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.”
Dear Lish,
Once they turned into red dragons I’d be running. Vividly visual piece of writing. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And I’d be right behind you! Thanks for the early morning read – at least on my end. Have a glorious day! Lish
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Hugely atmospheric writing. And the name Pretty-June is genius. I forgive you the bathos – it made me laugh
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Why thank you, kind sir.
Sorry for the bathos. I meant to imply an open ending. Are the dragons a good thing or bad thing?
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Time to move. You think two counties away will be far enough?
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Perhaps! Thanks for reading!
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Time to run or time to ride?
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Oh, yes. Riding would be a great choice. Thanks for the idea.
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Great intriguing piece, Lish.
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Thanks, Josh.
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I had to read this twice before I got it – but enjoyed the second read through.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Oh, I’m awfully glad you took the time. Thank you.
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A trick of the light or a genuine prophecy? Neatly done.
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Perhaps Petty-June has more talent than she thinks. Thanks for wondering, Iain.
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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
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Thanks, Lynn. I had a hard time conjuring a story this time. I’m glad you found it worth reading. Thank you.
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You wouldn’t know you found it hard! It really was lovely
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it was very creative of you this week. never fails to amaze me.
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Thanks so very much! I always appreciate your stopping in to read and comment.
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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.
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Or perhaps better ~ as the title indicates, the dragons may be a plus. Thanks, Penny.
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Yaaaayyyyy, the dragons are on their way. I love dragons, so her prophecy is not seeming ominous to me at all 🙂
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Oh, goody! Thanks! The story can sway either way. I’m glad you saw the good news. Happy Holidays!
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Thanks Alicia, and same to you. I’m currently reading a fantasy series featuring dragons, so got even more excited 🙂
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Love the vivid imagery! Excellent contrast between the loud, clashing swords and the whisper of her terrifying prophecy.
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Thanks, Magarisa. I’m glad you noticed the contrast. Cheers!
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My pleasure, Alicia!
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I feel they are coming to save them . Perhaps, it’s a good omen, after all.
A wonderfully imaginative take, Lish.
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Dear Moon, thank you! I, too, feel that the dragons are on their side.
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I couldn’t help feeling edgy as the battle drew nearer. I’m rooting for the dragons here.
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Thanks, Sandra. And thank you for the picture! I don’t remember it on Facebook but I’m glad Rochelle did. Merry Christmas.
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Edge of the seat stuff! Excellent.
Click to read my FriFic!
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Thanks, Keith. What a wonderful comment. Happy Holidays.
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I guess by her whisper it’s foe and not friend which is coming. Nice one!
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Thank you, Ali. It would be terrifying to be attacked by a bunch of dragons, me thinks. Merry Christmas.
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Excellent visuals. I could see the changes as they happened. Dragons? Run!!
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Thanks! Maybe they be good dragons! Happy Holidays.
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Are the dragons good or bad – it depends on what side you are on. Great description.
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Thanks, Irene. These dragons could go either way, I think.
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I love where your muse took you this time, quite a ride!
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Thanks very much, Alicia
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Oooh I always think of dragons as good but I suppose they aren’t are they?
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These ones are on Petty-June’s side for sure. Thanks, Louise
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Fantastic.
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Thanks so much for reading and leaving a reply.
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A rage of brilliant red dragons. Loved this as well as the entire story, Alicia.
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Thank you! I’m glad you stopped by.
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I want to know more about Auntie Rena! I too loved the ‘rage of red dragons’ 🙂
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Ha! Me too! Thanks for wondering.
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What a fantastic piece… I wonder if the dragons are for good or bad…
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Thank you, Bjorn. Merry Christmas! (P.S. good!)
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Intriguing and atmospheric piece, Alicia. I too wonder about the dragons.
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Thanks, Michael. Dragons are a mystery, yes? Happy Holidays!
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I love how you’ve made 100 words so exciting!
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Ah, what a wonderful thing to say. Thank you! Merry Christmas.
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Merry Christmas!
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Ooooooo my skin tingles… great story!
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Thanks, Laurie. A little tingling is good. Happy Holidays.
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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.
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Thanks for reading and commenting. It’s interesting how different people see the dragons. Happy Holidays!
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I’d advise not to pressure a prophet. It’s now time to take leave in a hurry. Good writing, Alicia. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, I’ll send the advice to Petty-June. 🙂
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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…
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read my story. What a delightfully thoughtful comment. Cheers!
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I´m lucky that I found your wonderful story!
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