Microfiction: Haunted Melody

Here’s my weekly microfiction, courtesy of the r/fantasywriters Microfiction Challenge. The prompt this time was “Song” (50 word limit).

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The melody rises. Hand to door. Turn and open.

Foot forward on the beat. And step, and step, and step.

What was he doing here?

The music pulls. And raising arms, dagger high.

What is this music?

The crescendo hits. The dagger plunges down, again, again, again.

The music fades.

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Another serious one again, but I also had an idea for a silly one, which I’ve saved for right here. Read it below

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“Ah, yes, when the siren called, any who heard her song was unable to resist, so sweet her melody. My crewmates jumped into the sea, only to be dashed against the rocks and sent to an early grave.”

“But Grandfather, how did you not do the same?”

“What? Speak up!”

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Hope you’ve enjoyed!

Living Flame

Another go at an r/fantasywriters Microfiction Challenge. The prompt this time was “Hot” (50 word limit).

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She takes the living fire in her gloved hands and swallows it whole, savouring the pain as it scalds her throat.

The Eternal Flame will soon be hers to command.

She shudders as it dances an agonising jig in her stomach. Her life is now shortened… but vengeance is ensured.

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I managed to do a serious one this time! I feel like the concept has some merit, so I may turn it into a short story or more at some point.

EDIT: Got another reddit award! I’m glad to be able to share snippets of writing with people and have it be appreciated, so thanks, anonymous stranger!

Count the Spots

Here’s my second go at an r/fantasyWriters Microfiction challenge. This time the prompt was “Snake”

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He removed the three spotted mamba’s jaw from the jar with care, handing it off to his apprentice.

“Now watch, as the venom activates the potion,” he grinned, then downed the glowing liquid.

“Um, hypothetically, what would happen with a four spotted mamba’s venom, master?”

His eyes widened. “Oh, damn.”

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I definitely feel like I’m edging towards the gimmicky with these, but they do amuse me. Maybe next time I’ll play it a little straighter.