WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS.
As always, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.
Henry David Thoreau said it best.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
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THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going over or under the word count.)
THE KEY:
Make every word count.
THE RULES:
- Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
- MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH FICTION. (Should you find that you’ve made an error you can delete by clicking the little red ‘x’ that should appear under your icon. Then re-enter your URL. (If there’s no red x email me at Runtshell@aol.com. I can delete the wrong link for you).
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- Make note in your blog if you’d prefer not to have constructive criticism.
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
***************
My story will follow the prompt for those who might be distracted by reading a story before writing their own . I enjoy your comments.
Copyright-Janet Webb
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN
When little more than a babe, I happened upon a nest of hornets in the churchyard. After a sennight of swelling, fever and Mother’s prayers, I was recovered.
“This child’s destiny from Almighty God is fraught with purpose,” cried Elder Martin.
As I grew to womanhood, nothing more was said of my destiny.
A fortnight ago I strolled with Elizabeth Martin and tripped upon another hornet’s nest. She perished from their relentless stings. Only a tiny welt arose upon my hand.
Red-hot flames sear my ankles. I scream and plead for mercy whilst Elder Martin shouts.
“Witch! Behold thy destiny!”
—————-
*Sennight-Old English word for a space of seven nights and days.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/brief-salem.html
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Oooh that wasn’t a good ending. That’s how it was in those days though unfortunately.
Going to have to think to see if I can involve Raynard in this one somehow
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Stupid question…what is that thing in the picture? Is it coral or some sort of sponge??
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It’s a wasp or hornet’s nest.
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Ah ok. Cheers!
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It’s interesting that you asked that question, because when I first looked at the picture, I thought it was a piece of coral as well — especially since it was part of the conglomerate of stones that looked polished by the sea. However, since I have had several wasps nests at my home over the years, I should have recognized it immediately. But since we are encouraged to take our liberty with the prompt, I just may write about it as a piece of coral yet.
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Lol I thought it was a honeycomb.
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Rochelle – I still don’t know where you get your ideas for such unique stories.. .”red-hot flames searing her ankles” made me think of “Joan of Arc.” I don’t see a wasp nest…I see a honeycomb. How strange am I? lol.
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Dear Lora,
Again…referring to the Thoreau quote, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” You’re not the least bit strange that I can see 😉
Sometimes I’m not sure where my ideas come from. They just seem to pop into my head.
Thanks for dropping by. Still humming “Honeycomb.”
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t know. If it is hornets nest, I’ll know how to use if it is sponge or coral, that will be harder.
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Ah! How ironic that the miraculous recovery leads to her being accused of being a witch. It’s strange (and sad) that some people who look for supernatural power see everything as evil. By the way, I like your use of sennight and fortnight. They’re due for a revival of usage. 🙂
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Dear David,
A strange and horrific part of history, wasn’t it? We still witch-hunt today, just not in quite the same way. Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Is Elizabeth Martin the daughter of Elder Martin? Had she been someone else, he might have still praised the narrator’s miraculous escape perhaps..
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Dear Nightlake,
You get the prize for perception this morning! (At least morning where I am.:) Thanks for commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh yes, well spotted Nightlake! That adds an extra spin to this witchy tale. A real story, with hidden meanings brought forth by Dave that I like, and a new word!
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Dear Managua,
Glad you caught the insights. Hope this means you liked the story. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A heart-warming story. Well, foot-warming. It was filled with visual detail, which I enjoy. Also, I like your shift in verb tense to distinguish past events from the wicked burning at the stake. Well done.
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Dear JK,
Foot warming. 😀 Funny. Happy you liked my story. Thanks for your heart-warming comments that fan the flames of my writing passion.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I noticed that the InLinkz suffix is 260331 but in the “Get the InLinkz code”, it says 260332. Just a heads-up.
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Okay, David. But I’m not really sure how that works.
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Okay…I think I figured it out. See it that doesn’t work.
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I’m not sure either. I just know when I put the code it, it wasn’t finding any of the stories, so I had to go change the number in the code manually to 260331 and then it worked. Just letting you know. 🙂
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The problem should be solved.
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If it had been a bee’s nest, there would be Challah and honey, and they all might have been saved a lot of despair. But the wasps…?
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Or apples and honey. But you know how those wasps are. Had to be white bread, right? Thanks for dropping by, Randy.
