And yes … as predicted by John (truly, John, you’d be welcome
to share responsibilities here), this week provided some tough judging, but hand in
hand with that, of course, some fantastic reading and plenty of good-mannered,
generous and very welcome comments.
In the end I went for the marginally more breath-taking –
breath taken on reading the title – of David’s “The Water, Like a
Witch’s Oils” but assure you that John, Terrie and Patricia were
all jostling for places right behind.
Words
for next week: extract goldfinch tallow
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 23rd April,
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.
A worthy winner David. As Sandra said breath-taking from title to end. It definitely was my favourite of the week.
ReplyDeleteGood job, David. You had some admirable nipping at your heels this round. Very solid story from you.
ReplyDeleteVery worthy win, David. We sure do have a wealth of talent in this little area, that's for sure.
DeleteYours was a splendid choice for the top spot, David!
DeleteCongrats David as I said in my comments a very rich piece delivered in 100 words kudos
DeleteDavid, an excellent story for the to spot and kudos to our trio of runner-ups for their very well done entries
Deletecatching up - congrats, David -
Deleteand wanted to throw a comment in here - compared with the start of the Prediction Challenge way back when, we have far fewer regulars, but the ones we have are the cream, providing good reading and ready to leave feedback every week. Keep it going, guys, you're helping maintain a lighthouse in a drear world!
The curious cases of Dr. A. Marie Abernathy, Part 2
ReplyDeleteIn review, part 1 featured a case where a sea-glass broach was
discovered during the autopsy and became the murder weapon.”
Dr. Abernathy sipped her green tea as Detective Thorne observed over the rim of his cup.
“Any news on the broach?”
“More questions than answers,” she said.
“Spill it.”
“Manufactured from tallow extract.” Her smile was infuriating. “Basically, petrified mutton fat.”
“Any electronics?”
“We think so. Very advanced. We’re working on it.”
“What about the other, the Wilson woman?” Thorne said.
“Same thing. Goldfinch pendant… lodged in her heart. No point of entry.”
He watched as she slipped a fiver under her cup.
“I already paid at the counter,” he said.
“You didn’t tip.” She walked toward the door.
“Find out what makes these things tick.”
She turned, eyebrows furrowed. “I plan to.”
You have me hooked John, some really great detail and insights into the characters.
DeleteI’m th8nking a lot myself about these are getting lodge inside with no entry point.
The whole scene played out before me! Dr Abernethy definitely one to watch.
DeleteNice little mystery you've constructed, John. Petrified mutton fat, is a good line.
DeleteLovely little exchange revealing much about the characters in a minimum of words. I do believe that gratuity reference speaks volumes.
Deletemysteries abound and are spelled out in sharply observed dialogue. Good one.
DeleteDr. Abernathy appears to be quite the dedicated and determined gumshoe. A nice, tight, entertaining episode, John.
ReplyDeleteMutual test of trustingness [Threshold 297]
ReplyDeleteIn the shadow of the spiral staircase, previously-seen gaudiness had muted to the joyfulness of goldfinch. No hint of tallow-striped parrot plumage around the dark seed of his eyes. Instead I read involuntary softening; less challenge and more consideration in their gaze.
I veered towards him. Soft-footed closer.
He waited ‘til I placed one foot on the bottom stair.
Nodded, turned and took four steps round and upwards. Halted at a slight-curved wooden door.
Glanced back – I guessed to extract some inkling of my likely obedience – then pushed open the door, stood back and gestured me to go before him.
She's soft-footing toward another round of racy interludes, I think. The two are certainly compatible in the bedroom... a little shaky in other areas though. Thanks for this much needed anticipation during the quarantine.
DeleteLike magnets, they can attract and repulse each other. Well done narration.
DeleteI sense a union is imminent, Sandra, but still wonder if this mutual trust will produce a satisfying conclusion for both.
