Our plum tree, that is. Don’t remember it ever being
that laden before. Fruits aren’t all as sweet and juicy as they first appear,
much like last weeks tales, some of which
held horrors akin to the wasp-buried, sap-leaking, mould-spotted
monstrosities lurking amongst the good stuff.
All good stuff though, according to the rules of this
stupendous site, and of a variety which, as usual, makes it hard to choose, but
the fact that I had, after the first read, to avert my eyes from John’s
‘Afflicted’ suggests it deserves acclaim (and the dessert of ‘Revenge served
cold’ confirmed it).
Words
for next week: origin pawn vacant
Entries
by midnight Thursday 27th August, words and winners posted Friday
28th
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.
The Real Antichrist
ReplyDeleteHe sipped coffee and looked at his wrist, forgetting he’d pawned the beloved Rolex. The vacancy returned to his brown eyes and he stood tall, ready to enthrall.
He’d come a long way from his humble origins, or so people said, but it wasn’t easy being the chosen one.
He made his rounds backstage. “Are you ready to be healed, brother?”
“Got me my crutches right here!” the man said, smirking.
At tent’s edge, a withered girl sat in her wheelchair, unmistakable hope in her eyes.
“Someone get this bitch outa here, I got the Lord’s work to perform.”
Congrats, John, on your first-place finish last week, and this entry will certainly draw plenty of attention for this week... a perfect description of the pass-the-plate charlatans.
DeleteAin't that the truth - and loved Jim's 'pass-the-plate charlatans'
DeleteAnd the Jim Jones clone lives! This was absolutely wonderful, John. Where are you getting all these magnificent ideas?
DeleteWell done, John, on being last weeks top choice .
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done, John. And you claimed you had no idea what to do with "metronome." You are too sneaky for words...!!!
Deletecongratulations John! first class horror...
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 120
ReplyDelete‘Us gerbils wuz originally peaceful critters, wouldn’t hurt nuffin, but it was “help” the weasels, or die. We’re just pawns in Jagha’s plan.’ Moses told his listeners as Trub came to find Nigel.
‘Dolas and Callow are back, Sir. Armi’s helpin’ cover their tracks before they come in.’
Nigel went to meet them ‘Well lads did yu’ find em?’
‘They’re half a mornin’s march down the gully, Sir. All vacant as empty burrows an’ tumble-down drunk with busted beetle-blood-wine and cactus-gin pots everywhere: No movin’ em ‘til later t’day’
‘I knew it!’ Said Nigel, ‘Wot a bunch of feckin’ amateurs.’
Brilliant dialogue - especially the summing up for Nigel.
DeleteNot the first time liquor gummed up an operation, I'm sure. Enjoyable story, Terrie.
Deletevery vivid, almost cartoon clear images created by this section. Good one!
DeleteThis was so very entertaining. I just adore Nigel. You truly make these characters come alive.
DeletePawning Pawns for Powder
ReplyDeleteMy grandad left me his chess set in his will. The pieces were of esoteric origin. He claimed he stole them from the end of a rainbow.
“Watch out for leprechauns,” he said. “They’ll try to trick them back.”
I acquired a bad habit. I pawned the pawns to buy some powder. When I eventually returned there was a vacant lot where the pawn shop had been. Wind gusted along the street. Within it I heard the laughter of the leprechauns.
A rainbow formed to mock me. I still have the other pieces. But my nose is getting itchy.
'He claimed he stole them from the end of a rainbow' a statement in itself of the off-balance enchantment of this.
DeleteThe other pieces will be gone soon, I suspect. Granddad is likely rolling around in his grave.
DeleteThe rainbow has suckered him in, hasn't it... and there's no way out... lovely depiction of the character, David, really is.
DeleteNever trust those little green fellows...they'll get you every time. This was so very clever.
DeleteAn age-old puzzle [Threshold 313]
ReplyDeleteWhat is it brings a woman to love a man she originally feared? Maintains a magnetic force many times greater than lust so that, despite having several times witnessed murderous force far in excess of reason or justice, and frequently been made aware her status little more than easily-discarded pawn – sometimes white but far more often black – she blindly follows, brain vacant of all common sense – and, in Marauder’s case, of guilt or pity?
