It’s best part of twenty-five years
since our kitchen was last refurbished, and then my new-retired husband did it.
(while I went out to work). This week two men, plus plasterer and electrician,
have got on with it with far greater efficiency, while I am marooned upstairs. So,
no excuse not to read and fully ponder on this week’s entries.
No easier to place one, however
slightly, above the rest and I’m relieved that you recognise the difficulty.
This week David’s ‘The Last Noel?’
rose to the top of the pile – tight writing and a heart-rending tale.
Words for next week: satchel
liberty scrub
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 5th September,
words posted Friday 6th
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.
Congrats David! The Last Noel was an excellent poignant story.
ReplyDeleteEchoing Holly's comments here. Very well done David. Magnificent story.
DeleteI enjoyed Last Noel. An innovative apocalyptic tale. Good going, David.
Deletemany congrats, David, superb story
DeleteSecret Cache
ReplyDeleteSatchels are useful things. Little girls with bouncy ponytails and freshly scrubbed faces carry books and pencils and crayons in satchels as, with equally bouncy step, they make their way to school.
I have a lovely collection of satchels.
I'm not at liberty to divulge where.
Oh, Patricia, how wonderfully awful. Starting us off with a bouncy bang.
DeleteCreepy in a cover-my-ears way, to blot out the insidiousness of the voice. Powerful indeed, espegially for its size.
Deleteall the impact of a 2000 word story! wonderful stuff.
DeleteHorribly creepy and that first line begins to take on several meanings.
DeleteCheaper than hanging
ReplyDeleteIt’s funny, they make me wear scrubs. I mean, who the hell cares? The paraphernalia satchel is open, the contents neatly arranged. I inject the first syringe into the death tree portal.
“Give me liberty, or give me death!” says the sweating inmate.
Really freaking original, bud. I inject the second syringe and look up at the empty viewing gallery. A real winner, this one.
The inmate pulls at his restraints as the third syringe depresses and I slip the canvas bag over his struggling head.
Liberty or death?
Jesus, pal, it’s the same damn thing. I pull the switch.
'it's the same damn thing'... a great take on liberty or death. An excellent entry, John!
DeleteYes indeed, and I'm sure the narrator sleeps sound in his bed at night.
DeleteOh I like this!
Delete"Death tree portal" is one vivid image that sets the scene with amazing clarity. This initially comes across as detached, but the underlying message cannot be denied. I have a feeling this executioner rather enjoys his profession.
Delete'Death tree portal' had my mind spinning towards some fantastic element. Original and chilling. I'm curious what this person is up to when not performing sanctioned executions.
DeleteQuestions [Threshold 265]
ReplyDeleteHow had Raven known where to come? How had he achieved his liberty from Torc Man? Had he had Lolita before he left?
How had Torc Man’s other victims (so I believed) known he was coming? Where had they hid the dresses – Liberty-print demure, in contrast to the expression in their eyes – they, now well-scrubbed up, wore? (I’d seen no sign of suitcase, satchel or any other luggage.)
Not-so-Daffy definitely said ‘family home’, so not a whorehouse. Probably. (Unless mama was a Madame; daddy a hard-eyed pimp.)
Slowly, Raven’s eyes judged each of them.
Returned to me.
Found me wanting.
Sandra, this is great. The MC is asking all the right questions, which I also want to know. It's nice having Raven back. I get the feeling that the MC is not as forlorn as she thinks she in in Raven's eyes.
Deletequestions are always good, especially when capped with those cutting last lines...
DeleteLove that this episode was interspersed with so many questions. Ones that I'm sure we're all asking. I think it would take more than simply outer finery to truly catch the eye of Raven. He is a man of much depth.
DeleteRaven is a very fascinating character seen through her eyes. I'm also wondering if his rejection is just in her imagination.
DeleteTurned Tables
ReplyDeleteScullery maid: floors to scrub, pots to scour, fowl to pluck and fish to scale. Liberty restricted to every other Wednesday afternoon and once-a-month Sundays. Far from the ideal job, particularly for those used to the finer things of life...not to mention prized personal possessions now reduced to being stored in threadbare canvas satchels.
Anastasia and Drizella had really hoped Cinderella would be more forgiving.
Such sharp, vivid use of language, Patricia, and one hell of a great last line!
DeleteSounds more logical than glass slippers, for sure.
DeleteAha, I knew it. Now for the stepmother's fate...
DeleteVery entertaining, Patricia.
a terrific twist on the old tale!
