We’ve some good friends visiting
from Alabama this week – a mini writing group – and although time to properly read and judge has been in
short supply, my early rising has enabled me to pick, from among this week’s
offerings of, as Patricia says, depravity – Holly’s ‘Keeping the peace’ as this week’s winner. I’m sort of
covering my eyes in anticipation of what you will make of this week’s prompts.
Words
for next week: bullock odour tangent
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 31st October,
words posted Friday November 1st
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, Holly. This series gets better every week. I forgot the name of the pleasure house, Wren something, but it was a great setting for this episode.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm honored to be picked this week. :)
Delete@John Very close! The Golden Wren. :)
Nicely done, Holly. Very well deserved win. I love how the quality of writing here is always so high.
DeleteYour entry was certainly deserving of the top spot, Holly. Way to go!
Deletedefinitely a brilliant instalment, Holly, congrats on being top storyteller!
DeleteBirdbrain
ReplyDeleteBrittany threw her makeup brush at the mirror. Sandra Bullock she was not. Her beak had grown an inch overnight and her stiff, pointed tongue could barely form words.
A caw emitted from her mouth as odiferous waifs emitted from her gizzard. Sure, she could fly; tangential patterns and sweeping dives - everything she had dreamed of since she was a little girl. The flying was great, but this beak thing and the pesky feathers poking through her skin was not what she bargained for.
If she got her hands on that goddamn genie, there’d be hell to pay.
Ingenious, John. I marvel at your creativity and your ability to exercise it in such short order.
DeleteOuch to Jim's 'ingenious', but I'm similarly in awe at your imagination. And more than a little freaked out at the idea of discovering myself to be a bird.
Deletevery much 'be careful what you wish for' - very nicely done!
DeleteSuch a unique use of the prompt words. And what amazing visuals this does conjure. I have a feeling that genie will be in for something of a head-pecking when Brittany does catch up with him.
DeleteAN APPETIZER
ReplyDeleteThe odor was repulsive but not unexpected, for the scores of naked men filing in a tight tangent line through the showers hadn’t bathed in months. They were Dregs – the outcasts, derelicts and other human debris of the province that were rounded up each year for the Bullock Ritual.
The crowd of government officials and other invited functionaries screamed its vile insults as the men were herded toward the removal stations in the arena.
Following castration, the men would be humanly euthanized.
That night at the state-sponsored formal dinner, their steamed testicles would provide tasty appetizers before the main meal.
At first I was wondering, why castrate them, then kill them. Then I found out.
DeleteThis was highly entertaining, somewhat disturbing and very well written. You tell very complex stories in just a few words: quite the talent, Jim.
Yes, same here, the wondering and then the gruesome realisation. Truly, magnificently nasty.
Deletevery nasty, very visual, Jim you have a distorted mind and I like what it produces!
DeleteYet another amazing use of the prompts and somewhat horrific visuals...meant in the nicest possible way, of course. I assume the diners are aware of what the tasty appetizers consist of. At least the victims got to be humanly euthanized...or so we are led to believe anyway.
DeleteEndangered Species
ReplyDeleteYi entered the room. In his spindly fingers a sealed bag containing a magazine with a picture of Sandra Bullock on the front cover. It exuded the faint apocalyptic odour of ash.
“Another artefact for our museum,” said Yi.
He shook his bulbous head mournfully. “Your species took such a destructive tangent.”
“I’m to be one of the exhibits?” asked Reynolds.
Yi blinked vertically over huge ovoid eyes. “You are to join the other abductees on the ark. A mate has been selected for you. Our aim is a reversal of the self-inflicted trajectory of Homo Sapiens toward extinction.”
Heck of an ending, David! From what looms ahead for us, we might be better off extinct.
DeleteThe faint odour of apocalyptic ash was all we needed to know what happened. Nice touch. I always wondered how the two animals from each species knew to come to the arc. If I'd been there, I would have been trying like heck to be one of the chosen.
Deleteclever storyline, David, very clever.
DeleteSciFi is something I am horribly lacking in creating. This was a wonderful example of what I'm unable to accomplish. I like the ark reference and indication of an already-selected mate.
DeleteAdmire you guys who've already come up with magnificent stories. I just can't seem to tie the words together in any way that makes sense this week. I hate to admit defeat since pulling off that achievement is part of the challenge, but I may just have to throw in the towel on this one!
ReplyDeleteI see an entry below from you... I knew you'd get your s--t together.
DeleteI've learnt not to read other entries before I make an effort - so demoralising otherwise.
Deleteme too, Sandra!!
DeleteGood advice, Sandra, and one I usually follow. I just initially had a really difficult time working "bullock" into anything that sprang readily to mind. Still not entirely sure I managed to pull it off but at least I managed to squeeze out something...
