Well, in fact the house sort of
shifted a bit. I thought ‘if I was alone in the house I’d be worried’ but, 6
a.m. and no-one in sight, I wasn’t. Twelve hours later I learned it had been
an earthquake, epicentre six miles away.
Much more vigorous and upheaving were
the stories here this week, and it’s taken several re-reads and a glass of wine
to decide Patricia gets first place for the clever ‘Back to square one’,
and John a somewhat crud-encrusted one-off, new-depths-of-depravity medal for ‘One-off’.
As mentioned as a comment, I am trying to
develop new characters and often find prompt words kick-start a trait or a plot
line, so intend to pursue them here. Anything prefaced with ‘Snap:’ is part of
that process, There’ll be little in the way of continuation, but I’ll aim to
make them entertaining. Thanks for your indulgence.
Words
for next week: decipher hare water
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 30th January,
words and winners posted Friday 31st
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.
Nice, Patricia. I knew you had a hit with your creation story. And who would think I'd get mentioned for sinking so low.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you, Patricia, and congrats on your "almost", John.
DeletePatricia, a wonderful story for the top spot and John, almost as equally excelent story for the runner up.
DeleteThank you Sandra for this high honour...and one I am happy to share with the ever-amazing John.
Deletecongrats Patricia and John, outstanding writing.
DeleteThe Bray Chronicles
ReplyDeleteCopycat killer runs amok, the New York Times reported.
Is Bartholomew Bray really dead? the watered down Chicago Tribune headline read.
Moroccan communities on high alert, the deciphered Al Maghribia article said.
Autopsy confirms: Bartholomew Bray is dead, said the Miami Herald.
Barty Reed stood over the bound and gagged delivery boy.
“I detect no cumin,” Barty said. “What is Moroccan food without cumin?”
The boy trembled, eyes wide.
“And I distinctly ordered the hare pie.” Barty proffered his razor knife like a maestro’s baton. “Where’s the hare pie?”
Few stories deserve neon signs and arrows but this is one of them.
DeleteAnd how much do headlines lie? Friday's Telegraph had "Rise in knife crime due to cuts"
Deletea steady build up to the end, not easy to do, you did it well, John!
DeleteSeems like Bart, Jr. is a chip off the old block. However, despite the headlines, I'remain unconvinced of Daddy's demise. Great serial, John.
DeleteI'm sure Barty was salivating as he read (if he read) those newspaper articles, John. You did a great job of building up the suspense in this one. It doesn't pay to be a delivery boy these days.
ReplyDeleteWho said winning isn’t everything?
ReplyDeleteThe tortoise ate hasenpfeffer at the water’s edge. He wished now for mustard. Not much of a carnivore, really.
“What?” the tortoise thought as he attempted to decipher what the radio guy was saying. “The hare lost?”
He put out the fire and piled brush over the carcass before making a run for it.
At dawn, they found him crossing the road.
He remained silent throughout the investigation. When they requested a DNA sample, he refused.
He did, though, spill his guts when they asked how he could possibly outrun such a speedy opponent. The hare was such a braggart.
Love the image of a tortoise, head cocked, listening to the radio.
DeleteYet another example of your creative brilliance, John. I always thought that tortoise had an evil mind.
Deletethat's just sheer brilliance!
DeleteThis was marvelous. I love me some storybook retelling. I had to chuckle with "At dawn, they found him crossing the road." I kind of pictured him strolling along with a chicken. How nicely this was done.
DeleteWhat an exquisite twist on the classic story, hm, maybe more signs and arrows for this. I'm worried about how high the bar now is.
ReplyDeleteBeyond Barriers
ReplyDeleteLonely shadows of the night.
Through salty water veils
We gaze at each other.
Deciphering dreamers sleep
As dawn comes haring after nights edge.
Autumn leaves dance with the wind.
The veil parts our hands entwine.
We both meow on this Hallows Eve.
You unzip my belt.
I remove your lace teddy.
Into bed we crawled
While time measuring tapers burn.
As dreamers rapture, love we recapture
for both living and dead.
