My husband being the instigator and
organiser of holidays, I was taken unawares by the news that we’ll shortly be off to Iceland for ten days.
So I will schedule
words for 14th June and once again ask you to indicate your personal favourite:
1) On the 7th, from
the words below, and, because I’ll return too late to do it justice,
2) On the the 14th
using the scheduled words.
Normal
service will be resumed thereafter.
This week’s winner ... well, as is
becoming very normal, I’d plenty horrors to choose from. John offered a rattled door and a damaged dick, Patricia grasshoppers in aspic. David cultivated mermaids and Jerry failed to create a homunculus. However,
Holly’s dead sycophants and translucent canines topped the lot and I
declare her the week’s winner.
Words
for next week: confidential midnight
troll
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 6th June,
words posted Friday 7th
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.
Congratulations with your top spot, chilling, entry for last week Holly, and well done to all runners up too. The quality and imaginative muscle flexed on The Prediction site is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful surprise for you Sandra, my son went about 18 months ago so a little different time of year but he bathed in a ‘hot pool’, saw the northern lights and deep snow plus lots of stunning scenery - you will have a fantastic time . Just a little envious here !
Actually, not a surprise, except in how fast it's come round, Terrie. He and daughter went 10 years ago & it's taken this long to find time to return.
DeleteTo make sure I understand correctly, we are to choose which tales we prefer by the 7th and you will declare a winner from the same words on the 14th? Or will you be posting a separate trio of prompts on the 7th with winner(s) to be decided by you on the 14th?
DeleteAnd thank you for the "honourable mention" by the way. :)
DeleteI'll definitely be out of the country midnight on the 7th, so ask you to name your favourites from the posts which used the above prompt words (confidential, midnight and troll) as comments to the scheduled 7th June post, which will include a new set of prompt words.
DeleteI land back on the 13th but doubt I'll have the mental space to judge a winner so, although I'll definitely be posting new words (albeit maybe later than my usual 5.30 a.m.) on Friday 14th, I'm asking you, for a second week, to make a personal choice and post your winners there.
Got it. Thank you. My brain is obviously not running on full throttle today. Have a lovely time, by the way. Never been, but I understand Iceland is a beautiful country.
DeleteYou certainly deserved the top spot, Holly. Congratulations!
DeleteThank you so much! There were so many amazing stories this week (and always). I'm honored to be picked. Congrats John, Patricia, David, and Jerry!
DeleteHave fun in Iceland, Sandra! That sounds like an amazing trip. Hopefully I'll get to visit not too far in the future.
John, Patricia, David, and jerry ald with very well done stories. Huzah! Holly congrats on your selection for top spot last week. Sandra, hope that you have a fully enjoyable and safe vacation.
Deletecongrats, Holly and to everyone for good reads every week. Sandra, have a great time.
DeleteDark journey [Threshold 253]
ReplyDeleteBy midnight I was fifteen or more miles away. I’d headed back, up-river aiming for a house of retreat we’d passed, where vows of silence ought to equate with confidentiality. Not to stay – even though I might claim penitent (and was certainly dressed for such, since I still wore the shift provided by the Norsewomen; singed hair and crusted scabs a further confirmation) – I abhor religion.
As pre-dawn mist turned crimson we reached a narrow wooden toll-bridge. Dismounting to lead Tosca, I was startled by the emergence of a troll from the far end. Then realised it was my reflection.
Some revelations are indeed startling, Sandra. Tight, clear wring here. Nicely done!
DeleteI love the atmospheric description of the pre-mist dawn turning crimson. It's a striking image. I've definitely had a troll day or too. :)
DeleteVivid descriptions and I really liked "-I abhor religion"
DeleteArriving in the crimson pre-dawn mist was wonderful. I hope she gets a little recovery time in at the house of retreat. Nicely done, Sandra. Very enjoyable installment.
Deleteoh good one with some evocative lines to conjure the skies too.
DeleteWhat a revelation, the troll reflection turning out to be our protagonist and what a sorry state she must be in since I always imagine her to be quite the fetching creature. As always, brilliant use of the prompts.
DeleteChange of focus [331]
ReplyDeleteBollocking Christ! His brain become a self-deluding mush; mis-hearing flight destination announcements as a pseudo-confidential summoning. Tiredness; due to the post-midnight sex spectacular with Vladlina.
Unless his tricky half-sister had filled his head with trolls, as she once did his bed with baby porcupines!