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Can anyone say immunity? First she was declared to have destiny and then when convenient and the wind blew different she changed to being accused. Sounds political to me! A nice story Rochelle!
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Dear Joe,
The politics of that day. Turn your anger and grief into unreasonable accusation. Glad you liked my story. Thanks for swinging by with such nice comments.
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Everyone is sure witty and perceptive this morning. I believe it’s a wasps nest. We have had enough in our patio and backyard to recognize one. Their sting is very painful. Just one will have you in sheer agony so you portray the facts well. Too bad the elder of the two Martins didn’t receive the stings
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My thoughts exactly, Moondust. Ever notice that history doesn’t record men being burned at the stake for being warlocks?
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Just to lay at rest any speculation, it is a wasps’ nest and nasty stings they have, too! Fortunately, I found this one empty. 🙂
Rochelle, your historical fiction always shines and this shines a light on a period of history that was a terrible time in so many places. I love the subtlety of having her friend’s father be the one to denounce her and I’m sure that in addition to his belief in witches, his hatred was fueled by the fact that his daughter died and she did not.
janet
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Dear Janet,
You’ve hit the nails on all their heads. Glad you liked my little tale.
shalom,
Rochelle
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this is a great tale of people fearing and condemning what they do not understand. it both saddens and angers me that many innocent lives were taken because of people’s ignorance… and “Elders” like that Martin always makes my blood boil. so brilliantly told .. 🙂
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Thanks KZ. The saddest part of this story is that, while these characters are fictitious, it’s a true part of history. As a writer it pleases me that it evoked emotion.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, sprightly destiny. Thy favor fleeting on a man’s whim.
Very nice Rochelle.
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An angry, grieving and highly ignorant man’s whim. Thank you Honie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So Creative, Rochelle! You’ve set this up very nicely indeed and then walloped us with that ending. And even with so few words, you’ve managed to capture the horrific emotions involved — on both sides — and make them very real. Excellent writing!
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Dear Sandra,
Many thanks for your affirming words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! What a great tale. What in the world will I come up with?
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Thank you, Renee. We know what you came up with now, don’t we. ;). It’s been a busy week so I’m having to pedal fast to keep up.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think my story somehow came from yours. Thank you. Hope you had a great trip. That granddaughter of yours is a doll.
Fondly, Renee
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Glad you wrote about the hornet’s nest because I first thought sea sponge too. But then I clearly knew it was a hornet’s nest after seeing it in your story. My brain can’t reach back that far into history but your story was great!
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Dear Maggie,
It took place a very long time ago. I’m glad you liked the story in any case.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh how terrible.. I always think that witch stories bring out the worst in humanity… but very well told.
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Dear Björn,
It was a very ugly part of history and definitely the worst of inhumanity.
Thank your coming by,
shalom,
Rochelle
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This so needs to be continued-you can have an extra 200 words, okay? 🙂
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Thanks, Kingsley, I’ll take that into consideration. 😉
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Oh my. I didn’t see that coming…
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😉
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Love your story Rochelle!
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Many thanks, Sandra.
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Oh well done Rochelle! I liked the historical fiction perspective (unfortunately also a sign of those times as well)!
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Dear Penny,
It was a very dark part of American history. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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That is exactly why I distrust most people who live and breathe religion: they are usually want to flip flop such as that evil gent.
Ignorance is deadly!
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Dear Carrie,
Indeed ignorance is deadly.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Red hot flames sear my ankles.” I have only been stung once, but when ants bite me, “red hot flames sear” me, too. I love the parallel between the fire’s and the wasp’s stings.
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Thank you, Lisa. I hope Angelique is standing by to cool her.
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What a great portrayal of an old Salem-styled witch hunt. And you’re right in one of the comments you made earlier. It still happens today, in various guises.
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Dear Madison,
Wish it weren’t so. In any case, I’m always happy to have you drop by. Many thanks for your comments.
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Good One, Rochelle… you had me grabbing the dictionary with that ‘sennight’. I liked your description of the Elder with the words… ‘cried’ and ‘shouts’.
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Thanks, Ted. Glad you liked it, all sennights aside. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great take on the prompt Rochelle, and informative too. I recognised the photo; a wasp nested behind the glass of the wing mirror on my car. I carried him/her and the family across Europe and back before I sold the car with residential rights intact. 😉
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Yikes! That would freak me out to find something like that anywhere near my car.