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Eighty Four) - "Worth A Thousand Words"
ReplyDeleteSpecial Kursaal attraction on Halloween involved pictures taken in front of the Haunted Mansion. There were several available backdrops: Deadwood's Bullock Hotel; Winchester Mystery House; and Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum.
Distinctive odours permeated Jasper Joad's Mansion on Allhallows Eve: bitter almonds; tobacco smoke; and the metallic smell of blood. Distant screams and faint organ music heightened the ominous atmosphere.
Patrons often requested refunds, complaining other unsettling figures (some wielding threatening weapons) appeared in their developed photographs, but Jasper was very good at diverting such demands off on a tangent.
The Mansion's maestro was always loath to return money.
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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: Jasper Joad and his Haunted Mansion have featured in previous episodes.
Jasper should charge extra for the supernatural photo bombs. Nicely done, Patricia. The combination of odours worked well to create something sinister.
DeleteI heard something about a Halloween haunted house somewhere that requires the patrons to have a physical before buying a ticket. That must be one scary haunted house.
Since they got more than they paid for they should be happy. Shouldn't they?
DeleteThis sounds like an attraction to avoid - Halloween notwithstanding. Introducing evil specters in photos is a great idea.
DeleteI'm very taken with the idea of supernatural photo bombs - why would anyone complain?
DeleteThe Bray Chronicles
ReplyDeleteThe odor of stale popcorn permeated the festive air. This damnable Kursaal was driving Bartholomew Bray crazy. Nothing as it should be.
“Bullocks,” a familiar voice said from the crowd. It can’t be, he thought. Pettinger? He wanted no part of this formidable foe.
Bartholomew made a tangent for the entrance, which of course wasn’t where he’d originally entered. He cursed as twelve oddly dressed women and a goat blocked his way.
He turned and sprinted away, hoping to find a rear exit. If he was lucky he’d catch the 7:15 at Cripplegate and get the hell out of here.
Ha! Really clever - and I'm relieved I resisted the temptation to mis-quote Pettinger.
DeleteThat's the beauty of stealing someone's character.. you can say bullocks instead of bollocks and get away with it (or maybe not).
DeleteHa! Lovely twist on the situation!
DeleteThis was such a marvelous way to include The Prediction's serializations into one nice tight little package. You'll have to let me know if the 7:15 from Cripplegate actually ever left the station.
DeleteIt didn't.
DeleteNo surprise there...!!!
DeleteChange of focus [350]
ReplyDeleteAleks re-examined his father’s face. ‘You’re bleeding too –‘
‘It’s nothing –‘
His nose wrinkled. ‘And you smell. Like you’ve herded bullocks.’
‘Better bullocks than the odour of pot pourri.’
Aleks’ struggled with the tangent. ‘”Popery”?’
‘Not Catholics. It’s dried –‘
Aleks’ shriek halted him. ‘Sally’s come!’
Pettinger wasn’t the only one to look round. All eyes snapped to Sally Vicksen – now DS – in time to catch her blushing. Back to Pettinger. Speculation flared. But if she could release his son from the nightmares of the recent past, he’d cope with any amount of prurient speculation.
Hopefully, so would she.
Aleks sure is glad to see Sally. I suspect the two will get along nicely and I'm sure Pettinger will enjoy that time as well (and maybe attract more blushes). I enjoyed the Popery remark.
Deleteagree with John, the Popery remark came in well there!
DeleteAs always a brilliantly crafted installment that moves the story forward. Always a treat to see interaction between Pettinger and Aleks.
DeleteBreakfast-table conversation [Threshold 275]
ReplyDeleteBeyond the kitchen, beyond the clang of the silver dome as Raven covered the welcome breakfast, the house held itself in taut-wired silence.
I whispered, ‘I think we should leave.’
He looked up, questioning. Read my concern but before he replied another thought sent me off on a tangent.
‘What of Torc-man?’
‘Dead.’
‘So that you could bed Lolita?’
A stare of repugnance.
’How did you find me?’
‘Wishbone well-knew Tosca’s odour. She welcomed him much as you did me. He, having escaped a bullock’s fate, obliged.’
I blushed, ‘As you did me. Where is Tosca now?’
A grin. ‘Resting.’
This is a goodie, Sandra. The taut-wired silence in the house tells me trouble might be brewing, as usual with these two. At least they, and the horses were able to enjoy a little romantic time. Loved how you used bullocks.
DeleteNice correlation between the bedroom goings-on and the stable shenanigans. That grin just about says it all.
Delete'A grin'... a phrase full of possibility and wonderment. This was an enjoyable read, Sandra.
ReplyDeleteagree, excellent read.
DeleteDuality
ReplyDeleteAn odourous war. Is there any other kind? Innocents who answer the call of duty and surrender as bullocks to the scalpel.