DeleteLikely obedience? And is it likely? I think probably so. Our (continued) nameless protagonist is so susceptible to Raven's charms. This was certainly a sexually-charged installment with, I do believe, more to come.
Deletethe whole description of climbing the stairs, soft-footed and all, is so well done!
DeleteI was once fortunate enough to be sent to West Dean College in chichester for a conference. The former home of Edward James Patron to salvador Dali. There are footprints woven into the carpet on a spiral staircase. They are an exact print of Edward James wife's feet because after she died he missed her wet footprints on the stairs when she went from their bathroom to the nursery and to their bedroom. I have often thought of the intensity of that love, and how to express it in my work. You have captured a heart stopping anticipation that I don't want to over analyse the intent but I am in awe of the craft of this episode.
DeleteQuarantined
ReplyDeleteYesterday it snowed; wet and thick, but cardinals and goldfinches fluttered at the feeder and added much needed color to the gloom. One night, I lit vanilla tallow candles and found myself pacing the floor. I had to extract my will and force myself out of my funk. Writing, once again became my salvation. And reading. I thank you all for that opportunity. The Prediction has become an essential service in my eyes.
Tonight, (4-18-2020), at 9:00 PM EST, I will prepare a generous pour of Jameson on the rocks and toast to you all.
Ah ... I'll toast you too John, but in seven hours from now, and it'll be Highland Park.
DeleteAnd I agree, thank heavens for writing, and for Prediction which calls on slightly different muscles than creating the full-fledged persona Theo Duncan is demanding.
Whoops ... confession, 1 large vodka + 2 glasses of wine imbibed a bit earlier than anticipated. So, more wine likely the later toast.
DeleteWhat a most innovative use of the prompt words to detail a scenario that I think most of us are experiencing at this moment in time. I didn't know you could be so sentimental, John. ::::wink::::
DeleteJohn, you had the same thoughts as me, mine were written before I worked my way down the comments!! It's good to know we all think the same, it means we'll all be here for some time to come. This is a lovely depiction of a need at this time. I don't drink, my solace is chocolate...
DeleteI sit here 23/04/20 22:08 BST and I raise a pint of Cromptons Cider in return to your honour good sir. Although I have several Carbuoys/demijohns of homebrewed Tea wine fermenting at the moment they are not quite ready to drink. As I've donated my art materials to my three daughters writing is my outlet, and scrubbing egg off the front of my house. Then writing about it. :)
DeleteWhat a nice compliment and you're welcome. John, your writing is very much consistently at the top of each weeks entries. For that and the learning experience it provides me, thank you. Now, if I can only apply that to my writing.
ReplyDeleteExtract, goldfinch, tallow
ReplyDeleteThe Council of Canossa 9
“Christ is Risen, my good friends,” his Holiness said as he embraced them.
“Truly, He is risen,” they replied.
“I see you brought the lavender tallowed soap. After Vespers join me for dinner and I’ll tell you what my visions mean.”
He spoke with the soothing sound of a goldfinch, easily extracting their consent. When they returned for dinner, two well-dressed men were with his Holiness.
“Please come in. Before we eat, introductions are in order. Albornoz and Vincenzo, allow me to introduce the signore’s Cola di Rienzo and Giovanni Acuto. Let’s eat, then we can talk of my vision.”
There is a nice feel to this. The dialog is realistic and easy to read. Nice use of goldfinch.
DeleteYou can almost see and sense the atmospheric details of the Vatican in this, Jeffrey. This is a lovely little serial and improves every week.
DeleteJeffrey, excellent use of the prompts and a really warm cosy feel to this piece. Oh to dine with people you don't live with. :)
DeleteExtract, goldfinch, tallow
ReplyDeleteThe Janus Door VIII
Serator looked, his eyes widened. He knelt, placing both hands inside the print, with little room to spare.
"It's as big as a bear paw."
Serator looked and saw four or five prints of similar size, leading away from their village.
