And that despite being inspired to write a second episode – my apologies.
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.
The Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 282
ReplyDeleteA sense of worry tightened, garotte-like, in Sarg’s chest. She readied herself as voices filtered from the burrow ahead. There her soldiers stood in a steadfast ‘Dillo barrier, blocking the upper exit.
Unaware of Sarg, one of the civilians said, pompously, Well ol’ bossy boots aint here right now, an’ I reckon it’s about time we left and went back home.’
Sarg tone was icy, ‘you got amnesia mate? The only way anyone's leaving now is paws up an’ stiffer ‘n stone, so stop fartin’ rainbows out yer ass and shut the feck up.’
The surprised civilian flinched.
Brought a smile to my face on a greyish Monday morning - thank you Terrie.
ReplyDeleteOVER THE RAINBOW
ReplyDeleteAfter years of designing and redesigning, I created a means of going over the rainbow.
I’m there - in OZ, but it’s not the beautiful shining utopia Frank Baum described. Rather, it’s a crumbling ruin coated with decay and grime.
Dorothy is here and is wandering aimlessly about as though beset with amnesia. She passed the Tin Man, slumped rusted and rigid with his axe splitting his face. Beside him, the Scarecrow lay, a garrote around his neck. The Cowardly Lion is not here.
The Wizard, however, is, and while grinning maniacally, he’s telling me there is no way back.
Brilliantly-evoked sense of nightmare, Jim
DeleteClever twist on a well know tale, Jim, and skillfully macabre as well.
DeleteWeapon of Choice
ReplyDelete'This is the sixth in as many days,' said the inspector. 'Same mode of operation in each case. Leprechaun garroted at the end of a rainbow. Gold gone. Severed head stuffed into the pot.'
'We've been making door to door enquiries,' said the sergeant. 'Everyone appears to have developed collective amnesia.'
'Typical,' sighed the inspector.
'Shall I round up the woodcutters?' asked the sergeant. ‘Perhaps pay a visit to Lizzie Borden?’
'Bring in all the cheesemongers in a ten mile radius,' contradicted the inspector. 'The weapon of choice was clearly wire not blade.'
I love the introduction of a leprechaun into this wonderful cast of characters.
DeleteBrilliantly creative, David!
DeleteClever use of the prompt words in a slice of fantasy ... my favourite kind of tale . Fingers crossed we get to read a few more episodes.
DeleteThresholds new [33]
ReplyDeleteAcker met my puzzled innocence with scorn. ‘Sounds like a bad case of amnesia.’ Then, addressing Raven, with an arrogance that spoke of ignorance of Raven’s reputation, ‘And if you can’t see it I guess you must already be going blind –‘
Gulch, better informed, paled, ‘Acker, mind your tongue. This man is known to have garotted folk for less –‘
Kamikase, his brother snorted, 'Wrapping rainbows round his victim’s necks? I know of none –’
Raven regarded him. With a quietness Acker ought to have heeded, ‘Dead folk tend to lose the power of speech.’
You can feel Ravens animosity, and as i read this i thought ... 'go on Raven .. a good couple of punches to the nose will sort this pompous fool out.
DeleteMe thinks Acker had better mind his tongue. I loved the 'Wrapping rainbows round his victims' necks' sentence.
DeleteSuch a wonderfully constructed last paragraph, Sandra!
ReplyDelete