Here's the prompt again:
Write a flash fiction in 200 words or less, using the phrase: the sky darkened.
For an added challenge, include a sound that surprises one of your characters and a foul smell.
For my entry I used characters from my YA fantasy WIP, currently called The Hidden Truth.
Here it is at 200 words exactly:
The Key
The sky
darkened and only the silver light of our two moons illuminated the river ahead. Beneath us the ground trembled and pits of
boiling mud splattered their contents like an artist throwing paint on canvas.
"Is this it?" I asked.
"Legend says, 'Find what
you seek where the boiling river fans the flames .' Here's the river,"
Shen said his green eyes meeting mine.
"That doesn't make any
sense," Sanjo said. "Water
puts out fires."
Ignoring Sanjo, I gazed at Shen,
I could get lost in his eyes. "Do you think this will work?"
"It has to," he
replied.
"I’m
not sure I believe the legends."
"We have to try, Nakyte." His hand brushed my cheek, "there is too
much at stake."
"Guys, I hate to interrupt but do you smell
that?" Sanjo asked.
"Sulphur," I said,
it's acrid stench burned my nose.
A
sudden explosion burst from the river and threw me to the ground. I looked up and my jaw dropped open. Boiling liquid spewed from the river like a
geyser and singed the trees above it.
Their dark green leaves edged in golden flame.
"This
is it," said Shen. "This is
where we'll find the key." *****
Hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget to check out all the other participants.
Remember, there's still time to join in on the fun! Just try to post before 11:59pm EST and comment on THIS POST with a link to your entry. (If you're a little late, though, that's fine. We'll still include you :) )
Jess and I will choose two winners by the 17th to be featured on our blogs.
Have fun and good luck! :)
Kathy
Very creative! That would set a river aflame.
ReplyDeleteYou did a fantastic job with only 200 words. Samuel McCord is a bit more verbose! Ouch! The toes of his boots hurt. :-) Thanks for visiting Samuel's flash fiction, Roland
ReplyDeleteGreat work. This is a hot WIP. D,
ReplyDeleteA boiling river... great image. Something tells me finding that key won't be easy. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise just how few words 2oo are. Memories from school seemed to indicate it was a lot. I'm learning :P
ReplyDeleteWhen there's a sound and a smell to work with, I thought we have limited options, but no! I so enjoyed your very different perspective and idea! :)
ReplyDeleteNice descriptions, and I liked the suspenseful ending. I'd like to read on and find out about the key. :-)
ReplyDelete