Friday Fictioneers is hosted by the wonderful Rochelle, the undisputed master of what I call Sound Bite Fiction.
She sets the weekly challenge, and the standard.
This week’s photo comes from ‘Rudolph’ Gayer, and prompted me to write a sequel to a tale I wrote on Sunday for a different challenge:
https://ceayr.com/2018/12/30/distant-hills-sunday-photo-fiction/
But I think it stands alone, regardless.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on this picture, below.
© Russell Gayer
Click here to hear the writer read his words:
Almost Home
I will never have a luckier escape.
Out in the desert, my horse dying on its feet.
They were all around me, closing fast.
But that sudden sandstorm reduced visibility to a couple of yards.
I walked through them unscathed.
Now I have grass under my feet, the hills look much closer.
They won’t follow me over the ridge, their honour forbids it.
Then three more days and I’ll be home.
Not quite the conquering hero, but job done.
I will be forgiven, at least by her.
The wind has dropped again.
I look behind me.
I’m not safe yet.
Sound Bite Fiction 
A very exciting story–just not for him, his future isn’t looking too bright.
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Very atmospheric. I felt as if I were looking behind as he did.
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He’s behind you!
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Lots to ponder in this. His fortunes rise and fall with every change in the wind. Poor man. I hope he makes it and I hope she really will forgive him, whatever he’s done.
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We’ll see, Margaret.
And your empathy is endearing.
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I pictured the Wild West. Boundaries are not always broken.
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That works for me, Stu. I just set the scene, you make the movie.
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I’m with Rachel. I wanna know what he’s running from. If it’s something he needs to be forgiven for it’s probably juicy!!! Thanks again CE.
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Laughing. Typical lady, Violet, always looking for the story behind the story!
Thank you, dear lady
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His relief at getting away seems to be short lived. Hope he brought a wire cutter!
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Fences are only in the mind, Andy!
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A great continuation of the Sunday story (SPFC) !
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To be continued…
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Oh no, they are determined to follow him. I could feel the tension. Superbly told and great last line. Again, I enjoyed listening to the audio!
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Glad it worked for you, Brenda, and thanks for the kind words re audio
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Oh, the danger is looking back! But if you don’t, you won’t know what hit you—-lots of tension here, for sure.
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Hmm, yes, better to see it coming or live in blind hope?
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Let’s hope he makes it, conquering hero or not.
Nice work.
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Thanks, Mike, I guess a finale was inevitable
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Luck is playing hide and seek. At one moment it is hiding him from near capture, at the other moment he is being exposed. Hope he reaches home safe, if not as a hero.
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Support is building for him, so let’s see, hmm?
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I can see another sequel on the horizon sir 🙂
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And I duly wrote it, sir.
A trilogy, how unexpected, by me anyway!
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I knew he would find a way out. At least for the moment. Of course, great stories never make it easy on the hero.
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The first word of the title is a clue, Susan!
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I enjoyed this for me a sequel, but it does stand alone well. Now I need to know why their honor will decent them carrying on after him
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Glad you enjoyed, Mike
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For some reason, ‘I will be forgiven, at least by her’ really sits with me. Lovely write.
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Very kind, Carol, I am happy it reached you.
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As long as there’s life there’s hope… just another day or two, and who knows… you can be lucky twice (and even thrice)
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All true, Bjorn.
Thanks for visiting
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I can’t help but wonder what he did… can’t be too bad if she can still forgive him. This leaves me very curious and hopeful that he makes it home.
Great read!
-Rachel
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Thanks, Rachel.
I find it fascinating that everyone here wants him to escape.
Maybe you’re just a sweetheart?
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Safety in enemy territory is tough.
Hope he makes it to his home.
Wish you a very happy new year!
Zapped – Anita
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Thank you, Anita, all the best to you and yours too.
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I’m hoping he makes it. He sounds like a phlegmatic soul – he deserves to succeed.
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You are a softie at heart, Sandra.
Not sure why he deserves your support.
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He’s a lucky man, for now. But who knows what waits round the next bend? Atmospheric and exciting stuff, C
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He ain’t home yet, Lynn.
Tune in next week …
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Ooh, will do 🙂
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Dear CE,
I could feel the tension in this one. A lot of story layered between the lines I think…without going back and reading the prequel. It does stand alone. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, m’lady.
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Oh, I love this. For me he is the underdog and i am rooting for him. Who are we to take moralistic stances? Happy New Year Ceayr.
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Laughing. Thanks, Neel, but you don’t know what he’s done!
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This is almost like a song. I remembered ‘A Horse With No Name’ by America. Wonderfully written, CE
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Thank you, Varad.
Actually the horse is called Barlinnie.
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A chase, I love a chase! Great stuff
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When it comes to the crunch, it’s all cowboys and Indians!
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I’m rooting for him. Nicely atmospheric
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Interesting. And thanks, Neil.
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He got away in the end… Or has he? Perhaps it depends on the next prompt picture!
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Aye, we’ll see!
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