A half grin at the memory, then John Pettinger swallowed his now lukewarm tea and made his way downstairs to the lounge that served Britain’s half-dozen airports, hoping, as he always did, not to be sat beside someone he knew.
He was in luck.
This was someone he wanted to know.
Not that they knew it.
A bed full of baby porcupines is a hilarious image! I loved the ending 'This was someone he wanted to know. Not that they knew it.' An ominous end, perhaps?
DeleteThe last two lines were great. Vladina is his half sister.
DeleteNothing like a post-midnight sex spectacular to provoke tiredness. And I thought kissing your sister (half or otherwise) was considered a distasteful chore. Can't wait to meet this newcomer.
DeleteSuch ominous intent lies in the last couple of lines, Sandra, and you splendidly lead us to them!
Deleteinfuriating, Pettinger's sitting next to someone he wanted to know and we have to wait two weeks for the next instalment... unfair!!
DeleteWho? Who is Pettinger sitting next to? Can't believe we have to wait for your return from Iceland to find out. Pettinger is a most complex and intriguing character. Magnificent creation.
DeleteSO PROUD
ReplyDeleteAfter midnight, as before, he had trolled the narrow, shadowy alleyways of the city’s sordid east side in search of a victim. And, as before, he found one.
He looked at her, admiring his work.
Naked on the bed… abdomen splayed open… organs in bloody piles around her… breasts sliced off… face mutilated… neat strips of skin stacked at her sides.
“So… you are Mary, eh, Love? Your name won’t remain confidential, you know. Ah… but you’ll be famous one day.”
He smiled, leaned over her mutilated face and whispered, “I can’t wait to tell Jack. He’ll be so proud.”
Slick - perhaps an unfortunate choice of word - but perfect for this bloody little tale.
DeleteA nasty end. It's going to take a little while to get the horrible scene out of my head. I thought him 'leaning over her mutilated face' to whisper was a striking image.
DeleteNICE! Copy-cat killers back then, understudies even. Jim, very good and tight writing.
DeleteThis killer is very energetic. This much cutting must be exhausting. Excellent horror writing, Jim. I dub thee this weeks king of macabre.
Deletehot with passion,cold with piles of dead flesh and a lovely ending. What more could we ask?
DeletePoor Mary. Forever known in history as the final victim, but one has to wonder. The legend of Saucy Jack will never fade as long as we have wonderful tales like this to remind us.
DeleteThere were SO many great entries this week that I devised a ten-sided coin and gave each of my favorite entries a number. The winning number was 7, which was PATRICIA'S splendid tale, ABOMINATION.
DeleteThe Confession of Sergeant Bill Gruff
ReplyDeleteI am haunted by my actions. Driven to confess.
My orders were confidential. I was a soldier. Carried them out without question. Just before midnight I would station myself down river. When the ‘trolls’ emerged from under the bridges I would pluck them out of existence with bullets from a high-powered rifle. It was clinical and efficient. The top brass called it “weeding the garden of Eden”.
Despite what you were led to believe Neanderthals were only very recently driven to extinction. Their demise was deliberately engineered. No place for them amongst the poison roses.
Clever and entertaining, on several levels. Especially the final line (which brings to mind either Nick Cave or Elvis Costello. No idea why).
DeleteThe final paragraph presents a very interesting world. I also loved the final line, and I'm very curious what the 'poison roses' might be. Am I missing a reference? :)
DeleteNeanderthals as trolls, good idea. Every rose has it's thorns. David a really good story and nice use of the prompts.
DeletePicking off trolls is so clever and exciting to think about. And then the reference of Neanderthals... intriguing to say the least.
DeleteA clever story around a rather gory fairy tale, nice one, David!
DeleteBilly Goats Gruff and the Trolls under the bridge. What a marvellous take on the vintage tale. Loved the Sergeant was called Bill Gruff and love that the trolls turned out to be Neanderthals. What an imagination!
DeleteFaith [3]
ReplyDeleteI’d always believed angels were possible, living just a breath from sight in patches of light or shadow; in-between places where imagination and reality interlace. I’d wished for their existence, just as I did for trolls, midnight faeries, and elemental magic. Now I yearn for their destruction.
Zachriel dips a long finger in Calliope’s blood and spins his finger, an artist reveling in his favorite color.
Calliope’s gasps are quieter now, a hushed accompaniment to my panicked breathing.
