This week one of intermittent internet,
a couple of good books and writing progress. Fingers crossed I’ll get the
opportunity to post words tomorrow, if nothing else, which would feel a more
than a little churlish after the week’s especially rich offerings. As ever, so
many worthy of top place but only one can be legitimately named if tension and momentum
is to be maintained. Plus, the title as well as the content suggested it
deserved first place: Patricia’s‘ ‘Runaway
Rejection’, of course.
And, of course, there were several others
snapping at her heels – a tough choice, as Antonia recognised. Thank
you all for comment and continuing participation.
Words
for next week: disappoint grasshopper
strap
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 23rd May, words
and winners posted Friday 24th
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 uses 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.
Change of focus [329]
ReplyDeleteAnd yes.
Vladlina – another of Raptor’s by-blows, her claim of semi-sibling supported by matching grasshopper-green eyes, wife (still?) to Teodor, a spunk-strapped would-be dynastic head whose hope she’d breed by other means led to her being lifted from the bed of an English prince – did not, in thirty-six hours, disappoint.
Not as Pettinger’s incommunicado absence did his boss.
Orders to return post-haste ignored long enough to bid farewell to Aleks, to recognise relief in Rowena’s eyes, and beg a lift from Filip.
‘Case unsolved? Police think you’re stupid –'
Pettinger closed sleep-deprived eyes. ‘Times I’d agree with them. Not today.’
[The sharp-eyed among you will note an extra ‘l’ in Vladlina’s name. She appeared in episodes 126-142; I mis-remembered her name]
My favorite part of this, if I could only pick one, is the relief in Rowena's eyes. The 'not today' comment suggests Pettinger may not be leaving quite yet, so maybe he has a bombshell to drop? At the risk of being called suspicious, I checked your word count. I just couldn't believe you wrote this so nicely with only 100 words, again, right on the nose.
DeleteI, too, wonder what is churning through Pettinger's mind. I suspect something untoward may be afoot.
DeleteThere's always something churning in Pettinger's mind. I'm curious what's going on in Vladina's?
Deleteas usual, leaving us with questions and no hint of when the answers will come...
DeleteI agree with Antonia in that this episode has left us with a plethora of questions. How nicely you do weave this story, Sandra.
DeleteI love "A Spunk-Strapped Dynastic Head", it would make a great song title for The Orb. How I've missed my dose of Pettinger
DeleteI may end up deleting this one, but if I get less than two negative comments, I’ll change the title to ‘The Outback Nympho’, which now may be the longest title I’ve seen yet on this site
ReplyDeleteFelix had gone off the deep end after the disappointing grasshopper harvest and finally succeeded at killing himself. With not another man around for a hundred miles, Lexi was starting to feel withdrawal symptoms from the only reason she had kept Felix around. Squeezing her thighs together, Lexi rummaged around in the back of her closet.
When Chloe showed up in her beat up Land Cruiser to offer condolences, she froze when she saw what Lexi was holding.
“No, not the strap-on!”
Laugh-out-loud and then much thanks - you've sparked a one-off which utilises my favourite lyricist!
DeleteHey, desperate times call for desperate measures, right, John? A girl does what she has to do.
DeleteJohn, negative comments are my purview so please don't crowd something I actually do well. ;)
DeleteA well done stand alone about the trials and tribulations of being a widowed farmer.
No negativity from this quarter, John. This was so unique and definitely chuckle-worthy. Even if your name had not appeared at the top of this piece, I would have known it to be one of yours!
DeleteFortunately the second time of Reading I thoughtfully moved my beer far, far away from me. The first time I inhaled it and gave my nostrils a rinse from the outside in. Rip roaring stuff I loved it.
DeletePatricia, congrats on accolades for Runway Rejection.
ReplyDeleteechoed three fold, Patricia. Brilliantly sharp writing.
DeleteA bit of competition (and thanks to Aidan Moffatt)
ReplyDeleteA track from ‘Acid House’ began it. The voice a speaking Falkirk growl, from a throat akin to an emery-dipped grasshopper. The pounding piano intro I HAD to have as ringtone.