We rock our lonely night’s shadows,
bodies exhausted we share one last kiss.
I say, thank you, for loving me one more time.
Great opening line. And the rest wasn't too shabby either. Nice hope filled poetry.
DeleteVery impressive visualizations, Jeffrey. Lovely composition too.
DeleteWow! Vivid, powerful and beautiful, Jeffrey.
ReplyDeleteVernacularism
ReplyDeleteHare-brained schemes landed us in hot water. That's what comes of being naive as a babe in the woods. In short, we certainly barked up the wrong tree and failed miserably to decipher a perceived code of ethics for what it truly was...a web of lies. Innocent lambs to the slaughter!
So now we find ourselves left in the cold, attempting to keep the wolf from the door. Needs must dictate we bite the bullet but unfortunately, we've gone from tight to turncoat. From civilized to cannibalized.
For example, last night we had lady fingers.
You figure it out.
Based on just the effort to create this little diddy, you deserve consideration. Te fact of how well it came out is even more reason.
DeleteA round of applause from me for this clever and well-structured piece.
DeleteDesperate times call for desperate measures. However... what's next for these cannibals? A most entertaining entry, Patricia.
DeleteIt seems the wolves will continue to pound at the door of these well-meaning connoisseurs, ethical or not. The fingers, I'm sure, would be the most palatable parts... hate to think of the innards and what to do with them.
Deletethis is coldly horrific and classy at the same time.
DeleteChange of focus [361
ReplyDeleteInterspersed with noisily-swallowed mouthfuls of water, Pettinger brought a speedily dressed-for-work Sally up to date. ‘Some prat re-enacting bollocking Burke and Hare ¬–‘
Both turned at Aleks’ gasp, hearing avidity rather than horror in his, ‘That’s killing people to cut them up!’
‘Suffocating them, aye. When did you learn Scottish history?’
Aleks deciphered his father’s attempted diversion, his, ‘Can I come?’ both scornful and expectant.
Then common sense kicked in. He realised he’d become a problem to be solved. A spare, unplaceable part. With too-well practised nonchalance, he said, ‘Give us a tenner and the door keys, I’ll be fine.’
Burke and Hare... sounded familiar, but a quick search confirmed my suspicions. Very dark, indeed. That Aleks is quite astute.
Deletethere's a lot in this instalment, lots to think on how and opening it up for the next set of instalments too.
DeleteBurke and Hare. Now there's some characters to ponder upon. Love how you wove that infamous pair into the story. "Give us a tenner." What an absolutely delightful line. This just gets better and better.
DeleteIll-met by moonlight? [Threshold 285]
ReplyDeleteWith the same surprise by which one changes one’s initial deciphering of a shape, from, for example, the more commonly-seen rabbit to that of hare, I realised this man was from Before. Not because he was old – he’d need be into three figures and certainly was not that! – but because he was civilised. Wore well-kept clothes that fitted him. Not easy, given his height.
But rather than give thought to my safety, I instead regretted what I wore was not just filthy – water, when encountered, was for drinking! – but ugly. Unflattering.
And though younger in years, I felt ancient. Undesirable.
Our heroine certainly meets some interesting people. Luckily, I'm certain she cleans up well, so the stranger will undoubtedly be intrigued by her. Another obstacle for Raven when he decides to come back.
Delete"Man from Before." It just don't get no more enigmatic than that. I'm still hoping that one of these days the heroine of the piece will grace us all with her given name. Beautifully composed last line.
DeleteSuch a creative entry, Sandra. To use the word "Before" to indicate an earlier era is a very telling choice, I enjoyed this - well done!
ReplyDeleteintriguing, it's as if your choice of words led you into these intricate instalments, Sandra!
DeleteMeans To An End
ReplyDeleteEstelle deciphered Mueller's intentions. Lustful eyes. Mouth watering with anticipation. Tonight, she would grant his fantasy, but consummation would cost him. He could have her...for a price. She returned tight-lipped. He'd had been brutal and barbaric but she had her reward. Nothing else mattered.