I didn’t know, but, ever-obedient (forgetting times when I was not) I opened the engine cover and stared at the rainbow coloured tangle of wires beneath.
An age old puzzle, indeed. Well done, Sandra.
Deleteoh yes, been there ... will the wires give up their secrets?
DeleteA "rainbow coloured tangle of wires." There never was a more descriptive image of what lies beneath the bonnet of a vehicle. Intriguing as always.
DeleteChange of focus [391]
ReplyDeleteSix days in, Pettinger’s investigation into the death of the mis-named Jammy Dodger (although the original sighting of his pulped and bloodied body rendered it regrettably apt), was picking up pace, thanks to Philly Stepcart’s revelations of a dirty game in which innocent white pawns far exceeded the regulation number, and queen was black as black, her conscience as vacant of pity as were her several minions.
They’d a location: a once-warehouse, fronting an apparently dis-owned site on the north bank of the Tees, had identified and followed camera-toting bishop. Were all in place to make arrests when … ‘Bollocks!’
Sounds like the investigation suffered a setback. You set up the bullocks moment very well.
Deleteoh dear, all that planning, all that information and it goes - horribly wrong by the look of it. But the best laid plans always do, don't they?
Delete"Bollocks" is a word that always makes me chuckle. So very interested to find out where we go from here.
DeletePledge
ReplyDeleteThe old pawn shop had been vacant as long as anyone could remember. So, it was surprising to see boards removed from the bow window and rusted padlock from the narrow door. Even the traditional three-ball symbol had been restored.
Each day, new items were displayed. Some unusual in nature and some regular fare. Although no customers were seen to enter or leave the premises...same could be said of the proprietor...business was obviously brisk given the ever-changing inventory.
The written promise that the origin of any piece would not be questioned might well have been the reason.
This feels like the beginning of an intriguing Victorian Gothic horror tale.
DeleteI too feel you have more in mind for this piece. I look forward to hearing more. So well set up.
DeleteThis can lead to so many interesting scenarios, Patricia. Keep it going!
Deleteand then it stops, for us to take in that last line and then... look for more, please!
DeleteKursaal (Episode Two Hundred Twelve) - "Living Chess"
ReplyDeleteThe Annual Human Chess Game, origins rooted in a legendary contest played between two young knights in 1454 for the hand of a fair damsel, was a much anticipated event. Kings and Queens (from higher Kursaal echelon) were predetermined, with assignments of Rook, Knight and Bishop being greatly coveted. Pawn vacancies were essentially up for grabs.
Jester Brothers Benny and Arbuthnot invariably secured positions as opposing Rooks but try as he might, Lenny Jester, middle brother, was constantly overlooked. Not even in the running as a sacrificial Pawn.
Just one more reason for Lenny's resentment of his more sought-after siblings.
--------------------------------------------------------
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: The Brothers Jester (Benny, Lenny and Arbuthot) have featured in previous episodes.
Enjoyed this, not least for the reminder of the human chess game played out in Dorothy Dunnett's 'Pawn in Frankincense'.
DeleteI loved this. Poor Lenny, not even reaching sacrificial pawn status.
Deletehow sad for poor Lenny, having to watch the others take part in the game but methinks he's safer doing that...
DeleteSnap: Funeral observations
ReplyDeleteDamp-eyed, as he’d hoped not to be, guiltily aware his tears less bereavement for his mother than the resurrected knowledge, seeing her, he’d pawn his marriage were she to give any sign she was willing.
But the vacant stare she’d directed at him on alighting from the car killed all hope, and as sons, wives and husband (now widower) of forty-seven years – lined up either side of the waiting grave he knew that despite his denial, his taking of her had its origins in her husband’s sleeping with Madigan. That he’d since come to love her meant Luke won again.
It seems this gal has a powerful hold on him, or he never gave a hoot about his mother. Either way, one must be wary of a woman's spells.
DeleteThat must be some attraction if his thoughts are on her during his mother's funeral. A complex web you are weaving.
Deleteone of those tangled webs, which can go off in all sorts of directions - and excellently drawn funeral observations, too.
