Ficlets

The Dark Child

Mara was the dark child promised by the prophets of the Ash-Shaytan. On the night of her thirteenth birthday, the riders escorted her to the city temple. Her mother, Queen Morrigan, followed close behind with the clerics. She held her head high to hide her fear, but her face was a white mask of death.

When they ascended the steps, a cloud of smoke poured from the temple gates and the temperature dropped. The priestess placed her dagger against a camel’s neck and splashes of blood spurted against stone. She wiped the blade clean against her cloak and then moved to the outer walls. All eyes were fixed on the obsidian corridor as a low droning sound shook the temple walls.

Mara turned to the Queen and screamed as a man with the head of a lion appeared, a swarm of metallic insects hovering above him.

“Eat!!” the crowd chanted. Mara screamed again, and the insects descended on the camel carcass.

“Eat!!” they chanted again, clapping in unison. She planted her feet, stared into the crowd, and began to transform.

Comments

Average Reader Rating:

The Dark Child
YodaOnCrack
Posted 6 months ago

Found the picture & just had to write something about it – was in a dark mood this mornin’. Would love for Capital W’s challenge to be my next ficlet though – hope to find the time to day…
The Dark Child
ChrisWDP
Posted 6 months ago

Could also be the start of a great fantasy/sci-fi story.
The Dark Child
Capital "W" Writer (LoA's Geekus Awesomeus)
Posted 6 months ago

That was so cool! You, my friend, are one awesome storyteller. :D
The Dark Child
THX 0477
Posted 6 months ago

Bizarre and definitely kept me enthralled and guessing. Could go anywhere.
LoA
The Dark Child
Blusparrow
Posted 6 months ago

very creepy. There was something dark about that picture too and you captured it.
LoA
The Dark Child
OrangeOreos
Posted 6 months ago

So weird…

I can just imagine an ancient offering ceremony, and a big crowd of crazed relgious fanatics!

Great story!

LoA
The Dark Child
I LOVE FRANK IERO AND WILLIAM BECKETT!!!
Posted 6 months ago

I USED THE SAME PICTURE BUT I MADE HER DEAD .
The Dark Child
K Tempest Bradford
Posted 6 months ago

This is a really interesting start to something creepy and awesome…
The Dark Child
YodaOnCrack
Posted 6 months ago

Thanks, Tempest & “Will Beckett fan” – it was actually inspired by an old Ronnie James Dio song called One Night in the City