DeleteEverything comes back around! Can't say I blame Cinderella. :) You skillfully said just enough to paint the perfect picture without giving too much away.
DeleteChange of focus [343]
ReplyDeleteThe evidence bag! If whoever halted him and now deployed his left hand to scrabble for it in Pettinger’s coat pocket, they’d be disappointed. Pettinger had long ago got fed up with the frequency with which such bags, over-hastily sealed, leaked, requiring frequent scrubbings of pocket linings and had got into the habit of wearing a discreet leather bag – an upmarket satchel, marketed as ‘man bag’ – beneath his overcoat. Although the man was welcome to liberate a shitty nappy, this one, if that was all they had, was too important to lose.
Pettinger turned. Accurately kneed him in the balls.
Cringe city... the ball kneeing. He shouldn't have messed with Pettinger's man bag.
Deletethis is a very good instalment, conjuring all sorts of images that I can do without but never mind, it's a good read...
DeleteOh my word, Pettinger. You never fail to live up to my expectations.
DeleteThat's amazing and very smart. :) Love the contrast of the man 'scrabbling' for his pocket and how calm Pettinger is with the knee to the balls.
DeleteGive Me Your Huddled Masses
ReplyDelete“Scrub up before you touch it,” said Bragasen.
The Satchel of Liberty contained ancient artefacts which proved humanity had not always been subservient to the automata.
It was Lindsey’s turn to move through the enclaves, spreading the word.
My job was to protect her, or kill her to protect the satchel.
Bragasen brought a basin of hot, soapy water. Lindsey removed her exoskeletal armour and trembled a little before plunging in her prosthetic hands. Her hybrid nature would afford her a camouflage of sorts, but the thumping of my heart would affirm my own undiluted organic provenance.
You invariably cme up with something powerful and very individual David, and this no exception.
DeleteI think Lindsey's protector would hesitate before killing her if the satchel was in jeopardy. I think he enjoyed seeing her without her exoskeletal armour. I'm dying to know the satchel's contents.
Deleteyes, me too, can we have instalment 2 and reveal all?
DeleteVery unique and reflects the most creative of imaginations. I picture this taking place underground with sparse lighting. Love the idea of exoskeletal armour. There simply has to be a follow-up...!!!
DeleteOooh this is a fascinating world! I loved the description of the 'The Satchel of Liberty' and Lindsey's exoskeletal armour and prosthetic hands. I also hope there's more to this story.
DeleteJ*U*S*T*I*C*E and then some
ReplyDeleteI tied my satchel up behind my saddle, and mounted Twister.
He laid his ears back and gave me the ol’ stink eye, but I knew he was just as glad as me for leaving shitty little Posthumous Arizona.
My liberty was expensive, but well worth the cost.
I urged twister towards the edge of town, into the scrub and sand and peace.
I hoped anyway.
Silence reigned as I made my way.
Stands to reason, as dead folks are not known for their chattiness.
Too bad none of them spoke up for my brother before they hung him.
Bastards
I very much like the 'and then some' of the title - perfectly apt for what came next.
DeleteThank you, Sandra. I wanted to evoke a question in the reader's mind with being TOO blatant.
DeleteNice, Dave. I do love a good Western. The whole town got it, it seems. This is one bad hombre.
Deletewe need a few more bad hombres at times, I loved the feel of this one. It all fits together so well.
DeleteTales with a western flavour rarely make their way into this forum. Stories like this one make them well worth waiting for. And what a magnificent final line to seal the deal.
DeleteExcellent name for a horse, and I loved the line 'My liberty was expensive, but well worth the cost.'
DeletePause between acts [Threshold 267]
ReplyDeleteWishbone, slung with fat-packed, satchel-like panniers, the like of which I’d never seen before, seemed eager to head towards me. Raven refused to grant him such liberty and reined him in. Dismounted, tethered him beneath a shady tree then strode towards us, halting only when close enough to be heard by them.
Leaving me marooned, barefoot and scared to move on the stony, thistled ground.
Addressing Not-so-Daffy by name (How come he knew that?’) he said ‘A room? With shower?’
Five pairs of eyes lit up.
Eyes unreadable, he looked round at me. ‘You can come and scrub my back.’
As much as I don't care for Raven's aloof attitude at the moment, I'm glad for his choice for back scrubber. You know what back scrubbing often leads to, I'm sure.
Deletestony, thistled ground, what a great description and again, moving the story on in style.
DeleteOooohhh. What a treat...a second installment in one week. I knew Raven would not be so easily dissuaded from his true goal. Our protagonist will not refuse his request, of course? Right? But what happened to episode 266? Is it a case of misnumbering or did that infernal internet chasm devour it?