"The wolf is sacred to Mars; he honors us by sending one of his personal wolves to protect us.”
oOo
“Vibius, a gift for you and some soap I made from extracted bear tallow, for us.”
Caseo handed him a pendant.
“A goldfinch, like the ones mother kept in the atrium. I’d forgotten your skill as a jeweler.”
There's something ominous about finding large animal tracks near the village. Something seems ready to pounce.
DeleteNice description of the animal tracks, provided an excellent feel for the size of the creature (or creatures) in question.
DeleteA foreboding hangs in the air, I wonder what these prints are. I can't imagine the spirirt bears are happy about extracted bear tallow.
DeleteChange of focus [373]
ReplyDeleteSwept with sudden urgency, Pettinger realised he’d wasted time. Took anger with himself out on her.
‘Real justice or the tabloid variety, from which truth and inconvenient facts have been extracted so the story can run and run, like tallow from the candles around a murderer’s bier, kinked by the foetid breath of his thwarted creditors?’
Philly Stepcart had commented on his eyes. Hers, he now noticed, as well as holding a wry sort of amusement, were not just brown, but held tiny variegations of colour, somewhat akin to a goldfinch.
Amusement also in her voice. ‘Quite the poet, Inspector.’
An unusual but well done use of goldfinch. It seems a level of mutual respect is developing. Good continuation, Sandra.
DeleteYou know, i was thinking the same thing as i read Pettinger's words, about being poetic. One thing I'm sure of though is one doesn't notice the flecks in someone's eyes unless interest is pending.
DeleteI sense something simmering between these two. A marvelous first paragraph, Sandra.
DeleteOf course she's amused by his tirade. This Philly is not one to be easily intimidated, even by Pettinger. And something tells me he's probably going to appreciate that fact.
Deletemood building, working very well, too.
DeleteSits forward in seat cradling head in hand wanting more.
DeleteI sense a frisson between these two.
The Moost Happi
ReplyDeleteEven as they extract me from this place, where the candles have dwindled to little more than pools of tallow, I maintain my dignity. I continue to avow my innocence. History will record as much and I shall be exonerated. The future will attest to my guiltlessness.
And so, I throw wide my arms and await the tickle of the sword upon my slender neck...grateful that it not be the blunted axe...while I smile and embrace the spirit of the tiny caged goldfinch that never sings until it is granted release.
This is very well done story with an interesting title. Read it several times.
DeleteI'm thinking Tudor queen, but could equally be wrong - too much channeling Hilary Mantel, perchance.
DeleteYou are spot-on, Sandra. Tudors...my favourite period of English history.
DeleteFor some reason I recalled a line from Shawshank Redemtion when Red asked all the inmates in the prison yard if they were guilty and they all maintained their innocence. But she's right that history will eventually exonerate her. But she'sprerty much screwed now.
Deletethe sword indicates Anne Boleyn, beautifully done, Patricia!
DeleteEvery since I touched a Guillotine blade at the conciergerie in paris (I was 12) I have both been fascinated and feared such a departure. This piece is excellently executed (no pun intended).
DeleteI've just managed (thanks to DNA)to prove my family line back to 1605, just after the tudors (by two years).
Kursaal (Episode Two Hundred) - "Reflections"
ReplyDeleteFace pale and waxy as tallow, Crow stared into the depths of the Obfuscation Orb. Primrose Lee firmly extracted it from his trembling hands.
"Not everyone can decipher the image or the message it carries with any degree of clarity," she told him.
Crow's glazed eyes remained riveted on the sphere.
Primrose draped a tapestry cloth decorated with embroidered goldfinches and crewelled peacocks over the globe so the shifting canvas was hidden from view...but not before she observed miniature emaciated visages of Lucy Pepperdyne, Alexis Champagne, Dottie Randall and Capers The Clown pressed against the luminous surface.
