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.
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.
A very exciting story–just not for him, his future isn’t looking too bright.
LikeLike
Very atmospheric. I felt as if I were looking behind as he did.
LikeLike
He’s behind you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
We’ll see, Margaret.
And your empathy is endearing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I pictured the Wild West. Boundaries are not always broken.
LikeLike
That works for me, Stu. I just set the scene, you make the movie.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
Laughing. Typical lady, Violet, always looking for the story behind the story!
Thank you, dear lady
LikeLike
His relief at getting away seems to be short lived. Hope he brought a wire cutter!
LikeLike
Fences are only in the mind, Andy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great continuation of the Sunday story (SPFC) !
LikeLike
To be continued…
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLike
Glad it worked for you, Brenda, and thanks for the kind words re audio
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, the danger is looking back! But if you don’t, you won’t know what hit you—-lots of tension here, for sure.
LikeLike
Hmm, yes, better to see it coming or live in blind hope?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let’s hope he makes it, conquering hero or not.
Nice work.
LikeLike
Thanks, Mike, I guess a finale was inevitable
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
Support is building for him, so let’s see, hmm?
LikeLike
I can see another sequel on the horizon sir 🙂
LikeLike
And I duly wrote it, sir.
A trilogy, how unexpected, by me anyway!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew he would find a way out. At least for the moment. Of course, great stories never make it easy on the hero.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first word of the title is a clue, Susan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed, Mike
LikeLike
For some reason, ‘I will be forgiven, at least by her’ really sits with me. Lovely write.
LikeLike
Very kind, Carol, I am happy it reached you.
LikeLike
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)
LikeLike
All true, Bjorn.
Thanks for visiting
LikeLike
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
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Rachel.
I find it fascinating that everyone here wants him to escape.
Maybe you’re just a sweetheart?
LikeLike
Safety in enemy territory is tough.
Hope he makes it to his home.
Wish you a very happy new year!
Zapped – Anita
LikeLike
Thank you, Anita, all the best to you and yours too.
LikeLike
I’m hoping he makes it. He sounds like a phlegmatic soul – he deserves to succeed.
LikeLike
You are a softie at heart, Sandra.
Not sure why he deserves your support.
LikeLike
He’s a lucky man, for now. But who knows what waits round the next bend? Atmospheric and exciting stuff, C
LikeLike
He ain’t home yet, Lynn.
Tune in next week …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh, will do 🙂
LikeLike
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
LikeLike
Thank you, m’lady.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
Laughing. Thanks, Neel, but you don’t know what he’s done!
LikeLike
This is almost like a song. I remembered ‘A Horse With No Name’ by America. Wonderfully written, CE
LikeLike
Thank you, Varad.
Actually the horse is called Barlinnie.
LikeLike
A chase, I love a chase! Great stuff
LikeLike
When it comes to the crunch, it’s all cowboys and Indians!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m rooting for him. Nicely atmospheric
LikeLike
Interesting. And thanks, Neil.
LikeLike
He got away in the end… Or has he? Perhaps it depends on the next prompt picture!
LikeLike
Aye, we’ll see!
LikeLiked by 1 person