DeleteMis-numbering I'm afraid - no matter how careful it keeps happening - sorry.
DeleteNo need for apologies, Sandra. Just wanted to be sure I hadn't missed out on anything.
DeleteEqually intriguing and frustrating. :) I loved the line 'Leaving me marooned, barefoot and scared to move on the stony, thistled ground.'
DeleteFIRST PITCH
ReplyDeleteSatchel Paige, Gene Maddox frequently reminded himself, first pitched a MLB game at age 41. But at 35, Gene’s goal of reaching the majors was evaporating. A shoulder injury slowed his fastball and his once-prized arm regularly turned stiff as the Statue of Liberty’s. He became a minor-league scrub, a mop-up pitcher.
“Just one game,” he often prayed. “Hell, just one pitch!”
Then came the call.
*** Relishing the moment, Gene finally stood on a major-league mound.
His first pitch was hit soundly back at him, striking him squarely in the forehead.
He died with a smile on his face.
Ah, well ... a silver lining, no doubt.
DeleteSounds like a pretty good way to go
DeleteWell, he did say 'one pitch.' One for the record books. Entertaining tale, Jim.
Deletevery entertaining, says a lot in its few words.
DeleteWe should all meet such a joyful end. Gene Maddox is to be envied. What a wonderfully entertaining tale.
DeleteClever comparison of his arm to 'regularly turned stiff as the Statue of Liberty’s.' My husband had surgery for frequent dislocations so I'm sure he can relate to this. :) I concur, better to go during something you love than not.
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Seventy Eight) - "Decoys And Dalliances"
ReplyDeleteQuinn Underwood and Arbuthnot Jester knew they'd found the Travelling Circus when greeted by the Kissing Kiosk Kuties. In flounced skirts and lace camisoles, the coquettes drank gooseberry wine from bota satchels and encouraged Arby to join them but Quinn reminded him they were on a nobler mission.
When two figures in identical Liberty print pinafores proved to be lifesize marionettes and not the Pepperdyne Twins, Arby proposed a return to the wenches' company. Quinn was loath to scrub the suggestion, especially since several of the more comely had given her the eye.
A decision duly noted by the tracker.
---------------------------------------------------------
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: Quinn Underwood, Arbuthnot Jester and The Pepperdyne Twins, as well as the Travelling Circus and anonymous tracker, have all featured in previous episodes.
I sometimes imagine you seated before a wall of pinned-up biographies and photos of your characters, and am in awe of your ability to keep juggling them all.
DeletePure and marvelous Kursaal entertainment. I certainly wasn't surprised that the circus Kuties were drinking gooseberry wine, but the twins'apparent marionette status was a little shocking. I see a possible foursome in the near future, though, for Arby and Quinn.
DeleteLike Sandra, I too would be interested in your method of keeping all this straight in your mind.
Ah Sandra, if only I were so organized...!!!
Deleteit comes over as organised, Patricia! this instalment has vivid images and a lot of questions, always a good thing.
DeleteI enjoyed your description of the 'kuties'. Their dresses and drink choice created them quite vividly in my mind. I'm very curious about the marionettes!
DeleteLittle Old Ladies
ReplyDeleteEighty-three year old Mabel Hybank dutifully scrubbed the ledger after each Sisters of Liberty book club meeting… as any retired accountant worth her salt would do in the name of freedom. In her secret satchel, one would shudder at the contents; one being a withdrawal slip for $600,000 as payment for the assassination of a former prime minister of a country unnamed for this particular piece. According to the Sisters, it was inappropriate for the PM to publicly draw attention to a hurricane and suggest that it destroy a particular Florida resort.
oooh - who, what, when? Intriguing piece, John!
DeleteSneaky. Sneaky. So much to be read into this. I do admire your command of the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) insinuations and innuendoes. Great job as always, John.
DeleteWhere is James Bond when you need him? How skillfully you lead us to the conclusion, John.
DeleteI love the idea of old (but effective!) assassins in a book club, though I'd hate to get on their bad side!
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 203 - BackTrack
ReplyDeleteThe "Lost and Found" Custodian should have ensured the safety of his important missive by delivering it to the Station Master in one of the Royal Mail satchels abandoned at the office. Too late now. The door was locked and the key inside.
He glanced at the Station Clock and scrubbed at disbelieving eyes. A sign was now suspended from the timepiece. It bore engraved wording the Custodian recognized from the inscription beneath the Liberty Store Clock in London's Great Marlborough Street:
"No minute gone comes ever back again...."
