The hedge being dun-coloured, the colours beyond unexpected, I took this as a not-bad metaphor for how three dun-coloured words are, week after week, brought to unexpected light by the skills of your several keyboards. And thank you all, both for the week-on-week pleasure and for you companionship.
New words for the coming week are: Egypt mongrel pardon
Entries by midnight Thursday 11th February, new words posted Friday 12th
Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all 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.
Congrats Terrie! And Antonia's metaphor was perfect. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Terrie and Antonia. Your offerings shone among a talented group of writers.
DeleteWonderful choices in Terrie and Antonia. Congrats to you two!
DeleteSuch a magnificent crop of entries last week. How Sandra manages to make choices is beyond me. However, the cream inevitably rises to the top and such was the case this time around. Many congratulations, Terrie, and great job, Antonia.
Deletethank you so much, it's a good feeling to be here with such talent. You're all superb.
DeleteI need to get Dona back working, she's got part 2 of a 3 part story to knock into shape before April, and that includes time for me to edit it - I'm sure she'll be back.
Thanks for the top slot vote this week Sandra, its always an honour to be so chosen, but the real pleasure is tinkering with the words to create something memorable to read, as well as reading everyones offerings.
ReplyDeleteThe writers contributing here are so skilled at drawing others into their stories. I have laughed out loud, cringed in horror, delighted in cleverly constucted sentences and,have to admit, at times had just one or two pangs of jealously at reading such clever wordsmithing.
Keep it coming everyone.
Old Gods
ReplyDeleteThey gathered in the shield-dome.
‘No storm in Egypt is natural these days,’ observed The Caster, throwing down a protection charm, ‘these damn Mongrel Gods have been raging through the land for centuries now. No wonder the place is nothing more than dust-clouds and sand.’
The spectators grew silent as shadows glimmered and grew in the pale light between them.
‘Your pardon,’ muttered The Caster, ‘an adjustment is needed.’
He was too late.
Coiling through the eye of Ra, Osiris smote the shield-dome so its seams writhed in heated metal snakes then flew apart like leaves.
Anubis howled in triumph.
Gods will be gods. Clever one, Terrie.
DeleteNice and educational to one who has ever struggled with Egyptology.
DeleteI love ancient Egypt so extra enjoyed this piece! Loved the naming of 'The Caster' and the imagery of the line 'The spectators grew silent as shadows glimmered and grew in the pale light between them.'
Deleteclever way of using the prompt and a good story too!
DeleteRomantic Notions
ReplyDeleteThe couple sipped wine, adoring each other.
“What does your fortune say?”
Mike cracked open his cookie. “Do not allow mongrels to sleep on your Egyptian cotton.”
“That’s just ludicrous,” Stacy said.
“Well, pardon moi. I just read it is all.”
“We buy our sheets at Walmart.”
“I know, cheapass.”
“Maybe you should just stick it.”
Four middle fingers waggled.
The waiter stepped in. “Here’s your bill.”
“Screw you!” they said in unison.
In the car, they drove in silence. At a red light, Mike turned to Stacey. “Best Valentine’s dinner ever.”
“I know, right?”
Had anyone asked, I could've guessed the extent of your romantic notions, John.
DeleteAhem... Sandra, this recounting reflects the romantic notions of character one, Mike, and in no way (pretty much)reflects the notions of the author. My notions are slightly better.
DeleteApologies, John. I should know one's characters' behaviour is no reflection of our own.
DeleteI enjoy the banter. I wasn't at all serious about my indignation. I hope when "the one" finds me, I will exibit proper romantic notions.
DeleteFun back and forth between the characters with their mock outrage. :)
DeleteMade me smile reading this
Deletethat kind of edgy dialogue is hard to write, you made it look easy.
DeleteVessel [7]
ReplyDeleteI sigh, narrowing my eyes as Nuarthan storms back and forth across the tiled floor. “Stop pouting, Nuarthan.”
“Pouting!” He whirls, eyes flashing. “Well, pardon me, Princess, for trying to keep you alive.”
“I never asked you to come.”
“I could hardly let you wander off on your own. Without me—”
“I’d be fine!” I snap. The witch’s mongrel, a large black dog with silvered eyes, raises his head, and I smile nervously. “Sorry, Egypt.”
“What are you apologizing to the dog for? Do you even know what the queen wants?” Nuarthan grabs my shoulders. “You’ll be a vessel, Silvana.”
This couple never cease to entertain - long may they last.
DeleteI think Silvana needs to cut Nuarthan a break. Best not to lose his services quite yet. An entertaining offering this week.
DeleteI look forward to your contributuions Holly, the dialogue is always tightly written and cleverly packed full of information.
DeleteYou're saying so much in each sentence, carrying the story forward, very much looking forward to the next instalment.
