
OK, voting for David's To See A Fine Lady as a very good winner with so many runners-up it's untrue.
ReplyDeleteAdding just today I sold 3 strange metal garden sculptures that I think were supposed to be ants playing the sax, cymbals and cello... creepy or what? About 15 inches tall with staring eyes... kept remembering David's story, things that crawl, things that we all hate...
I'm going with jdeegan, A New Day. I really liked the coming of the sun and the demise of the ice people.
ReplyDeleteDavid Turnbull's "To See A Fine Lady" gets my vote. How does Sandra do this?
ReplyDeleteI'm taking John Howe's Your Chariot Awaits for top spot with Antonia's Stop the Week: I want to get Off as honorable mention.
ReplyDeleteBetter (almost) late than never.
ReplyDeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #153
Fading Glass
I wonder if there are hot springs behind this glass cave, the walls have an awful lot of blisters. They seem to be holding for now though. This next cave is stained glass, neat! It sort of looks like a prophesy but it could be a history. They’re hard to tell apart since the world is ever looping back. I’ll write it down and ask Rosebud once I get to Cecily’s. Or maybe Henry’ll come by-Oh no! It’s fading away!
A nice story, Rosie. I really liked the line about history vs. prophesy.
ReplyDeleteThe Plan to End Austerity
ReplyDelete“As a consequence of budget restraints,” explained the Minister, “we have decided to scrap the project.”
“What about the prisoner?' asked Harkness. “There’s a backlog of tests to conduct. The stigmata still bleed thirty years on.”
The Minister shuffled papers. “He’s burden we can ill afford. Bids from several foreign governments mean a windfall for the Treasury.”
Harkness sighed. “We sell him for 30 pieces of silver?”
The Minister drummed his fingers. “If he actually is the Messiah you’d have proved it by now.”
Harkness shook his head. “Thus spake Thomas.”