From there a swift obsession with all things Arab Strap. And the beginnings of my allocating personalised ringtones for each of the men in my life. Mostly none of them knew, but drunk and bored – isn’t it always the way? – I introduced a bit of competition.
‘The song title’s ‘Packs of three’, off the album ‘Philophobia’. Listen to the opening words to find the one who disappoints me least.’
I heard they're cheaper by the dozen. The Falkirk growl is a little hard to understand, but when paired with written lyrics, I think I might have blushed a little. And yes, I can see how the Packs of Three ringtone might get ones attention.
DeleteI liked the story and prompt use but will have to look the songs and groups up to add more meaning to the story.
Deleteme too, Jeffrey, these mean nothing but the story stands on its own feet and is sharply entertaining.
DeleteExcellent! I love that Idea. I was reading an interview with Belle and Sebastian recently (They toured with Arab Strap), and Stuart Murdoch Confessed his Naivety regarding what an Arab Strap was and was chastised by his mother for naming one of their Songs "The Boy With The Arab Strap" after the meaning was pointed by her priest. It was just an inocent reference to their time touring.
DeleteTo echo a couple of other comments, I also know nothing about the songs or the groups, but when a tale comes with such an impressive storyline, I find such piddling details to be unnecessary.
Delete2. Ash and flame.
ReplyDeleteDisappointed by the keypad’s failure, Vixen unstrapped the unit and stowed it in his belly pouch.
He assessed his injuries. Many of his armoured body-scales were scorched and his foot badly blistered. He used his spit to heal the hurt, then turned to see how the Ergalot had fared.
Singe-holes speckled her short leather kilt and bodice: She was brushing grey ash from her leg fur. Small flames leapt like grasshoppers in her ringlet-hair.
‘You’re on fire, D’jan,’ he warned, reaching to extinguish them but she snarled and did it herself. ‘Don’t be so touchy. I’m just trying to help.’
"Small flames leapt like grasshoppers in her ringlet-hair" - really lovely. And once again you make these characters compelling.
DeleteThese characters seem as they will be very entertaining. Looking forward to more of them. You've already created tension between Vixen and D'jan, perhaps even in a sexual/romantic way, though I'm sure D'jan would disagree.
DeleteA worthy and well done continuation. I'll second Sandra's calling out that same line.
Deleteintriguing, you're having a great time with these serials, it shows!
DeleteNothing like an abrasive partner to make things go smoothly. Lovely visuals. I particularly liked the image of a "short leather kilt and bodice."
Delete"Small flames leapt like grasshoppers in her ringlet-hair." I so love that line.
DeleteCongratulations Patricia, that was an Excellent read.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree, very well written Patricia. I enjoy reading all your stories they are always diverse and more'ish.
DeleteA worthy top choice for the week.
The Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 67
ReplyDeleteReflecting on what he’d heard, Atlas exited his hiding place, brushed the leaf mould, worms and grasshoppers from himself and his tool-belt strap, then set off in silent pursuit.
His S.A.S. mission to scout the valley border and determine the best position of defence, whatever investigation revealed, was well behind plan.
Worse still, the sinister-voiced stranger, who disappointingly remained unidentified, plus the frightened gerbils, thrust his S.A.S. inner radar into high alert.
He didn’t know exactly what they were doing but his training whispered firmly to him to find out.
He knew it would affect plans to defend the valley.
It's getting difficult to come up with fresh words to say why and how much I'm enjoying this series. Please take it that I am, and much admiring. Thank you for the pleasure.
DeleteIt's amazing what all goes on in this valley. Go Atlas.
DeleteI need to mention that S.A.S is also the acronym for the Special Air Services, an elite unit formed in WW2 in North Africa, to combat the Afrika Corps and it's commander the Desert Fox.
DeleteNow for your well done continuation, as always, you don't disappoint the reader.
always entertaining and always so much going on, too.
DeleteI do believe 'dillo-sense would outclass spidey-sense any day of the week. Atlas is definitely a force to be reckoned with. I wouldn't want to run into him on a bad day!
DeleteI have it on sound advice, never under any circumstances trust a gerbil.
