Good News or Bad?

Posted: December 13, 2017 in Friday Fictioneers
Tags: , , , , ,

After looking at this beautiful street light for quite a bit this morning, I took Rochelle Wisoff-Field’s photo prompt to a world of fantasy. Thanks, Sandra Crook, for providing the picture that stumped me for awhile.

“But they say Tassanet women can tell the future by looking at the light.” The clash of sword against sword almost drowns out Anistad’s voice.
“Auch, no. Only Auntie Rena can.”
“Look again, maybe you’ll see something this time.” Screams of pain rise above the din of battle. “We need to know!”
Petty-June stares at the glass globe until tiny white spots appear before her eyes. “Nothing!”
“Again!”
“Then you’ll leave me be?”
Battle-smoke fills the room.
A nod.
Another look. The spots grow, morph into butterflies, shape-shift into ravens and finally become a rage of brilliant red dragons.
Petty-June whispers,”They’re coming.”

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Comments
  1. Dear Lish,

    Once they turned into red dragons I’d be running. Vividly visual piece of writing. Nicely done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

  2. neilmacdon says:

    Hugely atmospheric writing. And the name Pretty-June is genius. I forgive you the bathos – it made me laugh

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Alice Audrey says:

    Time to move. You think two counties away will be far enough?

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Varad says:

    Time to run or time to ride?

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Great intriguing piece, Lish.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I had to read this twice before I got it – but enjoyed the second read through.

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Iain Kelly says:

    A trick of the light or a genuine prophecy? Neatly done.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Lynn Love says:

    What a gorgeous evocation of second sight! This worked so well, with the change of image from butterflies through to dragons – we knew exactly what the message was and it was not a good one. Really enjoyed this Lish

    Liked by 1 person

  9. plaridel says:

    it was very creative of you this week. never fails to amaze me.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. pennygadd51 says:

    A rage of dragons – that’s a lovely collective noun! I like the way the sight showed shape changes, presumably as the prognosis grew worse.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Yaaaayyyyy, the dragons are on their way. I love dragons, so her prophecy is not seeming ominous to me at all 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  12. magarisa says:

    Love the vivid imagery! Excellent contrast between the loud, clashing swords and the whisper of her terrifying prophecy.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Moon says:

    I feel they are coming to save them . Perhaps, it’s a good omen, after all.
    A wonderfully imaginative take, Lish.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Sandra says:

    I couldn’t help feeling edgy as the battle drew nearer. I’m rooting for the dragons here.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. draliman says:

    I guess by her whisper it’s foe and not friend which is coming. Nice one!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. granonine says:

    Excellent visuals. I could see the changes as they happened. Dragons? Run!!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Are the dragons good or bad – it depends on what side you are on. Great description.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. I love where your muse took you this time, quite a ride!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Oooh I always think of dragons as good but I suppose they aren’t are they?

    Liked by 1 person

  20. A rage of brilliant red dragons. Loved this as well as the entire story, Alicia.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. I want to know more about Auntie Rena! I too loved the ‘rage of red dragons’ 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  22. What a fantastic piece… I wonder if the dragons are for good or bad…

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Intriguing and atmospheric piece, Alicia. I too wonder about the dragons.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. I love how you’ve made 100 words so exciting!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Laurie Bell says:

    Ooooooo my skin tingles… great story!

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Sarah Ann says:

    I love the imagery in this, the noise of battle – there is so much going on. With Petty-June’s visions, I don’t get the feeling that ‘they’re coming’ is good news.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. I’d advise not to pressure a prophet. It’s now time to take leave in a hurry. Good writing, Alicia. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

  28. anie says:

    Good or bad news? A very clever and very well constructed story! Compliment. I think it’s open, wether good or bad. In any case, there is a maximum arc of tension and a jumble of glowing red dragons while it starts to burn is hardly more to increase! Very creative, and as the others said before dragons can be good or bad…

    Liked by 1 person

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