DeleteFunerals can come with so many emotions and recollections. This was a finely woven scenario.
DeleteThe Joys of Mediumship 19
ReplyDeleteBusy week, at times a vacant mind but who’s to know? My publisher friend has a new guide, I sent the name and origin of the N A chief, aconfirmed the next day, something all mediums need. I know I am a pawn in their invisible hands, proved by the rush of inspiration today to co-write a book with my publisher on the meditation journey I am making which has many links with him and which will fit in the ‘aliens are here’ section… and give us both work to do. I am receiving more than giving but it works.
At least the work is never boring, I'm sure. I've often wondered how easy it is to co-write something.
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (112)
ReplyDeleteA vacant shop is sadness, someone’s dream gone in the restrictions of the coronavirus. We are now mere pawns in the government’s hands while we try to conform to all the rules which have their origins in committees… we are determined not to be one of the empty ones, so we are working on many different plans for new different stock we create ourselves. Good idea, but first comes the preparation, the workshop, the purchases, the ideas running away with themselves… but we have to try, don’t we?
Top marks for continuing enthusiasm, Antonia!
DeleteBeing a pawn during these times is tedious. It's up to the pawns to keeps things afloat and to invest in new ways even though income is limited. My hat is off to you and all the other pawns.
DeleteWe must indeed continue to try. But these restrictions...although necessary...are getting frightfully old and taking their toll.
DeleteThe Mad Italian (171)
ReplyDeleteMy origins may be different but my desires are the same as yours: open and honest government, laws which do not favour the unlawful, equality of wealth, you know the whole picture but you also know that you are a mere pawn in the government’s scheme of things, there to earn money for them, whilst they leave their consciences vacant, the better not to vote the wrong way. Science has not backed every law the government has passed, this they know and are hoping the virus will soon go away and no one will have noticed…
The virus going away can't come soon enough.
DeleteI wonder if the general populace has ever played more than the role of pawn within the greater scheme of things. I somehow think it's always been the norm.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 242 - Mission NOT Accomplished
ReplyDeleteThe Grande Dame believed herself of patrician origin. Noble bearing. Aristocratic features. How could it be otherwise? She was a blue-blooded queen lording over a gaggle of pawns, which meant anyone and everyone else. Such bumpkins included Hamnet, stranded delivery boy from "Elsie's Dairy."
She'd given him two undertakings: locate a missing chess piece and discover the reason for the train's delayed departure. He failed miserably at both. The boy was a nincompoop!
Now, he was meandering toward the turnstile Arches with a fatuous and vacant expression. Did he really suppose he could leave before completing his assigned tasks?
--------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
This Grande Dame is some piece of work, Patricia... and so well described. A very enjoyable read.
DeleteIn my mind The Grande Dame has the face of Maggie Smith, and I suspect Hamnet has learnt how to avoid her. Nicely evoked.
Deletea nincompoop is a name that no one likes to be called. One of the worst. Well, asshole is bad too, but nincompoop is a great word to refer to someone like Hamnet. You captured the character of the Grand Dame very well here. Very fun read.
Deleteoh yes, the Grande Dame certainly thinks she's more queen than mere grande dame, at least she's throwing her weight around as if she is!
DeleteTHE BOX V
ReplyDeleteWas I to initiate conversation with this ghost of a man? What was I supposed to say?
Unsure, I waited.
The man smiled… almost. His lips parted, revealing a mouth vacant of teeth.
“Do you consider me a pawn?” The voice was not that of a madman.
“A pawn?” I responded, totally confused.
“A pawn,” he replied. “A fool… or perhaps a block, a stone or a worse than senseless thing.”
Shakespeare? I asked myself, wondering where within this man’s befuddled mind such a classic phrase could originate.
While struggling for words, I heard “Can we come out now, Rudy?”
Ah ... an upending of expectations, leaving me as puzzled as the narrator.
DeleteIt sounds like you are setting up for the next wave. Should provide for more riveting reading of this strange place and its inhabitants.
DeleteMore and more fascinating with every installment. I do hope this continues without interference.
Deletevery strange place and I think we're just beginning to find out how strange it is!
ReplyDelete