DeleteTrap
ReplyDeleteUnlike many Egyptian tombs, it carried no curse, or curses pardon, and the air inside smelled of sandalwood and myrrh with the first chamber intriguingly set out to welcome guests - so they were enchanted and sat.
They should not have tarried, for beyond the cover-stone, at the end of the chamber, scarabs feasted.
There a gore-splattered butchers table, laid with dark encrusted sickle blades, was set and on the walls trailed blood-drained bodies of mongrel-dogs and de-skinned camels. Severed human heads hung, pierced on spikes while entrails dangled like wet streamers in the gloom.
What dwelt within was worse.
(and how apt the title of Perry's post which follows!) Because, yes, the leaving it unsaid leaves us with our well-fired-up imaginations.
DeleteI'd hate to be feasted on by scarabs. You're on a horror roll lately. A lot of great imagery, a deskinned camel being my favorite.
DeleteUgh, excellent way to set a bright, fascinating scene followed by horror. :) Loved the line 'They should not have tarried, for beyond the cover-stone, at the end of the chamber, scarabs feasted.'
DeleteVirtually every word rife with great imagery, Terrie! Well done, as always.
Deletefull of beautifully described horror.
DeleteUNSAID
ReplyDeleteIt had been a while since Colm had seen Sally.
She’d taken the long-range reconnaissance duty immediately after The Fight: a stupid tiff over a mongrel she’d found at the doors of death just as their friendship was shifting towards something more attune to the hormonal tide they were both feeling.
Impatient with the deflection of affection, he’d made an uncharacteristically insensitive and apparently unpardonable suggestion involving mercy and a nearby rock.
Their world had frozen over.
He’d forgotten how her complexion, eyes and bone structure made her look like an Egyptian princess.
She noticed his gaze and blushed.
Hope.
Hope indeed. (and not too long to wait)
DeleteThe hormonal tide changes a lot of things. Good one, Perry.
Delete'Their world had frozen over' is such a lovely and powerful line.
DeleteI have to agree with Holly here - that one line really pulls the reader into the scene and increases the intensity between the two.
DeleteHormonal tide... so suggestive, Perry. A good read!
Deletea well constructed piece which leaves deep thoughts behind it.
DeleteNo picnic [Threshold 336]
ReplyDeleteWhat scant remembrance I had of sci-fi films – a mongrel blend of Tardis and Tie-fighter – had subsequently been overtaken by Tutankhamen; my interest better-piqued by sly-eyed, one-dimensional Egyptians. Close to, these acolytes looked like they'd lost a battle with the family pup, whose pardon-pleading eyes would always win mercy for any well-chewed crimes.
Mercy, however, one of Raven's more fleeting habits. As was – its fading now apparent – amusement. Addressing both, he pointed, 'Over there'. Watched never-meant-to-be-articulated limbs attempt to obey.
Merely nodded when I murmured, 'I doubt their quad-bikes function any better.'
'Nor their food and water be worth having.'
Loved the sly eyed, one dimensional Egyptions. I'm looking forward to finding out how dangerously the acolytes are.
DeleteLove her memory of sci-fi films 'a mongrel blend of Tardis and Tie-fighter' and the phrase 'pardon-pleading eyes.'
Deletedangers for sure, they await the next foolish person to approach...
DeleteChange of focus [413]
ReplyDeletePardon was owed on both sides, though Pettinger's crime by far the lesser, since his stamping on Philly's foot had been an accident, whereas her reading Aleks' diary, her desire to delve into his mongrel-bred family history deliberate. Beyond that … blame could be laid on either side, murky as an Egyptian doss-house; convoluted as the asp which bit Cleopatra.
At Sally's exit, Philly had retreated upstairs and now re-entered the kitchen fully-dressed, goldfinch eyes a-flutter with mischief.
'Eggs for breakfast? Or should we throw more at the walls, like tempera?'
With careless cruelty Aleks laughed. 'Sally lost her temper.'
Eyes aflutter with mischief. Good one.
DeleteBeing mongrel bred could be a good excuse if one was ever in a tight spot.
I also really loved the phrase 'goldfinch eyes a-flutter with mischief.'
DeleteMany colorful phrases here, Sandra. Pettinger's stomping on Philly's foot an accident? I don't think so.
Deleteabsolutely agree with Holly, that's a superb sentence and with Jim, yes, full of colourful phrases and none could be made redundant.
DeleteGuys and Dogs
ReplyDeleteIt all kicks off when Benny Two Dice calls Big Nathan’s dog a flea bitten mongrel.
All of Mindy’s customers gasp and hide behind their menus. No one insults Big Nathan’s dog. It is a pedigree Egyptian Pharaoh Hound. Which is fitting, on account of Big Nathan also being known as the Pharaoh of 53rd and 3rd.
“I sincerely beg your pardon,” says Benny Two Dice. “My unfortunate mouth has forgotten the necessity for respectfulness.”