In the midst of murky meandering tangents, separated from their squadrons, two soldiers stand fast across a meadow of wasted lives, each now the other's target.
Green-eyed blond.
Green-eyed redhead.
Opposite sides of the coin.
In another time and place, they might be brothers.
Duty versus compassion.
Obvious risk versus dubious guarantee.
One rifle raised.
One rifle lowered.
A single shot breaks the silence
And two young men pray God to have mercy on their souls.
Wow, how do you follow that?
DeleteNot a hint of problems with the prompts there - and this a stark, impactful, thought-provoking and beautifully-written piece.
DeleteDuty versus compassion kinda says it all. I was so hoping for compassion. Great lines, Patricia.
DeletePowerfully poignant and brilliant, Patricia.
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (69)
ReplyDeleteThe weather is – wintry, I need my wonter coat! But that’s going off at a tangent, tis the shop which matters. Compliments on the window, the British Legion rep was visibly moved. Did she smell the odour of the battlefield, I wonder? It’s been bitty otherwise, good days, bad days. Children crashing around the shop like human bullocks doesn’t help. Lots of tidying up when they’re gone. Shaun’s not limping as much; but the van needs radical welding and repairs Good items have arrived and next week, another clearance visit, a chance to find something exciting. Life ticks on…
I bet going in search of treasures is an exciting endeavour indeed. Sorry to hear about the van though. Car repairs are always so expensive.
DeleteLoved the children as human bullocks reference, and the battlefield odour. Sigh ... this is going to be another near-impossible week to select a winner...
DeleteLife ticks on... yes it does. A great way to end this piece. The van must have seen better days to be in need of radical welding. But a shop such as this needs an eclectic vehicle I would think.
DeleteThe Mad Italian (128)
ReplyDeleteAnd so, like blinded by rage bullocks in a field, the clashes go on, questions go off at a tangent, the odour of importance impregnates the chamber. Another election, more waste of time, of money, of energy and most of all, of precious news for those whose businesses depend on the outcome of the stupid situation. It is still my contention that the UK will be better off outside the Union, for they are too busy being friendly with one another to actually conduct business in a way that would benefit all. Would anyone listen if I spoke? No.
Of course not. When in history has anybody ever been prepared to listen to the voice of reason? Seamless incorporation of the prompts. A touch of Leonardo genius there...
DeleteI knew the Italian wouldn't remain non-political for long. It's always been assumed, but I think this is the first time he's come right out and said he's against the union. I still think the politicians should visit Prediction and read these pieces.
DeleteWe were in Italy when the referendum result was announced - the Italians ecstatic at the result. Returning, an unsmiling Customs official at Schipol airport said "In or out?" and smirked when I said "Out".
DeleteI watched some of the goings-on in Parliament on BBC, and the discord rivals the disgusting shenanigans that regularly occur in our halls of Congress.
DeleteCause and Effect
ReplyDeleteThe nuclear telescope atop Ponderosa Peak does not lie. Only those who interpret the data can do that. Lawrence calculates the inverse tangent of the arcing stratosphere and concludes we are screwed. If only he could blame the odorous flatulence of herding bullocks, or the fluctuations in earth’s climate since the beginning of time. But, alas, he cannot.
He picks up his cell phone and tweets his boss. Donald is not going to like this.
Then Donald will just have to live with it. Wish I could see his face when the news is delivered. Great little tale and great title.
DeleteFlatulent bullocks!! - one of those conjunctions I wish I'd thought of!
DeleteYour incredible imagination shines once again, John!
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 209 - One Man's Meat...
ReplyDeleteUpon hearing Dining Car staff had returned, the Grande Dame demanded a menu. The white-coated waiter who brought the bill of fare, instead of expanding on comestibles available, went off on a tangent about how he served Czar Nicholas on the Orient Express. The unimpressed Grande Dame silenced him with a decided "Hrumphh".
Donning pince-nez, she studied the carte du jour. Written in French, of course. Her nose wrinkled with disgust. She immediately recognized the meaning of testicules de taureau and was well aware of the offensive odour accompanying the appetizer.
Bullocks' testicles indeed!
What WAS the world coming to?
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To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
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The Grand Dame ever a favourite of mine. Such a vividly-drawn scene.
DeleteI wish she would have ate some before she realized what it was. There's always something satisfying about that, especially when it happens to someone perhaps a little stuffy. I know this is very tangential, but once my brother drank from a Mountain Dew bottle that a colleague had used as a urinal. I know it's gross, but it was side-splittingly funny when he sprayed a mouthful into the air.
DeleteSeems as though the stuffy Grande Dame had better catch up with the modern world. A very novel and entertaining read, Patricia.
Delete