She carried the twins outside, where they could look at the hare in the moon until their eyes finally closed. She draped them with a shawl, hiding ulcerated wounds where they had been sewn together along the spine. Their suffering was over.
Estelle held the vial to the light, thankful that sufficient morphine remained for her.
Wow! Did Muller sow her lips shut? She rescued the twins from this sadistic monster as even death is preferable to being joined at the spine.Very macabre, spine tingling and sad.
DeleteTalk about a lose-lose situation... Very dire and very well done, Patricia. Your mind is very creative.
DeleteSo vividly gruesome, Patricia. I do hope Estelle got satisfaction from this encounter.
DeleteSad to say, this is based partly on fact. During Hitler's regime, Romani twins were sewn together at the spine to see how long they could survive. Those mothers who lived long enough to be eventually liberated were offered, as compensation, what amounted to $5.00 for each child.
DeleteThat it is based on fact - and that you have now given us details barely grasped before - makes it all the more horrific. Man's inhumanity to man knows no bounds.
Deletedefinitely chilling and then you read the history - such horror, such sadness that we can do that to one another.
DeleteENOUGH ALREADY!
ReplyDelete"When is a rabbit not a rabbit?"
Please... not another senseless joke!"
"Lighten up, Nick. What's the answer?"
"I can't decipher lunacy, Joanne!"
"When it has a hare lip! Get it... H A R E lip!"
"DAMN! That one's worse than your water jokes!"
"Oh, I have a new one! Why does a fish cross the ocean?"
"Spare me, will you!?"
"To get to the other TIDE! Get it?"
"Yeah! And I can't take IT any longer!"
I switched off the tape recorder and wondered: Can you miss someone you've killed?
"God... that sounds like one of her stupid jokes."
Ah, those tender romantic tapes. This is a very good story, Jim. Loved how smoothly you wove the prompts in.
DeleteI was about ready to kill her myself... I'm glad Nick beat me to it. I love how he now listens to her tapes. You create the most interesting murders, Jim. Nicely done.
DeleteMy family tell me I have no sense of humour. Sometimes I think that's no bad thing.
Deletecleverly woven story, Jim, one all of us can empathise with, no doubt.
DeleteMarvelously entertaining. Question: Can you miss someone you've killed? Answer: In some instances, most certainly. I loved this...such an imaginative piece.
DeleteBump in the Night #5
ReplyDeleteThe Graveyard had arrived at the house and was examining what happened.
“Mr. Tanner, you claim your deceased wife touched you? Was she wearing gloves?”
“No and yes, it was tingly like very cold yet dry water. How’s Mary doing?”
“She’ll be okay. Where did you get that hare fetish?”
“Mary made it for me. “
“Sergeant Kent,” said an inspector.
“Yes, agent Green.”
“Look at these symbols.” As he gestured to triskelion shaped markings on the floor.
“Get pictures for the lab to decipher.”
“Sargent Kent,” Jim said.
“Yes.”
“Where did my ex-wife's bustier and whip go?”
During all this, his one thought is, 'where's the whip?'
DeleteI do believe the ex will be back, with more titillating exploits. Nice work, Jeffrey.
Tanner best not let his guard down, I'm curious about the symbols.
Delete"Bustier." Now there's a word you don't often hear and one that conjures a most exotic image. Again, your skill at dialogue shines through.
DeleteSnap: behind the smile
ReplyDeleteWeekly meeting. Hettie setting out jugs of water, lemon and ice despite December. Self-important John head of the table, sole representative of the previous generation since Theo’s father retired. Stick in the mud and knee-jerk scathing of every innovation Theo introduced; eager to incorporate whatever hare-brained scheme his sons suggested. Toad-pouched eyes now screwed as he attempted to decipher Theo’s deliberately-scrawled addition to today’s agenda.
Seven of them. Soon to be eight. Vic had pipped him to the post with Isobel by weeks; she eighteen mid-January, his son Rob the first of Feb.
Theo needed John gone. Sooner the better.
Being the competent, yet lowly relative in the family business is most certainly difficult... under normal condition. I see another story below, which I look forward to getting at.