Thanks for dropping by.
shalom,
Rochelle
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A great story on a great prompt Rochelle 🙂 If i remember correctly I have read one another story by you on historical fiction. You inspire me to try my hand on it as well one of these days ! 🙂
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Dear Shreyank,
I think if you go back and read some of my earlier stories you might find more historical fiction. It’s my favorite genre. It’s a wonderful way to learn about the past. Thank you for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An imaginative take on the wasp’s nest photo. I think you captured the Salem time period with your language and mood. I admit, I had to look up “sennight” before I discovered that you had graciously added a definition of it. Good story!
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Dear Dave,
I’m happy you liked my story. It’s always fun for me to incorporate and be true to the language of a period. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice take, I was once stung up by the brute, it pains a lot. Nice that it is fiction.
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Thank you for coming by and commenting Indira. I’ve never been stung and hope never to be. I keep a healthy distance from them. Glad you liked my take.
shalom,
Rochelle
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You are welcome dear, yours is a very interesting and inspiring blog.
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alas…science & religion, once again, didn’t mix
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I think it depends on whether or not intelligence and balance are part of the equation. 😉 In the case of my story, it’s all about twisted religious ideas.
shalom
Rochelle
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Destiny. Nobody knows, huh? Nice story, well told.
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Many thanks, Pete.
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Now you’ve got me wondering if I ever realised it was called a fortnight because it’s fourteen days…
A great telling of a tragic story, even if I did need the comments to point our the subtle details to me. Sadly there are still ‘Elder Martin’s about, and unfortunately we seem not to have learnt not to let them get to a position of power.
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True story, Anne. Some have never learned and I’ve encountered a few Elder Martins. Fortunately they no longer burn people at the stake here. We just crucify them in the media.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a fickle Elder. Such was the times. People with too much power wielding it without a thought for humanity. Great story!
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Dear E.A..
Unfortunately in those times, those wielding the power were men and the humanity they had no thought for, for the most part, were women. I’m glad you liked my story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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If I wasn’t Native American I believe me and my ancestors would have been accused of witchcraft. Really good story and I love that you used the words that made the story come to life in those times (sennight).
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Dear Jackie,
No doubt…instead (not my ancestors) the white men just drove your ancestors off their land and murdered their babies. Are you 100%? Just interested.
In any case, I’m happy you liked my story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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not 100% just 50%. Yeah, my ancestors were not done right, but they came up in the world the last 30 years. Thanks Rochelle
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I like the new word and the unexpected twist. I think Elder Martin was fulfilling his own destiny instead of the other way around.
With all the warnings not to open the door…well I wasn’t going to anyway, but it is nice to be looked out for. Too bad that the misinterpretation of healing caused undo ‘justice’.
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Dear Jules,
Afraid there was a lot of ignorance at that time. I’d think a true Christian would’ve seen her not reacting to the hornet stings as divine intervention. But then the fact that the elder’s daughter died from the stings didn’t help matters.
Thanks for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Strong story.
It reminds me of the tales of what happened to the Lancashire witches in the 1600’s.
I was born in the county and so read lots of stories. There used to be a shop in a village near Pendle Hill that did a roaring trade at Hallowe’en selling witches on broomsticks, all made out of twigs, people used to buy them and then burn them during the evening celebrations.
(You can read more about the Pendle Witches here http://www.pendlewitches.co.uk/ )
Dee
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Dear Dee,
Thank you so much for sharing the link. Of course the Salem witch trials were the same ilk of people so it’s not surprising these things happened on both sides of the pond. Fascinatingly grisly history.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like that a lot! Didn’t know sen night either.
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/friday-fictioneers-4192013-genre-sci-fi-pg/
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Thanks Scott. Glad you liked it.
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A witchy tale! Oh, Rochelle, well done. I’ve considered going in the same direction. I like the connection to the past.
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Thank you, Amy. I love history.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A tight tale illustrating historical truths, misused authority and fear of the unknown. Superb, Rochelle, and rather chilling.
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Thank you Joanna. Good to see you and Ron back this week.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle
A brilliant tale – I love ‘sennight’ – it’s logical too as we still have fortnight from fourteen nights. And we still have plenty of ignorance in this world, though it no longer leads to being burnt at the stake.
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Thank you El.
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Ah, very chilling and unfortunately accurate in its history. You’ve imparted so much in so few words.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/empty-nest-optimism/
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Dear Maggie,
It’s a very sad piece of Americana. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This takes me back to school, when we studied The Crucible. This is a powerful story, very realistic characterisation and motivations, and the use of the old language is beautiful.
