Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by my old friend Al Forbes.
The idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in his picture (below).
This week’s somewhat sinister looking object makes me think somewhat sinister thoughts.
So I write a somewhat sinister story.
Or do I?
Click on this link to enter your tale, and to see what others have written.
Copyright Al Forbes
Click here to hear me read the story aloud:
Magic Competition
I am a magician.
Actually, to be more honest, I am a sorcerer.
So I can do magic, just much, much more effectively than any of these showmen and impostors.
I hear about the Great Magic Competition, sponsored by the royal court.
I decide to win it.
Not, I have to say, for the honour and glory.
I have no need of that.
And not for the Silver Chalice.
No, that reminds me too much of my mother-in-law.
But I will win it for the real prize, one thousand gold pieces.
The judge is to be the Royal Buffoon himself, our crown prince.
Who, I have to tell you, knows nothing about the arts of illusion and deception.
He would not recognise a Magic Dragon if it bit him on the bum.
I watch the other competitors saw women in half, make pretty assistants disappear, levitate.
All the usual tomfoolery.
I step forward.
Will I just take the prize now, I ask, avoid any unpleasantness?
They all start to laugh.
I wave my wand.
They stop abruptly.
I stroll across, lift the prizes.
No one moves.
No one speaks.
I amble off home.
A little Paralysis Spell is just magic.
Sound Bite Fiction 
Cheater! But maybe they didn’t specify magic tricks vs magic itself…
Funny.,.. the chalice makes me think of MY mother-in-law… hmmm 😉
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I hope they weren’t aware as well or someone will be around to reclaim the loot. Funny story and well written, C.E. 😀 — Suzanne
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“No, that reminds me too much of my mother-in-law” HARSH!!!
This one was hilarious. Well done 🙂
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Ha! A paralysis spell, very clever. 😉
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Reblogged this on Kate McClelland and commented:
Hahahaha!
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Thanks, Kate, happy you got a chuckle
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I can almost envision him taking the prize home, piling it all on top of a table already overflowing with other ‘wins’, pouring himself a good dram of something mildly toxic and laughing silently to himself as he enjoys the drink.
-Lisa
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If I had not run out of words that is exactly how it would have finished!
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Real magic but it still feels like cheating.
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Only if you are a sore loser
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I like the humour in this, All he had to do was freeze or paralyze everyone with a little spell and the prize was his to take. Easy peasy. Have a great week CE 🙂
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Thank you, Amanda, easy peasy when you know how!
No hugs today?
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Aw sorry double hugs and a kiss on the cheek. Hope your Monday is going well, or is it Tuesday there now?
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It was, and it is now Wednesday, please try to keep up!
And I need to go lie down after all that affection, I am exhausted with smiling so happily
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Lol. I think I have to sleep to, I don’t know what day of the week it is. Have a wonderful Wednesday then 😊
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Ah, good point: a real sorcerer could wipe the floor with all these charlatan prestidigitators! And yet, the next day they would all be bending over backwards trying to explain how the “trick” was done.
Count me in for another vote for the mother-in-law line.
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Thanks, Joy.
And don’t tell anyone, but I prefer the Magic Dragon line, mainly because I love Puff!
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I won’t tell anyone, shhhhh. 😉
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Dear CE,
At least no blood was shed. Although I did shed a few tears while laughing. A little mirth on a grey winter’s day goes a long way.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Don’t tempt me, m’lady, or I’ll make the sky fall down on the losers!
Happy to make you smile.
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Quite magickal, indeed! 🙂
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Thank you, ma’am
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Great take and excellent pacing as usual C.E. Another amusing story too
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Thank you, sir, I hope it took the scowl off old grumpy Graham’s face too
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He was resolutely chirpy
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Erm…ungh!. The Paralysis Spell works via the internet as well…
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Oh cool, Al has a question for you (see below)
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Oh I didnt see that coming…
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I love it. It made me laugh. I wonder if they were able to see him as walked over to take the money. Brilliant.
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Hell, Al, I don’t know, I am not a bliddy magician!
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Witty and wonderful poem.. I second Lain Kelly, mother-in-law part is funniest. Love the cup so much.
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I am just glad you found something to amuse you!
Thanks for visiting, and taking the time to comment.
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Your welcome 🙂
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I was expecting treachery but not that.
The magic dragon was the right pitch for this mid-evil tale.
A good read all through.
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Mid-evil???
How many times have I told you, Em, I do the funnies here!
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Sorry.
Numty forgot (hand slapping forehead ).
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Magical take. ‘Mother-in-law’ made me laugh in particular.
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Thanks, Iain, one laugh and I am happy!
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