Deletethere's some serious nasties being generated here!
DeleteI'm unable to voice how much this serialization is enjoyable and intriguing. How you manage to juggle so many balls with such expertise week after week is enviable. Do I actually look green, I wonder?
DeleteSnap: Friday morning
ReplyDeleteThe damp chill of a December morning failed to spoil Theo’s pleasure as he exited his flat above Golden Hare Books. He regretted not spending more time there but had always known it would be a long-term investment. Turning left, he passed beneath the stone archway, once entrance to Stockbridge Market, and headed towards Water of Leith, its rushing force heard before he reached it.
Stockbridge being a friendly place, he registered the two men turning round to face him as he approached but took too long to decipher, against the winter-low sun, expressions that suggested ‘long-term’ might be optimistic.
Uh oh, Theo might have his hands full with these two. Theo wants John gone, but John also has an agenda - good introduction of conflict. Theo's flat and the surroundings work well with developing his character, puts some sympathetic legitimacy toward him.
DeleteBetter think fast, Theo. Sounds like you really stepped in it this time. Nicely done, Sandra.
DeleteI especially like the opening line, it sets the scene without overdoing it, we know those damp chilly December mornings.
DeleteI agree with Antonia. Some superb scene setting here with an understated tone that still sets things up for what is to come.
DeleteThe Cambion Proposal: #9
ReplyDeleteUxbex walked through the crowded tavern, to a table, with one occupied chair.
“Greetings old friend sit with you may I,” Uxbex asked.
“I saved it for you, care for some hare stew,” the man said. “Is that a Doryodaisatta mask of protection?”
“Yes, and protection speaking of, puzzling cipher name was. Made water uphill flow, it did. Lathark; translated- harken to my wall.”
“Humans need our help right now. A war is coming. You say evil and good, I believe law and chaos.”
“Manipulating humans using subterfuge, right isn’t.”
“Letting them die is?”
An interesting conversation, Jeffrey. I enjoy Uxbex's Yoda-like speech patterns.I wish them well in their quest.
DeleteYour muse is in overdrive this week, Jeffrey. Yet another worthy contribution for our reading pleasure.
DeleteA curious thought that we humans are being manipulated by an alien species. I hope they know what they are doing. Well done, Jeffrey!
ReplyDeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Ninety Two) - "Faye Sealy And Her Guardian Grotto"
ReplyDeleteFaye Sealy's Grotto was a haven for children, particularly those who found themselves unwanted and unloved. Within a sanctuary of magical woodlands, flowering meadows and sparkling waterfalls, little ones could find animated storybook characters...March Hare, Bumpy Dog, Jemima Puddle-Duck and many others...to delight and fascinate.
The mystical hieroglyphics above the Grotto's entrance promised enchantment, but were decipherable only to guiltless souls. Many young visitors to the Grotto decided to stay where, given time, bruises of the flesh and spirit could heal.
Such innocents were rarely missed by those under whose care they should have flourished.
--------------------------------------------------------
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: Faye Sealy and her Grotto have featured in previous episodes.
Unsettling in the extreme, Patricia, something you have honed to perfection.
DeletePerhaps but I read it from the other side of the coin. Such innocents were rarely missed as they needed more care. Then again maybe Volpe and Felinet are in charge. Either way a very good story.
DeleteKudos to Faye Sealy for providing the haven for unwanted children. Those story characters, though, can sometimes be a little scary. Can you imagine running into The Queen of Hearts and being ordered decapitated? Great concept, Patricia.
Deletethere's a joy that the children are taken care of, and a sadness that they had to be taken care of, wrapped in the same instalment.
DeleteI dearly hope that the grotto is indeed a haven for the kiddos. Still, I have my doubts. This was a very enjoyable read, Patricia... so well crafted.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 218 - Hamnet's Quandry/Part Two
ReplyDeleteHamnet skittered to a halt before the imposing figure of the Station Master. A puddle of tepid water and limp tea leaves that had leaked (and continued to leak) from the overturned urn swirled about his new white plimsolls. They would be ruined and his mother would be furious.