“It’s your faith and lust for significance that sweetens your blood,” Zachriel says, his tone confidential. “Nothing else believes like humans do.”
A truly wonderful combination of beauty and horror. "living just a breath from sight in patches of light or shadow" immensely impressive in many, manby ways.
DeleteVery good opening line and a counter argument as to why those like Zachriel need us humans. Very good story, Holly.
DeleteSorry everyone! I just realized I said 'finger' twice in the second paragraph. I'd reword that line to the following:
DeleteZachriel dips a long finger in Calliope’s blood and holds it up, an artist reveling in his favorite color.
I just love an evil angel. All that power takes a toll on even the purest of
Deletebeings. The place where imagination and reality interlace is the perfect place for angels, faeries and the lot to exist. Very nice, Holly. You're obviously not having a 'troll day' today.
poetic horror, really fine writing.
DeleteThis has such a delicate feel to it while still retaining that undercurrent of horror. I echo Antonia in the "really fine writing" comment.
DeleteThank you everyone!
DeleteAbomination
ReplyDeletePious brethren strove to keep the child's existence confidential. He was only permitted to roam the streets after midnight and then when the moon was dark. A devout congregation must be protected from such monstrosities.
Yet, his father loved him, even though birth brought death to the mother. Despite his grotesque appearance, something of her could be found in the boy. Not her beauteous countenance or graceful form, but emerald glint of his eyes perhaps, or curl of the raven hair.
They often perched upon the ramparts together.
Kept vigil over the sleeping city.
Quasimodo and his little troll.
Can only echo Jim's words, Patricia - beautifully put-together tale. Lovely use of prompts.
DeletePatricia, I should've read the stories before submitting mine. Awesome story with a twist and good prompt use.
DeleteIt's nice to know the hunchback found love, if only briefly. Very enjoyable story, Patricia. It's your words, like strove and beauteous that amaze me in that I never can think of them when I need them.
Deletethis is a treat - Quasimodo in a new light. Brilliant.
DeleteI love this version of Quasimodo, and the phrase 'Not her beauteous countenance or graceful form, but emerald glint of his eyes perhaps, or curl of the raven hair' was perfection.
DeleteOh, this is nice, Patricia! What a splendid twist to this splendid tale!
ReplyDeleteThe First Battle: Requiem
ReplyDeleteSpeaker Rashkin saw the midnight black and red form of Khalzep the Troll, Devourer of Life and Spewer of Death’s Wind. For the first time in his life Rashkin believed in the Gods and feared them.
oOo
Captain Randy Khnor saw the mushroom cloud rise in the sky. His comm beeped an incoming message.
“I know you said to harass them but I knew you needed time, so I gave you some. Keep this confidential, my sister loves you, please love her back. I’d prefer you over her current options. Treat her kindly, I’ll be watching.”
I'm seeing a correlation between the mushroom cloud and Spewer of Death's Wind. Intriguing story here, Jeffrey.
DeleteJohn and Jim, thanks for your comments and following this series, that's greatly appreciated. John, yes both characters are viewing the same thing.
DeleteGood insight into the prelude of battle. This serialization is coming along very nicely.
DeleteCan't beat the Troll's title 'Devourer of Life and Spewer of Death’s Wind.' I agree with Patricia, this is an excellent prelude.
DeleteMy thinking is that Captain Khnor had better take heed. 'Devourer of Life and Spewer of Death Wind' is a great phrase.
ReplyDeleteBlue Light Special 2
ReplyDeleteMy ads were paying off as the pile of confidential blood signed waivers indicated. The first traveler waited in the lobby.
“We depart at Midnight,” I called from behind the curtain. He had long purple hair.
“Show yourself, ghost of traveler’s past,” he said menacingly.
When I did, his troll doll hair turned white before my eyes. They always change their minds at this point. I held the waiver in the gnarled metacarpals of my left hand and clamped his wrist tight with my right.
Upon arrival, I assured him payment was now complete as the Trojan sword severed his head.
I'd like to know what that ad promised, John. It must have been very attractive. The placement of dialog in this eerie tale is perfect!
Deleteand he has nothing to fear from charges of false advertising. Tight writing.
Deletenow there's an interesting twist on 'false' advertising!
Delete"Ghost of traveler's past." What a beautiful turn of phrase that could easily come from a classic novel. As always, you never fail to entertain, John.