DeleteBEHIND BARS
ReplyDeleteAnother severe disappointment.
A first-rate grasshopper - a mix of crème de menthe, crème de cacao and plain cream - just isn’t that hard to make!
I sternly eyed the bartender, yet another pretty, big-breasted girl. Those attributes, however, don’t mitigate her appalling inability to fashion a respectable grasshopper.
She ignored me – another mistake.
An ether-soaked rag made her easy prey after she closed the bar and stepped outside. Soon thereafter she was strapped to a wall in my basement with three other pretty girls who couldn’t make a decent grasshopper.
Pretty or not, incompetent bartenders don’t belong behind bars!
Bit of self-delusion going on here! Strong-voiced and clever.
DeleteThere's a bar I've heard of, or possibly been to, with a big breasted barkeep. The gentlemen all vie for a bar stool near the glass washing station where she puts on a show while washing glasses wearing low cut tops. I'm assuming though, she can make a decent grasshopper since she's still there, or your deranged critic hasn't yet made it there. This was really good. Jim. True horror.
DeleteJohn - While in Hawaii years ago, a curvaceous blonde taught me the art of bar tending. She would stand behind me, wrap her arms around me, put her hands on mine and lead me through pouring a shot without using a shot glass.I would often feign clumsiness and ask her to repeat the instruction. Maybe that's why I never learned to make a decent grasshopper.
DeleteJim - regardless as to your grasshopper skills... who cares. You'll always have the instructional experience...
DeleteExcellent use of grasshopper. Now, did you send the house help gone for the evening? Excellent story, Jim.
Deleteanother great tale!
DeleteTalk about taking things personally. This would make for a marvellous "Twilight Zone" or the more modern "Black Mirror." It's easy to see how it could effortlessly move onto the small...or even big, if expanded...screen.
Delete"Pretty or not, incompetent bartenders don’t belong behind bars!", but the protagonist certainly does.
DeleteThank you so much for this honour, Sandra. I have to be honest, given the caliber of last week's entries, I didn't expect to even be anywhere in the top twenty. I can only believe that the quality of submissions every week brings inspiration to strive more vigorously all the time...and it apparently sometimes pays off!
ReplyDeleteYou are right about the striving - I think we all desire to entertain - and in one way I feel choosing a weekly 'winner' could be detrimental, with so many of equally high quality, but trust you all understand the traditional necessity.
DeleteYou certainly deserve the honor, Patricia. Congrats!
DeleteA honor well earned, Patricia and though I never viewed it that way, the stories here are excellent entertainment.
DeleteMagnum Opus
ReplyDeleteJake visited his favourite lounge every night before heading home. The delicious elixirs on tap were never a disappointment and the convivial mixologist was an inventive fellow who improved tried-and-tested concoctions all the time. Jake might be strapped for money to pay essential bills, but he always managed to find cash for the latest cocktail offerings.
The resourceful barkeep used authentic caelifera for his Grasshoppers, freshly-picked trefoil in his Clover Club and dissolved oxycodone into his Painkillers. However, his pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the Redheaded Slut.
Not being a cocktail drinker I'm assuming there IS such a thing as a grasshopper, but even though I'd prefer a straightforward Highland Park, I'd be tempted by the red-headed slut. Love the second paragraph.
DeleteMy curiosity has been tickled; I, too, would be tempted by the Redheaded Slut. What on earth could be the ingredients in that? Well done, Patricia!
DeleteTalk about craft cocktails -- this place goes all out. Having not encountered a Redheaded Slut, I looked up the recipe in case others are curious. Wikipedia says: Jagermeister, peach schnapps and cranberry juice, though I wonder what ingredients this particular establishment uses? Loved the other ingredients and how they enhanced each particular cocktail.
DeleteIt's hard to believe someone who drinks Highland Park straight up is unfamiliar with grasshoppers...
DeleteLet see, your 5th comment so I'm a Fifth of Beethoven? There is such a drink! A beautiful use of the prompts, a softlt flowing story and great prompt use.
DeleteI don't drink - ever - so the cocktails are a mystery to me but somehow that added to the story. Good one.