--------------------------------------------------------
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: Crow (The Choleric Clown) as well as his brother, Capers The Clown, Primrose Lee, Little Lucy Pepperdyne, Alexis Champagne and Dottie Randall have all featured in previous episodes.
All those who are missing, reflected in the orb. At least it wasn't a large red eye. Your Kursaal episodes or so descriptive, with a dash of mystery and always so enjoyable.
DeleteMulti-faceted and entertaining as ever, Patricia. And episode 200!!
DeleteOne of my favorite uses of a prompt word was when you came up with Obfuscation orb. And now it's still as relevent as before. Capers' face pressed to the luminous surface is very ominous.
Deletethe ominous overtones of this piece resonate beautifully with the prompt words. Intriguing to say the least and a sort of clue to where the missing have gone - can they be brought back, do they want to be brought back?
DeleteDarkness prevails here. I wonder if the orb is the reason or the journal of these disapearences.
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 100
ReplyDeleteA lone goldfinch flitted under the tallow-pale sun, as they came to where ground, muddied and churned by deep tracks, was a confusion of smell.
‘It’s probably the contrapshun Nige extracted, err, I mean, found at the pangolin palace.’
Armi remembered seeing Nigel struggling to drag something strange and bulky back to base burrow when they passed each other some weeks ago.
He nodded, ‘Ahh I kin scent him, and an ol’ mate too.’ He sniffed again,
Summat smells like bat crap n’all; along wiv a whiff of mangy pelt.’
She chortled, ‘that’ll be Tosca’s camouflage and the prophets fur.’
Much admiring the easy elegance of your opening sentence.
DeleteBat crap with a whiff of mangy pelt. An example of how you humanize them.
DeleteReading your entries, Terrie, is like drifting down a smoothly flowing river. Very, very nice!
DeleteHappy centennial. This is such a good story series. Never gets stale, unlike the mangy pelt. Looking forward to finding out what this camouflage is.
DeleteLove how Armi can discern Tosca's "mangy pelt" by a whiff in the air. What delightful creatures this 'dillos...and their companions...are turning out to be, and each with their own specific characteristics.
DeleteI'm with Sandra on the opening sentence - absolutely superb.
DeleteOpening sentence I'm so in awe of the set up. Then you lead into an excellent tale. As antonia said superb.
DeleteExtract, goldfinch, tallow
ReplyDeleteIskaria 12
“Malik, I found this among your mother’s belongings.”
She handed me a goldfinch pendant, with my father’s wedding-gift, the sea-glass rainbow heart, as its chain.
“Mother would be honored with what you’ve done.”
“Twas nothing, dear husband. I placed three jars of tallow tree leaf extract, in your pack.”
Our goodbyes that night, delayed my leaving. The trip to the Tarniv Steppes took a ten-day and a half. My skill with bow, sword, and wood, earned me my passage coin returned, along with several pouches of venison jerky.
I set off for Nalinor-the Elf lands, and my mother’s home.
The adventure begins... and what successes and failures await Malik?
DeleteNothing like a lustful goodbye to start things off. Should be an 8nteresting outing.
DeleteI feel like the appropriate response to this departure should be "Godspeed."
DeleteGathering magic – 11
ReplyDeleteBatt watched as the child slept, wrapped in her cloak patterned with twining leaves and a small bird embroidered on its hood.
He almost slipped from his perch as he realised the leaves were those of the poisoned catkin-tallow-tree and the bird a goldfinch, both emblems of her parents families.
Where had the cloak come from? It was never in the tower before: She wore their crests, but did she carry their support?
Batt sighed; knowing he was unable to speak openly of her parents, for he had sworn secrecy extracted under charm-casting and could not break the oath.
I love the mediaeval atmosphere of this, as well as the magic.
DeleteEventually, they're going to have to talk about her parents. Oath or not. Very entertaining.
DeleteOaths eventually come to the point where there is no choice but for them to be broken. I think Batt is going to have something of a mighty struggle on this one. The child gets more enigmatic all the time.