DeleteSounds like quite the ad! I love the description of his hand - 'I held the waiver in the gnarled metacarpals of my left hand'. Such a striking image!
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (50)
ReplyDeleteA midnight murder, a real one, gave customers something else to talk about, other than the floating bridge, that is. The murderer was soon found but everything is confidential at the moment, no one knows why but he did have enemies. The trolls get you in the end…
The shop has alternated between flat out busy and flat out dull. Too much sun, they all go down to the beach, too much rain they don’t come out. Yesterday I built a display of kitchen type things, today I dismantled it to make space for eight elaborately dressed dolls…
The trolls get you in the end..a very good line. Another well crafted snippet of life.
DeleteNothing like an old fashion murder to get the town abuzz. The nice thing about a slow work day is you get top create dressy dolls, so when it gets busy, the customers will have more choices.
DeleteThe shop is like a kaleidoscope, Antonia; a different, and enjoyable, picture each time we see it. Very nice!
DeleteI cannot believe we are already up to 50 snippets of day-to-day retail life. These could come across as mundane, but you inject them with such interesting observations that one could never get bored.
DeleteA murder! It's always disquieting when one is close to home. I agree with Patricia - each installment always has something interesting and unique in it. I can't help but wonder the story behind the eight dolls.
DeleteThe Mad Italian 109
ReplyDeleteI could be uncouth and describe the current visitor to these hallowed lands as a troll but it would be unfair to trolls. He came at the midnight of the current PM’s reign, which made for uncomfortable moments, I am sure. It is the way the dates worked out. My belief is Ms May will be glad to let go of the reins, to hand over to someone else the confidential paperwork that a PM has to deal with and go back to being a normal person again. Is that really something which can happen, I ask myself.
He's right, it would be grossly unfair to trolls. The Troll Anti Defamation League would complain. For any person of power and influence, to retire from that world, would be to enter a normal life.
DeleteI wondered if the Italian would have anything to say about the current visitor... There's just too much material there to ignore. I did, though, for a brief moment, see Melania smile once.
DeleteI am going to make one observation here and one only. The suggestion that one could look up "troll" in the dictionary and come across a picture of a certain politician is priceless. Oh...I will add that I believe I saw Larry the Cat did a magnificent job of disruption. Good Kitty...!!! (He must be related to Marmalade.)
DeleteI also wonder if you can ever go back. I'd think not, especially when you've been in such a prominent position. Someone will recognize you somewhere.
Deleteback with comments tomorrow evening, fellow Predictioneers...
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Sixty Six) - "Troll Booths"
ReplyDeleteShemayne Olive, Claw Machine Custodian, inventoried troll doll deliveries. The manufacturer (identity confidential with no shipping address) provided the toys free. Consignments were assumed to arrive around midnight but no truck was ever seen or heard.
Pinhead Cinders (a/k/a Convivial Clown), devoted enthusiast of the miniatures, anxiously waited, concealed and clandestine, for the glass booths to be stocked. She was especially fond of the little gonks with lime sherbet hair, same colour as her own humongous wig.
However, Cinders' expertise with the articulated arm was lamentable and she was obliged to employ more devious measures to snare her heart's desire.
---------------------------------------------------------
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: Shemayne Olive and Pinhead Cinders a/k/a Convivial Clown, along with the Kursaal's Claw Machines, have all featured in previous episodes.
Since no delivery trucks were apparent, perhaps the little trolls walked in by themselves. I think Cinders may have a little addiction to the booths. Very enjoyable.. love this place.
DeleteI love that title 'troll booths', as it keeps reminding me of 'toll booths'. :) I can't help but be fascinated with those little lime-haired miniatures too!
DeleteI vaguely remember troll dolls, cute little things. My youngest loves trying to catch things in the crane machine. I'm concerned about Cinder's devious measures. Good story, Patricia.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'll tell you what, choosing a winner this week will be tough. What a responsibility to be entrusted with. I certainly enjoy reading all the stories.
ReplyDeleteintriguing, what does the company gain from free dolls, I wonder and what does Cinders do to gain the dolls and does anyone else know the secret and...
DeleteWhat's In A Name?
ReplyDeleteI'm being trolled again, doctor.
:::Sigh:::
Same alias?
:::Raises one eyebrow:::
Yes. Goes by the name of Liz. Usually logs on around midnight.
:::Another sigh:::
The same time you are active in the forums?
:::Taps front teeth with pencil:::
Always. She posts horrible things, doctor. Reveals confidential matters that are...