The apology does not sit well with Big Nathan. Which is why Benny Two Dice limps around Broadway, all bandaged like a Mummy.
Love the image of gasping customers hiding behind menus.
DeleteAn enjoyable read David, starting with the delightful name of Benny Two Dice.
DeleteBenny Two Dice is lucky to still have his tongue... or does he? Very nice, David!
DeleteLoved the final line! A fun and memorable piece. Never insult the dog!
Deletethat's a good one, David, full of imagery - which the entries are this week.
DeleteDECISIONS, DECISIONS
ReplyDelete“Look at those moves, Rudy! She has the equipment and knows how to operate it!”
“Yeah, Randy. That’s why she’s called the latest Little Egypt.”
“She doesn’t look Egyptian.”
“Oh? So you’re an expert, huh?
“I think she’s a mongrel.”
“Mongrel? Uh… I think you mean Mongol, and this Little Egypt isn’t a Mongol.”
“Well, I beg your pardon, smart ass!”
“What’s the matter? Still pissed that we didn’t snatch Tempest Storm back in the day?”
“Yeah, and so are you! After we stuff this one, where should we put her?”
“How about between Blaze Starr and Lily St. Cyr?”
Nastiness which is all the stronger for the casualness with which it is expressed.
DeleteAre we talking taxidermy here? I hope so. Being a Burlesque star can be hazardous apparently.
DeleteFun looking up Tempest Storm and the other dancers. Definitely a nasty and chilling piece and I hope she gets away!
Deleteyet more vivid and nasty images!
DeleteThe Bray Chronicles (Dry spell)
ReplyDeleteBartholomew Bray had not satisfied his hunger for 58 days. All his implements were honed to a razor’s edge and waited for their master to act. But there were no Moroccans to be found in the entire city.
Several Egyptians and a few Libyans raised their heads here and again… would they have to suffice? He could always beg their pardon afterwards. It wasn’t their fault they were not Moroccan.
Like a rabid mongrel dog, he roamed the streets, blatant and obvious. Any Moroccan with half a brain knew to steer clear.
Bartholomew Bray’s uncontrollable need began to metastasize.
Hopefully, his reputation has gone before him.
DeleteSounds like it's leading up to something bad. I agree with Sandra, though it sounds like he might eventually settle for anyone unsuspecting.
DeleteI feel a bit of compassion for Bray, John, but more for a heedless Moroccan, Egyptian, Libyan... or male of any nationality.
ReplyDeletethat's how you get into serious problems, chasing down these poor strangers...
DeleteThe Joys of Mediumship 42
ReplyDeletePoliticians is done. I wrote the blurb yesterday. It became a bit of a mongrel after an MP suggested a book of US Presidents… voices shouted yes in unison; I doubt that will last. That MP asked for a space and as I had to take out some US Presidents for their book, proved useful to help boost the word count. Today I thought of those who had not come, Egyptian leader Gamal Nasser Hussein? Maybe he is content with the way history sees him and he has no need to seek pardon from the rest of the world.
It is a curious thought to think how many of those who are gone would want to comment on their legacies. And if they're pleased with how they're remembered.
DeleteHolly - there is an element of showing off (men are good at that when they are in positions of authority as with Winston talking about his funeral...) and others come for their own reasons. As in, Neville Chamberlain who came to discuss 1 topic only. I asked the question, when he went to Germany to talk to Herr Hitler, did he believe the message of peace. Answer, no bur he admits to not being strong enough to do anything but accept the lie and come back with nothing but the useless paper. Now he has talked about it, he says he is free from the burden and can move on. It's things like that which make it all so worth while.
DeleteAh, I can understand that. Finally being able to say something and be heard.
DeleteStop The Week: I Want To Get Off (137)
ReplyDeleteIf something doesn’t give way soon I will be begging your pardon and finding a new serial… no progress, no landlord (sick dogs! Couldn’t make it) no enthusiasm, no government leads, they are probably raiding Egyptian tombs for Covid answers… but instead will find the secret: who created Blogger to be THE most irritating programme ever… it tells me it is having difficulties uploading the item even as it overlaid that with news it had uploaded the item… new keyboard needed this week it was the source of the grinding noises I was hearing… now can stop tearing hair out…
Hopefully the weekend and coming week will be smooth!
DeleteThe Mad Italian 190
ReplyDeleteThis government should beg pardon of every person in your country and those it has disrupted Europe, too. I would not be surprised to find the actual Brexit document looks like Egyptian carvings. I would not be surprised if the government believes this is the one and only pandemic in the future. They excel at fooling themselves that the countries will come through when they are called upon. It never works that way, everyone ends up with a mongrel agreement and no future plans. And always the back-hand gifts of influence go on and the people, as always, go without.
I really wish governments would be more concerned with the future than they seem to be.
DeleteNo tales this week but I hope to be back with comments later today, time permitting.
ReplyDelete