"Where are we off to in such a rush my fine fellow?" asked the Station Master. His tone was undecipherable. Might have been cordial. Might have been threatening.
Hamnet, anxious and fearful, was unable to respond.
"Time to run with the hares or hunt with the hounds," advised the Station Master.
--------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
what a choice... who would want to decide?? another good instalment, Patricia!
DeleteHow could you possibly know what plimsolls are? Never heard of such a thing, until I looked it up. That Station Master is certainly multi-layered. I do believe Hamnet is considering running with the hares at the moment. Very enjoyable, Patricia.
DeleteThis a wonderfully evoked moment; the Station Master's voice utter perfection.
DeleteFor John: Known today as "sneakers" or "trainers," all such shoes were referred to as plimsolls when I was a schoolgirl...back in the distant day. We even carried them to school for gym class in something known as a "plimsoll bag."
DeleteAh, yes Patricia - I remember them well, AND the gloomy cloakroom where I used to hang the bag ...
DeleteA light and airy chapter, Patricia and a fork in the road for Hamnet.
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (82)
ReplyDeleteWater’s not a good word this past week, managed to spill two lots onto the kitchen floor. Good job there’s no carpet down… hands are not good when the weather is cold and damp. Still not that many customers, small purchases only. We have a few bits of new stock so I launched a sale of older bits, the challenge is to sell something each day. There is a list but I can’t decipher my writing, looks like a hare scampered over the paper. So far, though, sales on two days. Much needed, Shaun and I are flat broke!
Maybe if I include 'sales' or 'money' for next week, Antonia, things will look up. At least January is nearly over.
DeleteThe one good thing about a major spill is it encourages cleaning. Not that your kitchen needed it, but in my experience, it forces one to move things around that you might not otherwise move, facilitating a better cleaning job.
DeleteI'm sorry it's at your expense, but I love the term flat broke. It really tells it like it is.
Love the image of a hare scampering over the paper. I've always been fond of the word "scamper." Again, another amazing use of weaving the prompt words into the everyday workings of a little "curiosity shop."
DeleteWhen one is down, it's best to look up. Your somber mood is exquisitely expressed in this entry, Antonia.
DeleteThe Mad Italian (141)
ReplyDeleteThe final drafts of the Brexit agreement are being deciphered; the 31st January comes upon us with the speed of a powerboat on the water. The hare has been set free, the hunters left far behind. The sense of freedom is palpable among those aware of atmospheres. There is so much to do, in the EU and the UK, to tidy up loose ends and face the future with a positive attitude. The sadness of the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust has come, been acknowledged and allowed to go. We must look forward. It is the only way to go.
As ever, I applaud your ability to incorporate each and every prompt so smoothly, especially "The hare has been set free, the hunters left far behind".
DeleteI too enjoyed 'The hare has been set free...' comment. Now it's up to the hare not to let the hunters catch up. Of course, there are a lot of hares and a lot of hunters.
DeleteI had no idea about the Holocaust Anniversary. Weird that I should choose this week to put together a relevant tale. Something intuitive perhaps since I am descended from the European Rom on my maternal grandmother's side. I can't even begin to understand what is taking place in my home country, but I'm grateful for Leonardo's updates.
DeleteThe Rathskeller
ReplyDeleteThe Rathskeller (open 24/7), first port of call for newcomers, is the neighborhood watering hole. I'm the General Manager. We offer an extensive range of cocktails and a variety of imported beers. Jugged Hare with Creamy Mash and Steamed Greens (served tableside) is The Rathskeller's signature dish.
I'm also responsible for maintenance of the neon sign that hangs over the door, replacing luminous tubes as necessary. The design is aesthetically pleasing: Lasciate Ogni Speranza, Voi Ch'Entrate.
Don't know what it means.
Don't even know what language it is.
But one day, I'll decipher it and find out what it says.
Beauty of Italian is, even if you're discussing your piles it sounds wonderful to the foreign ear.
DeleteThis slightly surreal and smacks of the dark.