:::Covers mouth with trembling hand:::
Embarrassing? Mortifying?
:::Makes notes:::
All that and more.
:::Massages aching temples:::
How do you suppose she comes by such information, Elizabeth?
:::Tilts head questioningly:::
I don't know.
:::Shrugs:::
No...but you do, don't you, Liz?
:::Nod of recognition to the new arrival:::
:::Giggle:::
Uh oh, Liz has arrived. Things will get spiced up now. I think I'll develop another persona and come on here and raise cane... Fun story, Patricia.
DeleteWhat a clever format! A fun, enjoyable and slightly terrifying story. Run away, Liz! :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletecomplicated goings on and I think it's best we don't delve into them!
DeleteI'm going off line shortly, so here's my vote for the week, David's brilliant take on the Billy Goats Gruff tale.
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea, David, love it to bits.
Cripplegate Junction/Part 192 - Interchange
ReplyDeleteAmid "Lost and Found" items, the Custodian unearthed a "Confidential" envelope. No addressee, but the intended recipient must be the Station Master.
High above the platform, both hands of the Station Clock remained on the number "12." Had the timepiece stopped at Noon? Midnight? Who knew?
Along the platform, Violet trolled her refreshment trolley; Poppy sat on her suitcase once again; and Miss Constance, George, Alice and Hamnet (among others) still had not boarded the train, where the pale face of a young boy peered through a window.
No sign of the Station Master.
More disturbing, no sign of Marmalade.
--------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
Mystery abounds at Cripplegate this week. The envelope, the stopped clock, the pale face in the window and the missing characters all combine to create a marvelous scene in my head. Nicely done, Patricia.
Deletemore and more mystery, everyone waiting for - and where is Marmalade and is anyone aware he's not around? Who's going to alter the hands on the clock and -
Deleteso many questions from 100 words!!
A mysterious piece that has me holding my breath. Where is Marmalade?
DeleteCrossing the Threshold
ReplyDeleteThat feeling, slipping between wake and sleep, as your thoughts loose themselves and the world twists and turns. Like giving yourself a truth serum, your most confidential concerns come to the fore, those which you wouldn’t reveal even to yourself. Threads of concentration slip away, circle back, tie themselves in knots. Midnight turns to day as consciousness wavers, then back to night. Perhaps this is the bridge to dreams, or perhaps to somewhere other. And perhaps, like some bridges, beneath this one dwells a troll...
Bill, this is wonderful. The writing flows so effortlessly. Very enjoyable. I think I'll stay awake for a while... don't want this stuff in my head while I fall asleep.
Deletedeep and somewhat chilling visions here, Bill!
DeleteI loved the flow as well, it twists and moves like actual thoughts. Very dream-like. I'm very curious what dangers (if there are any) the troll might bring.
DeleteAs fits my goal of a Prediction for every set of words, I've posted the preceding six on their respective weeks, despite having written them tonight.
ReplyDeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #182
A Respite
The bells tolled midnight as Roskilde reached a haven. They patched various wounds and disappeared by dawn. At the third dawn, they glided on silent feet into the basement of Mama’s bar. None of the weekly bar fighters noticed them in the crowd. They picked their way through bits of tables and cheeses to Mama, confidentiality herself. She treats all, trolls included.
Roskilde will be staying awhile.
Nice, Rosie. I loved how they patched various wounds during the night and how they glided on silent feet. Your phrasing really makes the story pop. Nicely done.
Deletekeeping us in suspense still, Rosie!
DeleteI really like the name 'Roskilde' and 'glided on silent feet' was one of my favorite phrases as well.
DeleteMy choice for the winning story is Sandra for Dark journey [Threshold 253]. I just loved the religious abhorring narrator with the troll-like reflection, though I'm certain she looks nothing like a troll.
ReplyDeleteMy choice echoes that of John. Sandra's "Dark Journey/Threshold" was an outstanding composition...and first out of the gate to boot! Difficult choice though. So many outstanding stories, although that's usually the norm these days! Don't know how Sandra does this every week.
DeleteI entered my vote earlier, but if if it was overlooked I voted for Patricia's splendid entry, ABOMINATION.
DeleteAbomination is my favorite too. I second the vote for Patricia!
DeleteMan, this is a tough line-up to break into. Another week at triple A. My winner for this week is Bill Owens's "Crossing the Threshold"
ReplyDelete