Week 457 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we head toward the end of our ninth year. If you’ve been doing it a while, thank you for sticking with us. If you’ve just found us, welcome! May you come back again and write more great flash. Thousand thanks to Mary Decker for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- A.J. Walker | @zevonesque
- Miya Kressin | @miya_kressin
- Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
- Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Charlene Mertz | @rrats1231
- Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
- Nellie Batz | @solimond
- Atticus Stryker | @TAFORU
- Silver James | @SilverJames_
- Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
- David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- Mark Ethridge | @mysoulstears
- M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
Mary says: You all do not make this easy, but that is part of the amazing thing about Flash Fiction – you can give a prompt, and everyone takes it and makes it theirs.
Once again, you all are amazing!
Honorable Mentions
Miya Kressin | @miya_kressin
Mary says: I love your mix of tech and magic- it is a fresh view with some very dire consequences. Bravo.
Mark Ethridge | @mysoulstears
Mary says: I love the mood you set, and the sense of frustration at not being able to feel what’s coming. Sometimes that makes things worse. I want to find out what happens!
Nellie Batz | @solimond
Mary says: That last line, oh that last line. Yes, there is power in not being seen, not being noticed— The paradox that anonymity gives you power. Well done.
winner announcement
Week 457 Winner
Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
Mary says: I love the tension you have in your story and the regret/hindsight— but I also love the insight and the question – is it the thrill of the hunt, and capturing your prize, or using it that really matters. I need more!
My hand wraps around the siberite gem, its pulsating energy giving off a faint purple hue, drawing me in. Before I realize what I’m doing, I take it off its stand and bury it in my bag. The Insight feels heavy, the weight of it not quite solid but triggering a pressure in my chest that wasn’t there before.
“Did you feel it calling you?” The voice comes from the other side of the curtain behind the stand. He steps out into the light – a tall, elegantly dressed elf. I can only assume it’s Noquate. Dressed in black, he almost blends into the shadows. Noquate’s hair is slicked back, revealing pointed ears adorned with too many earrings for me to count. If this world has taught me anything, at least half of them must be enchanted.
I step back, nearly falling off the dais. Maybe I should have waited for Valmong, but it’s too late to think about that. Before I can react, he continues.
“It’s tempting, isn’t it? The power to see through anything – deceit, illusions. Imagine what you could do with it.” His voice is smoother than honey, and I wonder if that’s natural or another piece of subtle magic.
“I don’t intend to use it.” I take another step back, hoping I can make it to the door, but knowing that running away probably isn’t an option.
“What a waste. Might as well just give it back.” He smiles a predator’s grin.
Shit. I’m screwed.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Eleven Time Winner Katheryn, and Honorable Mentions Miya, Mark, and Nellie! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, MeWe, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