Deletethere's something compelling about stories featuring oaths and bonds of silence, everyone knows they will be broken but how long will they hold and what mayhem will they release when it happens... atmospheric, the whole thing.
DeleteI believe Batt is beginning to crack. The oath, I fear, will soon be broken. I'm anxious to see what happens then.
DeleteTerrie, you've another series, I'm enjoying. Well written and generally with narration. I found the last line the best, that magic compulsion can override personal duress and create a binding oath...now who forced that oath and why? A very good hook.
ReplyDeleteTHE SHADOW SERIES: COLD FEET
ReplyDeleteLamont Cranston said: “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The shadow knows!”
I know of your restless hunger… and that it’s been liberated.
How will you feed it?
I remained within you as you drove to a seedy part of town and stopped by The Goldfinch, a tumbledown lounge that peddles perversion. Though late, a few hookers hung about, hoping to extract one more score from some chump.
A skinny whore stepped toward the car.
You stiffened. Breath caught in your chest. Your face colored to tallow.
You quickly sped away.
“Damn it!” I silently shouted.
This is gently steaming evil ...
DeleteThe shadow knows, indeed. Next time, I feel he won't speed away. Lloved the silent shout.
Delete"Curses, foiled again!" I wonder if there are going to be any repercussions resulting from this aborted excursion. I think maybe so....
Deleteoh yes, evil and decadence galore here, so precisely crafted too.
DeleteOn the job training is the hardest. Fortunately, your writing is way past that.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry101
With Atlas helping it took moments to extract the Pangonel from the already drying mud.
He pushed heavily on the rear as three of the platoon pulled at the other end to drag the contraption back onto firmer terrain.
Working in pairs, ‘Dillo’s took turns dragging ,and pushing, it along the trail where goldfinches darted in dappled shadow among trailing tallow-trees.
Cinereus stayed close, watching the tremulous gerbil drifting in and out of fevered, healing.
‘No sign of bluddy Pangolins, or ‘Varks,’ muttered Nigel. ‘Bit o’ rain, they ball up like powdah puffs an’ won’t move fer days: Lazy gits.’
Aardvarks roll up like powder puffs, a good line.
DeleteLovely ...
DeleteNigel belittling the fair weather creatures was very entertaining. A most pleasant read.
DeleteI just had to chuckle at "Lazy gits." So appropriate. So in-the-moment. So characteristic of Nigel. I can almost hear it being said. Well, spat as I imagine it.
Deletelove the insults, they fit so well into the overall story.
DeleteExtract, goldfinch, tallow
ReplyDeleteThe Nesting Thief
Allow me to introduce myself, I’m molothrus ater, and I thank you for your tallowed indifference and genially giving of your nurturing selves. They’re not fools, only parents who want a better life for those they raised. I’ve cracked many eggshells, to ensure such behavior. You’re of many feathers Wren, Chickadee, Robbin, or Bluebird. It’s always enjoyable watching the Goldfinch’s tender caring.
I couldn’t have written a better script or found a better home. I’ve a book coming out; Home Building for Dummies. Now, my apologies but another nest has just listed its open house for me to go see.
Talk about a creative entry! This is it! Very clever, Jeffrey, and very nicely put together.
DeleteMy first story ever with a cowbird as the main character. Nicely done. I'm sure he has cracked a few eggshells.
DeleteVery creative, Jeffrey. You have truly outdone yourself this week!!!
DeleteJustice League of Suburbia
ReplyDelete“Goldfinch is getting on my wick,” complained Tallowman. “His outfit is too gaudy. Those yellow flashes are a dead give-away. Villains see him coming a mile off.”
The Extract recited a random paragraph from chapter three of Barnaby Rudge.
Tallowman wasn’t one to be ignored “His powers are nothing. I can melt and congeal at will. And that side kick of his. Pigeon Boy? What’s that about? Strutting around all day with his chest out.”