Without warning, the hands of the clock slowly moved.
Backwards.
--------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
Something untoward seems afoot here, Patricia. I wouldn't want to be the custodian. You so smoothly build the tension in this entry.
DeleteAt least the clock hands moved finally, if not the wrong way. Strange goings on in this place, that's for sure. Nicely done.
DeleteMagic!
Deletethats a telling quote as well as being a seemingly essential part of the Cripplegate story.
DeleteCreepy, captivating, and anxiety inducing. What's coming??
DeleteLiberation [Shepherdess #6]
ReplyDeleteEyes knowing, Moses nibbled on the edge of Haera’s satchel as she scrubbed blood from her arms.
“We should have stayed in Shylan Lake,” Haera said, sitting back on her heels. She stared at her callused palms, seeing red though she’d washed it away.
“Feeling guilty?” Esdras asked, silently appearing beside her.
“No, that’s why I left. Killing feels good, righteous, and it doesn’t matter who it is.” She slid a glance sideways, catching Esdras’ black eyes. “You want a butcher.”
“Yes. Without you, the Temperian will swallow Advanteria. They’ll liberate every soul. No one will be reborn. Permanent death.”
Episodes 1-6 can be read here on my blog.
Haera acquires more facets with every episode. I enjoyed the description of her actions.
Deletethis is growing in strength week by week,.
DeleteAmazing lesson in how to keep the readers' interest from installment to installment. I agree with Antonia that this continues to grow in strength.
Delete"and it doesn't matter who it is." So casually cold-blooded, Holly. Nicely done!
DeleteA revealing, well told tale, Holly. Very enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteOn Reflection
ReplyDeleteTime has taken liberties with appearance.
Skin of polished mahogany.
Now wrinkled and creased.
An old leather satchel.
Burnished hair, liquid copper.
Once lustrous and abundant.
Now wispy, listless and drab.
Scalp of sparse withered scrubland.
But memory still recalls the glory.
Even though the mirror reveals a different story.
Ouch. But removing glasses and backlit before a mirror helps a little
Deletethis I really appreciate, conjured immediate images of grandmothers who wanted to stay looking young instead of growing old gracefully...
DeleteTime does tend to take liberties. And not only with appearance. "My aching back. Who decided to walk this far? Does the font get any larger? Didn't we have sex last month?"
DeleteThough nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, glory in the flower. We will grieve not... Really? It's hard to grieve not.
DeleteAt first I thought they were being described by someone else or an all-seeing narrator, until that line 'Even though the mirror reveals a different story.' Then it felt like a very personal examination. Aging is a strange thing.
DeleteStop the Week, I Want To Get Off (62)
ReplyDeleteThe shop next door, derelict for about 30 years, needs a scrub. The stock we bought from there needed cleaning to lose the dusty musty smell. There is a new owner… we await their efforts although the feeling is they think they’re at liberty to do what they want when they want - no work all last week.
Two tile cutters sold today. It’s been sluggish, no doubt due to ‘back to school’. No satchels, they’ve long gone. Now it’s rucksacks. The outside world has moved on but we seem to be locked in nostalgia. Tis better that way.
'Tis indeed, Antonia ...
DeleteThere is much to be said in support of nostalgia, Antonia. I'm anxious to find out who will take over that "shop next door" and what they will offer to the public.
DeleteNew neighbors are always stressful. Will they be good... pains in the asses... somewhere between? Good luck.
DeleteI'm also curious about the new shop. Hopefully it will be something interesting. I wish I had the time and money to bring a small bookshop to my town. Closest one is 20 minutes away and it's a big name.
DeleteThe Mad Italian (121)
ReplyDeleteIt is almost impossible to say when the current situation will finally climax, as it must. I will take the liberty of saying the whole thing will be resolved one way or the other this time next week, if one can scrub from their minds the nonsense shouted across the chamber and the insolence and indolence of some members. They should all be issued with satchels and forced to return to school levels, when a degree of respect was once displayed. There are problems looming and each must be dealt with properly, not by insult, shouts and general idiocy.
I've seen news clips of the chaos taking place over there, similar to that happening continuously over here.
DeleteI hope the Italian is right in that the situation will climax soon. It needs to, as he says, one way or another.
DeleteI think they could all benefit from going back to school. I wish discussions didn't often turn so ugly.
DeleteSquabbling is the apparent watchword of the day. I can sense Leonardo losing patience with all this if it continues much longer.
ReplyDelete