DeleteI'm getting Delirium Tremmens just reading this piece. Darkly very nice indeed. Just remind me never to order a slippery ... Oh never mind.
DeleteDouble dealing [Threshold 251]
ReplyDeleteIf Lolita meant to splat a grasshopper not an inch from Raven’s foot, causing Wishbone, eyes rolling, to test the strappings of his harness, her aim was improving.
While Torc-man admonished her, Raven breathed words into my ear. ‘He’s not the man for you; will only disappoint –’
‘As do you.’ I leant against him, headily inhaling fuliginous blood-sweat skin.
‘Give me time –‘ He put lips to my neck, further stimulating ‘– but before then, I need you to keep him sweet –’
‘Why?’
‘We need his help.’
Suspicious, ‘And how?’
‘He needs a woman. Lolita’s far too young.’
Oh my: Raven is being both a romantic and a cad. I do hope she manages not to sleep with Torc-man as Raven suggests. Nice diversion with Lolita splatting the grasshopper.
DeleteRaven the seductress, unexpected but not an unreasonable conclusion. A well crafted episode, Sandra with good prompt use.
DeleteRaven continues to entice and enchant no matter what's happening, which is a testament to the quality of the serial.
DeleteAnd we now see yet another side to the enigmatic Raven. Dare I reference pimp? He is certainly not adverse to encouraging our nameless protagonist to sacrifice much if necessary. But I get the feeling his jealousy could easily come to the forefront if he perceived things to be going too far.
DeleteSerengeti Incident
ReplyDeleteYemi tightens the saddle strap. The sun casts fire to the plains. She is cool inside the cockpit. The Grasshopper shudders as she depresses the joystick to release the leg springs. They uncoil with breath-taking efficiency and send the craft rocketing fifty foot into the air.
Yemi yells from the joy of it. The invigorating buzz never disappoints.
The Grasshopper arcs and falls to a decent. Behind the termite nest, amongst the industrious dung beetles, a boy cocks his rifle and traces the trajectory. His stomach rumbles. If he bags a pilot he’ll get extras for supper.
Isn't it wonderful how the deployment of a few well-chosen words can take us halfway round the world! Much appreciated this David, from first to gut-kick last.
DeleteI really enjoyed the strong title and those short, concise sentences in the first paragraph. Very effective. The boy with the rifle is so intriguing and makes one beg for more.
DeleteDavid, a wonderful episode. The fact that Yemi is a food group or source is interesting. Very well written.
DeleteOh I liked this one, a lot. And I am very pleased I am not judging... again...
DeleteMagnificently innovative and futuristic. Lovely idea of making a grasshopper a type of vehicle...and, of course, having read about it, it makes perfect sense. I kind of hope the boy gets second helpings come suppertime.
DeleteWowzer! Excellent Delivery.
DeleteWhat a novel approach, David! Clear, crisp writing... an enjoyable read!
ReplyDeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 190 - The Disappearance Of Dobbin
ReplyDeleteIn the Nookery, catch-all for worthless items or those filched and discarded, Cousin Christopher searched for Dobbin, his beloved missing hobby-horse. Among remains of grasshoppers and other delicacies the Rook had fed her nestlings, Christopher found only a leather strap (brass bell attached) and yarn remnants of Dobbin's mane. He was very disappointed.
Violet maintained the hobby-horse had been mislaid. Christopher suspected otherwise. The former waitress hadn't liked Dobbin. Claimed playtime "neighs" and "whinnies" brought on migraines.
Sure as eggs is eggs, Violet was responsible.
And Christopher knew exactly who would lend a willing paw to help prove it.
--------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
Yeah, I'm pretty sure Violet knows something. Hopefully, Marmalade will be able to help. Very enjoyable piece, Patricia.
DeleteI like how the mystery is expanding. A good read and the "sure as eggs is eggs" was a good line. I've never heard that one.
DeleteI think Violet has been busted, and it's likely that Christopher will exact some type of revenge - at least I think so. But Patricia might take us on a totally different course.
DeleteTrying to persuade a cat to do as it is told sounds a little optimistic. I look forward to hearing how/if Christopher manages it. And it not, what other ways he finds to punish Violet.