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Dear Trudy,
What can I say in reply to that other than thank you?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A vivid and well crafted tale with the added benefit of a new word! Thanks 🙂
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And the next prompt is on its way less than a sennight from now. 😉 Thanksfor dropping by.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Dear Flying W,
What a witchy tale of woe you weave. – Bugsell
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Dear Bugsell,
Thanks for flying by with wonderful words.
Wallenda
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Oh that was fantastic. Can she somehow manoeuvre Elder Martin on to the ducking stool? Thanks for the new word and a wonderful story.
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Dear Sarah,
Thank you for your warm compliments. I’d love to see Elder Martin trip into the flames myself.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved your ending!
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Thank you, Kristin.
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Fantastic. You have a real talent for flash fiction! So many layers in so few words.
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Dear Neen,
Thank you so much. I started a year ago when Madison Woods, the founder of FF, was still at the helm. I was hooked from the first. It’s amazing what this exercise in brevity has done for all my writing.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Like every other week you educate me not just of some history but also a new word – sennight!
I am sitting out this week.. Wasn’t up to the challenge of the prompt, but am very much around and about 🙂
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Dear Parul,
Sorry you didn’t feel up to the challenge but nice of you to swing by for a read and a comment. You’re very much a part of this community.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another fascinating story, filled with irony and ambiguity. Thanks, Rochelle!
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Sweet of you to say so, Perry. Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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From one extreme to the other. Good one!
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Thanks, H.L.
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Terrifying! And more than likely, anyone who had doubts about Elder Martin’s decisions was afraid to say so in public for fear of his revenge. You give us descriptions that are horrific in themselves – flames licking the narrator’s ankles – and that force us to picture the worse horrors to come. Very effective.
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Dear Sharon,
It always makes me happy when a reader understands my stories. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Truly a sword cuts both ways. Well done. Interesting that we both thought of religion.
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It is interesting, isn’t it, Danny. Elder Martin’s sword certainly cut both ways. Thanks for commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Gosh I’m glad those days are over. We have our own problems now but at least none of us have to worry about being burned at the stake! Your story was rich!
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Dear Linda,
Again, welcome to Friday Fictioneers. I, too. am glad we don’t have to worry about being burned at the stake. On the other hand there are plenty of other worries. Thank you for your kind words.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I love it when you write like that!
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Dear Dawn,
I love it when you say that. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. You included so much in so few words! I loved it. Thanks for such a great prompt.
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Dear Monica,
So happy to have you among us on the Friday Fictioneers “bus”. Thanks for your kind comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, that puts me in mind of the Salem witch trials. I loved the way the Pastor was there at the beginning of her life and at the end. I guess if she burned to death she was innocent? Great story Rochelle.
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I’m not sure how that worked, JWD. Other than the fact it was a heinous act no matter what. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Guess that’s what happens when you have a glass of wine before you read these stories Rochelle. At least when I have a glass of wine. 🙂
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😉 Cheers!
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Dear Rochelle,
Your stories consistently challenge the mind and take us to places we might not otherwise visit. That’s the mark of an author to be read and reckoned with. I’m thinking that when you were young you were stung by several good storytellers in various forms and, fortunately for us, never recovered. There is no way to build immunity and no cure. The only balm to those wounds is to become an author yourself and fill bookshelves round the world with your writing. You’ve stung me more than once this past year and this story, like all the others, left a beauty of a welt.
Aloha,
Doug
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I think you’re an inspirational person and writer so I nominated you on my blog http://camgal.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/first-four-awards-this-year/ I am glad I came across your blog and the challenges 🙂
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Cool and so spooky. I was watching a historical drama about the time when King Henry VIII ruled England. All the people who died for their beliefs is staggering. Then I also think of the Salem Witch Trials. I think we sometimes forget just how important laws protecting freedom of religion are.
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Dear Cie,
We do tend to take things for granted, don’t we? Thank you for swinging by. (Speaking of spooky, iteresting little gravatar ya got there ;))
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How well you captured one of the darkest aspects of human nature. Witch-hunting may not today involve flames (still does, in some places, though!) but it’s still as deadly. Black humour at its best for me. Ann
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Dear Ann,
I suppose there is some black humor here. A lot of irony (intended) in Elder Martin’s outcries. Thank you commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
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