A Drift of Quills for February 2019 - More Flash Fiction
We Quills are back this month with what has quickly become my favorite type of post. That is, we selected a single picture for which each of us has spun his or her own flash fiction tale. This time around, I got to select the inspirational image. It is entitled:
A Quiet Man, and is by PeteMohrbacher. You will find it on DeviantArt. What do you think?
There are so many ways this could go that I cannot wait to see what my fellow Quills have for us. But for now, I will start you with my tale which came in at exactly 1000 words, (inclusive of the title!). That said, with three stories to go, this post could get a bit long. Thus, I'll get you started here and then direct you to my site for more. While there, don't forget to sign up for my newsletter so that you won't miss any great flash fiction stories in the future. Also, for a list of additional posts with my prior flash fiction tales, check below.
Breaking Spells
by Patricia Reding
Copyright Patricia Reding 2019
Aiden Piper journeyed from the Burara Wilds, back home, where six years earlier, Fenella’s father, Nigel Duke, had forced Finn Mock to put a spell on him. It happened the day before he and Fenella were to exchange their vows in the cobblestone-paved Dorberg village square. As a consequence, Aiden and his love would remain divided until they broke Finn’s spell. But Nigel, taking no chances, had paid crimpers to trick Aiden, drug him, and then set him aboard a ship that hauled him away.
Soon after awakening in chains, trapped into sea service to the cruel pirate, Wyn More, Aiden fell victim to jungle fever. For months he knew only the mercy of forgetfulness that unconsciousness granted him. But eventually his illness passed and his memories returned. They harassed him unceasingly. He longed for Fenella and the revenge he would have when he returned home where he knew she waited for him.
When the opportunity arose, Aiden jumped at his chance to escape. The cliff from which he dove was higher than the three tallest trees imaginable standing one atop the next. Still, he’d have taken the risk even if that distance had been doubled. Fortunately he resurfaced alive from the water below.
Aiden didn’t have a single copper buckle to his name. Nevertheless, he headed for Dorberg, rendering his services along the way in exchange for food. Occasionally, he picked a pocket, but only after confirming that his mark was truly wealthy, and even then, only when in dire straights. He’d never forget that gelid morning when he awakened, shivering, to find his boots missing. Then there was the time he went for almost a week with naught to eat but a half loaf of stale bread ...
Find the rest of this story at http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-posts.
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For my additonal prior flash fiction tales with my Quills pals, check:
http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po... (which includes my tale entitled Her Golden Hair); and
http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po... (which includes my story entitled, The Resistance; and finally, see
http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po... (which includes my story entitled, Signs, Signs, Everywhere There Are Signs!).
If you're a big flash fiction fan, you will also find another of my prior flash fiction tales at http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po.... At that post you will see that I wrote with two young friends of mine. Wait until you real the stories by my 20-ish year old friend, Veronica, and by my 14-year old friend, Reyna! (My story at that link is entitled, Throwback Awakening.)
Do stop by for more!