Delete'sure as eggs is eggs' is a lovely old saying, Jeffrey, very English and very descriptive used in the right way - like this one.
DeleteWe encourage our cats to do what we want by bribery and corruption (Dreamies for a start) that might well work for Marmalade too. Nice one.
You have given me a new favorite word to play with in my morning management briefings. So many Rhyming opportunities with Nookery. I'm crest Fallen for Christopher but can't wait for me Marmalade to get his claws into this mystery.
DeleteAION UNBOUND
ReplyDeleteStar-strapped, and bound with luminescence, curled around a speckled moon,
the orb-light, hangs, drooped and disappointed in devotion;
caught fast within the darkly crusted curl of sky.
With graceful awareness, plucked secretly from the flow of years,
the sphere stretches, distends, and curving, sickle-sharp, neatly
culls comets, crackling and droning, and trailing low
against the singing blade of darkness, rising and falling.
Fragments, hard and ferrous, cascading
bright as grasshoppers, soar over mothy mountains,
or roll into emerald seas, where green light shadows into dark
and the wheel of time, crusted in gemstones; jingle-jangling,
portions out the passing of days.
This is the truly work of someone who enjoys the art of writing. Very nice, Terrie. Loved the mothy mountains. I've never heard a description like this, but it works.
DeleteLovely imagery, the mind roams effortlessly while reading this.
DeleteAt school I learned a poem that has subsequently been set to music - this would justify doing the same.
Deletea sense of ease and quietness coming from this, thank you, I need it.
DeleteThis could be the opening or prologue to an epic fantasy. It references a vista of enchanting scenes and possibilities. I like many of the phrases but "star-strapped" had to be counted among one of my favourites.
DeleteI agrees with Patricia.
DeleteReading this, Terrie, is like floating on a cloud. The words wrap around me like a comforting cocoon. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteDesperate Times...Desperate Measures
ReplyDeleteApollonia's establishment was difficult to find, the facade disappointing and nondescript. Yet, easily recognizable by those in need of her services.
Illuminated upon a tall stool, Apollonia was resplendent in tapestry shawl, patchwork skirt and strappy silver sandals. She greeted each caller with a smile that belied her distress to see the poorly-disguised bruises and swollen eyes hidden behind dark glasses.
From floor to ceiling, small wire cages lined the walls. Apollonia rattled each little hutch with a steel navaja, causing detainees to panic, leap and tweedle.
"Yes, grasshoppers," Apollonia nodded. "Isn't it interesting how only males usually chirp?"
you're saying a lot in this one, Patricia, saying it concisely and clearly, too. Love this and the ending leaving itself wide open for more.
DeleteDislocating and enchanting - a potent mix!
DeleteApllonia would likely feel right at home in some enchanted amusement park. Where are we going to find on of those?
DeleteThat's a million dollar question. Any ideas, John?
DeleteThis reads like a promo for the new season of American Horror Story. A great multifunctional last line.
DeleteMaybe Apollonia wanders into Kursaal while searching for grasshoppers.
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (48)
ReplyDeleteDisappointment as the week goes on minus sales. Loads of browsers, few sales. Ants have invaded my two spider plants. They’re irritating enough to seem like grasshoppers to me, but more difficult to catch and throw out. I’m resorting to anticide. Shaun’s partner has damaged her Achilles tendon, strapping by the yard round the damaged foot. That isn’t helping anyone, let alone Shaun who has a house to sort so it can be sold, a van to clear so he can collect furniture tomorrow, a bookcase to collect from my place and no help from her, because she can’t!
Hope things get less fractious soon. Lovely, smooth use of prompts, as ever.
DeleteA week for lackluster sales and limping partners... not so fun. Good luck with next week.
DeleteAs always, effortless use of the prompts in the telling of a day-to-day-slice-of-life tale. How you manage to pull that off week after week is such an accomplishment. I hope business picks up soon.
DeleteA tightly written episode. I mentioned it before but you really do bring life, to life. I found your prompt use so effortlessly presented.
DeleteSorry to hear of your woes, but delighted how effortlessly you weaved in the prompts.