Mascara Girl arrived, fluttering her enormous eyelashes.
“Goldfinch is getting on my wick,” repeated Tallowman, commencing again for his new found audience.
Great and novel use of the prompts, David. Kudos for your splendid imagination.
DeleteTallowman might be heading for a punch, I fear.
DeleteI think Tallowman is a little jealous. Very innovative and hugely entertaining.
DeleteAnd there's another remark that brings a chuckle: "getting on my wick." I can only echo what I said before and which fits equally well here. So appropriate. I used to say this all the time back in the day. Probably the most creative entry of the week and there have been a plethora of them.
DeleteA very imaginative story, David. I liked Pigeon Boy. This could be an enjoyable series.
Deletesuperb writing, using all the colloquialisms that make this jump off the screen as being real.
DeleteI think I might be Tallowman today :)
DeleteOne Of A Kind
ReplyDeleteAllure of the Renaissance Fayre was irresistible. Jousting. Swordplay. Two favourite activities. In his element, he wandered the grounds and extracted from his pouch goodly amounts of coin to purchase Turkey-Legs-On-A-Stick and slices of sugary Queen Anne's Lace.
Browsing the marketplace stalls, he spied the unique item, believed lost for all time, between a clockwork goldfinch in a gilded cage and basket of lavender-scented tallow soaps. The asking price was more than reasonable and he was well-pleased with his prize.
He'd deliver the legendary sword to Arthur.
Then maybe...just maybe...he'd finally be forgiven for that most regrettable transgression with Guinevere.
You have a unique and perhaps twisted imagination. Being able to take a classic and flip it upside down.
DeleteRegrettable transgressions, eh? Imaginative use of prompts, as ever.
DeleteI fear the good fortune of this once-gallant knight in finding Excalibur will not work out favorably for him. A very entertaining entry, Patricia.
ReplyDeleteGoodly amounts of coin... great stuff. Makes me wonder if you've visited a Renaissance Fayre or two in your days.
ReplyDeleteI have indeed, kind sir. And often in costume too. I'll leave to the imagination to guess my mode of attire.
Deleteanother twist in an old tale, and cleverly done, too! I really like this one, Patricia. You do these 'twist' stories so well.
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (94)
ReplyDeleteTwo visits to the shop haven’t made me feel better, the first was one mad rush, ten messages, today calm and a bit lonely but linked with determination to bring it to life again. Find me a wind up goldfinch, an extract from something famous, a bucket of tallow and let me pretend to be the witch: most people think mediums actually are, don’t they? Trouble is, I don’t do spells, or we’d all be rich… there are sales, a few, enough to encourage us and look forward to the days when we can open again. The windows need changing…
Sounds like you're keeping busy for the most part, Antonia. Best course of action in these disturbing times. Doesn't do to allow the mind or imagination to wander down a dark path.
DeleteEven before I had the good fortune to meet you, I knew that a medium wasn't a witch though some witches can be mediums. It's good that you're active with the store. I've no doubt that it will rise like a phoenix, when all is over.
DeleteI read yesterday that, like Orkney & Shetland, the IoW might be considered for early release from lockdown. Hope so for your sake.
DeleteI enjoyed the mention of mediums and witches, which in your case, I'm glad you stick to the former. I'm glad you are able to complete at least a few sales.
DeleteTallow is a word that always takes me to Boscastle and the museum of witch craft. Although the name Boscastle always takes me to the pasty shop above the harbour. its good to get out safely if only folk observed the distance rules in public
DeleteThe Mad Italian (153)
ReplyDeleteFill the Parliament chamber with singing goldfinches, coat each seat with tallow so no one can sit, extract the centre, the actual point of half the papers they distribute and send every one home. Make them virtual visits instead, keep them away from each other, not for the virus but for their own good, for they are still spending time being playground bullies, ‘you said’ ‘no I didn’t and anyway…’ every one is responsible for something but no one wants to take total control but to involve someone else in the process. It needs to be clarified. It won’t be.
Sadly, so few things ever truly reach clarification. Again, Leonardo astounds with his on-point observations.
DeleteIt seems that Parliament is no different than our Congress. proof that the larger the crowd, the lower it's collective intelligence. Leonardo's wit is uncanningly perceptive.
DeleteWhat amazes me in scenarios such as these is, someone will say something, get flack, then deny saying it. Maddening.
Deleteback tomorrow with comments! Stay safe and well, all of you. I ventured out today, case of having to, a wound on my leg has gone ulcerous, needed a dressing and yet more visits... easier to walk there than to drive and less polluting but breaks the lockdown laws! The nice thing was, there and back I said good morning to more people than I've seen in an age, it felt good. Until tomorrow...
ReplyDeleteYes, until tomorrow. Well said, Antonia.
DeleteTake care of that leg, Antonia...in fact, take care of yourself period. We all need to stay safe. Too much talent here for any of it to be in danger.
DeleteTake care Antonia
DeleteKeep a close eye on that leg, Antonia. It is serious enough as it is. Stay safe, everyone.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 228 - Clive The Cogitatious
ReplyDeleteAgain, Clive Bailey attempted to extract fact from fancy. He often felt he'd never been anywhere else but Cripplegate Junction. Yet, memories lingered.
He recalled, one Bank Holiday as a boy, boarding the Cork to Rossaire boat train, arriving at the railway station in the Irish town of Tallow. Avid member, of the "I-SPY Tribe," he'd hoped to complete his "Spotters' Bird Book" during the trip but the European Goldfinch remained elusive.
However, he had managed to finally record the engine number of the esoteric Cripplegate Express during that same journey.
Or so he remembered.
Still...fact or fancy?
--------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
Ah ... Clive again. And how satisfying a return to the Fifties.
DeleteEven as a fleeting memory, it's good to see that Cripplegate Express might have operated at one time. It's so ominous to think that Clive may never have been anywhere but Cripplegate. Time to go get on that train again...
DeleteThis kind of sounds like a turning point in this series, as some memories are revealed.
Although born in the sixties, I've been taken back to my simple youth, of I-spy books, pub cricket, nine mens morris and curled sandwiches and warm squash. You effortless evoke such feelings within your writing.
DeleteI spy... something well written. Clive has a unique introspective ability.
ReplyDeleteoh the I-Spy club... magical memories. Lucky Clive (in some ways) to have such good memories. We treasure our magical childhood activities when we get 'old'.
DeleteThe Joys of Mediumship (part 1)
ReplyDeleteThere’s a trace of tallow in the bank notes, vegans and religious groups demand it be extracted but the Royal Mint is steadfast in its determination to continue to pour tainted money into our hands. After a while the abnormal becomes normal, even though the notes are universally hated. JMW Turner looks at me from the £20 note, solemn and studious at the same time. In ‘real’ life we engage in a ‘just call me Joe’ battle which is as much at odds with his solemnity as a goldfinch in a flock of seagulls… who I am I to argue?
Ooh, this should be a good series. Loved the goldfinch in a flock of seagulls comparison.
DeleteA very good opening for this series. I enjoyed the abnormal becomes normal over time.
DeleteThis sounds like a great beginning. I look forward to many more "parts" on a very regular basis.
DeleteWhen I lived in Coventry as a child I remember seeing lots of goldfinches. Now I live on the coast it's all magpies and vicious seagulls, but at least I have my brothers and sisters the crows to keep me sane. Fantastic opening line and a great start to a series.
DeleteUnfortunately I'm not sure I'm going to get an entry in this week. I will try to come back and comment thought. Our house was attacked with eggs again last night I only found out when we went out to do the Clap for the NHS event, So I'm in the midst of cleaning it up, alas the cameras didn't pick anything up so know evidence although I know who it is.
ReplyDelete