DeleteThe Mad Italian 107
ReplyDeleteDoes the PM believe that jumping around like a grasshopper and disguising lack of changes with one small one will endear her to the party and her cabinet? Although she will be disappointed, she will not be the first or the last to be deposed and a new hopeful put in place, someone who thinks they have the answers, all of which will fail at the first hurdle. Strapping up the wounds won’t work, too much damage has been done, too many good and bad people lost their seats in the local elections and the European ones are to come.
Hard to believe that the Mad Italian has already graced us with 107 chapters of his incredible insight. Does he ever not hit the nail directly on the head?
DeleteThough the PM might be deposed, as I understand all that's going on, why would anyone want the job? Such a well done description of the body politic.
DeleteI think I heard the PM might be resigning as soon as tomorrow. Will there be a special election or is there a vice PM that takes over?
Deleteno election for us voters, but a vote of leading Conservative cabinet ministers who will choose the next PM, that's if Boris Johnson hasn't nailed it already. He was 20 points ahead in the first few days of this nonsense spiralling out of control. There is a deputy but they're not really considered to be worthy of being consulted without the PM bit in front of their name.
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 68
ReplyDeleteCinereus glanced at his belly, then at the stick poking out from under the log. Quick as a grasshopper avoiding capture, he pulled at it and clouted the emerging head and paw that trailed after with a hefty wallop from his wooden leg. He followed that with a strapping thwack from his wooden arm.
‘Damn it! The ol’ buggah’s a bit nippier ‘n I fort,’ groaned the stick wielder disappointedly, crawling out from under cover and rubbing his head where two big lumps were rising. He looked at Nigel and gave the secret sign, ‘Patrol’s ready to march Sir.’
'Skirmish' came to mind, reading this. Concise and very clear.
DeleteSo entertaining. So much to enjoy. Impeccable choice of words. In particular, I loved "clouted", "wallop", "thwack" and "nippier." I have a feeling a couple of lumps on the old noggin are not going to slow Cinereus down very much.
DeleteYour use of an accented dialogue is awesome. Lovely descriptions to match.
DeleteI always enjoy the accents and the clever wording you use so well. I was thinking Nigel was the one that got thwacked though Patricia thought it was Cinereus. You may have to clarify this for my slow brain.
DeleteUpon a reread, John, I do believe you're right.
DeleteMy apologies to Terrie.
Deleteanother great instalment, Terrie!
DeleteWith it being the European elections and having to do a lot of travel this week wasn't sure I was going to get time to submit one.
ReplyDeleteSelf Appointed Spokesman
Disappointment should be your middle name,
You’re a keyboard warrior seeking to apportion blame.
With grasshopper eyes you stare at your phone,
Seeking out behavior you’re unwilling to condone.
You believe that equality is a snowflake trap
While calling To bring back the noose, and the strap.
Empathy is something you can’t comprehend,
Rather than admit it you'll just pretend.
Calling out those faults that can’t be corrected,
Your unable to see the irony reflected.
Basking in the glow of your mobile's screen
You are not a warrior, You're just pathetic and mean.
Good rhyme and some nice imagery. The last stanza is a powerful one. I also applaud getting the prompts into such a well written poem.
DeleteThe narrator seems to be calling out one of those social media hate speech bigots. It's too bad there are those out there that listen to it. Nicely done, William.
Deletehard hitting words here which need to be said.
Delete"You believe that equality is a snowflake trap" - so sadly true.
DeleteBeautifully composed with an exquisite flow. This type of rhyme takes true talent.
DeleteThe First Battle: Harassment
ReplyDeleteLt. Callahan was examining the map of the ambush.
“I hope ‘The Ball Busters’ made them follow. They’d strapped extra batteries for those belts. I’d hate to disappointment the grasshoppers on our first date. This saturated lye swamp water will be ready for them.”
The BB’s attacked the enemy’s rear with ‘Y-rack’ grenade launchers and light assault guns belching. Wrecked artillery destroyed buildings, a burning supply depot, and a Kilroy was here drawing, evidence of their effectiveness. Fires lit the dawn sky as a plague of two meter tall locusts pursued them.
I'm not surprised Kilroy was there. You do military well, Jeffrey.
DeleteMilitary tales not my cup of tea, Jeffrey, but there's no denying you execute them well.
Delete
ReplyDeleteB*O*N A*P*PE*T*I*T*E
“Sorry to disappoint, guvnna’, but fresh out”
“Well, how about some of those live grasshoppers there?”
“Yeah, they is one quid for a dozen”
“That seems a bit high, don’t you think?”
“Look ‘ere, mate, ya doesn’t HAVE to buy my stuff, you can get your own strap somer else!”
“No, no, I’ll take them, and a packet of the night crawlers”
“Nice. I think between the two, you should do all right, if your looking fer bass”
“I don’t waste my time and money throwing such fine victuals into the river! Do you have a fork, my good fellow?”
Dave, this was great. The bait shop guy must have been pretty surprised. Nice dialogue.
Deleteoh oh, what a surprising last line! Loved it!!!
DeleteYes indeed - completely and delightfully misled here.
DeleteWell, those munchies are full of protein. Good tale, Dave!
Delete** Note to self: Do not read Dave Wilker's fine work after eating Singapore noodles. Oh the Trout or Bass the protagonist could have had. Excellent write.
DeleteOh wow. The ending of that story sent me...and my stomach...for a total loop. Nicely done. I did NOT see that coming!
DeleteWonderfully gross, much like my friend Dave.
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Sixty Four) - "Evidentiary"
ReplyDeleteArchon, Manasa the Snake-Charmer's favourite asp, liked to meander the undergrowth where he'd taken his first junket upon arrival at the Kursaal. It was also his preferred location come sloughing time when, like a sultry exotic dancer dispensing with a slinky strapless costume, Archon discarded his citrine skin.
Sometimes, beneath a patchwork canopy, down among the chirping grasshoppers, chirruping crickets and stag beetles, Archon unearthed bone fragments and scraps of sinew within the tangle of vines and low-lying vegetation. His flickering forked tongue examined these remains, as though searching for something specific, before slithering on with apparent disappointment.
---------------------------------------------------------
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: Archon and his mistress, Manasa the Snake-Charmer, have both featured in previous episodes.
this creates some great pictures, Patricia, a disappointed snake slithering off into the night with the sulks, beautifully drawn figure.
DeleteOn which topic, the local paper here ran a lead story about a duck scaring off a snake about to bite it. It was a grass snake and harmless...
A sumptuous vignette this, rich and steamy.
DeleteI do love a good sloughing, but I love an episode Kursaal more.
DeleteNow that the bones and sinew have been unearthed, I need to know more. But I'll wait. I've learned there's no rushing you... Beautiful story Patricia.
DeleteDeaders
ReplyDeleteThe bodies lay by the tracks. Heads smashed. Arms and legs missing.
The sight was disappointing to the young soldier, who gripped the strap of his rifle tighter as he walked past them. He had been waiting for weeks to see one of these "Deaders" up close. But all he had seen so far were the leftovers, after the military had put them down.
A grasshopper perched on the arm stump of one, seeming to watch him. Irritated, he kicked at it.
Kicked before remembering don't touch one.
Don't touch because the dead could still bite...
The callousness of this is overpowering, and so subtly done.
DeleteGood horror writing, Jerry. I liked how the soldier gripped the strap tighter as he walked by. It showed tension without you having to tell it. Really nice... if the word nice can be used among smashed heads and missing limbs.
DeleteA deliciously dark tale, Jerry!
ReplyDeleteYikes!!! Now that's the stuff of which nightmares are made. I had to chuckle at the reference to "Deaders," which makes me wonder at my taste in humour. This was dark and deadly and delivered with expertise. So nicely done.
ReplyDeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #180
ReplyDeletePlease Try Again
A lone arrow, white feathers flashing, thunked onto Natasha’s deck. Its message:
“Good job, dear! I’m not even disappointed that your little friends beat me. Best of luck next time, young grasshopper. You’ll need it.”
As Rosebud looked up, the strapping figure now on the roof dove into the forest and vanished.
“Well, crap.”