Friday Fictioneers is hosted by the wonderful Rochelle, the undisputed master of what I call Sound Bite Fiction.
She sets the weekly challenge, the standard, and the prompt photo.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on the picture below, which this week is supplied by Dale Rogerson.
© Dale Rogerson
Click here to hear the author read his words:
The Fifth Horseman
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are known to everyone.
War, Famine, Pestilence and Death.
But scholars have long suspected the existence of a fifth.
And new studies have revealed that she was Humiliation.
She was, in many ways, the worst.
After the others had passed through the land, destroying all in their path, she followed closely behind.
And attacked the survivors when they were at their most vulnerable.
She would laugh and jeer, her breath rancid with garlic.
With thumb on nose, and fingers a-waggling, she would sing out the words that cut deepest.
Na-na nah na-na.
This is so true.. Excellent use of the prompt ‘She would laugh and jeer, her breath rancid with garlic. Some people are really very cruel.
Brilliant.
Unfortunately, I’ve seen this fifth horseman out and about all too often, especially on those who least deserve it. 🙁 Fascinating story.
Sadly, Anne, some people are cruel to others. Glad you found it interesting.
One of my favourite book series was ‘Incarnation of Immortality’ by Piers Anthony – have you read them? This made me remember them. He didn’t consider Humiliation 😊
Haven’t read it. I think it’s a new concept, Trish!
Such a great idea! You’re very clever.
Laughing. Just a bit imaginative, Trish
I love that!
Thank you, that makes me happy!
That made me chuckle!
Chuckling is good!
Yes, it’s incredible the lengths that people will go to avoid her.
Ain’t that the truth, Rob
Ah, the final emotional sword, humiliation – a usual feminine trait.
You are on your own, James, I am not going there!
I was drawn in by the suspenseful tone of the story, very nice. But, then, I laughed at the last line (especially when you listen to it), imagining the fifth horsewoman taunting like a child with her thumb on her nose and waging her fingers. Great descriptive bits throughout.
Thank you, Brenda, I was hoping for a chuckle or two!
A shrewd observation CE. How many people have feared ridicule enough to die rather than risk it – quite a few, I think. Nicely written, and entertaining.
Interestingly enough, Penny, I am currently reading Pickwick Papers where two guys prepare to fight a duel rather than be embarrassed.
At first, I was offended that Humiliation was a “she”. In the end, I was quite pleased!
This is an equal opportunity blog, Alicia.
And you know what they say about the female of the species…
Oh dear, yep, I think those who named the four, were too afraid of Humiliation to name her, too … 😉
Laughing. You could be right, Na’ama!
LOL! Yay, I like laughter and I do like being right … 😉
I’m not even reading yours anymore, its so much better to hear you read to me! This one was a classic, and what a brilliant idea too, the final insult. Loved it
Your cheque is in the post, sir!
Seriously, I am pleased you enjoy the readings so much.
I do a Saturday story too, and a Sunday poem on my other blog, both with readings.
Loved this story!
Glad you did, Sue!
You can exit laughing on this one, CE. Who among us has never felt the sting of that nasty little tune. As hurtful as it is, you’ve made us smile 🙂
Then my work is done, Linda, thank you
A fun, clever story.
Thanks, Josh
I am now looking forward to my future readings from Dale prompt. As you and Sandra have set the bar high.
Very kind, Michael, but I only dream of attaining Sandra’s level.
I bet the other four horseman just love her, what with her always having the last word and all 😂
Typical woman, hmm!
Great story with a brilliant ending! Thank you for making me laugh.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thank you, Susan, I am happy you enjoyed it so much.
Sounds like my president. Well said.
Laughing. No comment.
I have Macron here in France and Boris back in UK, spoilt for choice between these three cretins.
She sounds a bit like my ex.
Bit of a sweetheart, was she, Keith?
I’m pretty sure I’ve met her, and on more than one occasion. Devilishly inspired.
I’m pretty sure she’ll have been to EK, Iain!
I think I can hear her hoof-beats approaching now…
Or is it a zebra…
Dear CE,
Oh my. I believe this is true. Humiliation is a subtle destroyer. Nice addition of garlic breath.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Of course it’s true!
Would I tell you fibs, m’lady?
Great stuff. Fits in the group for sure.
Thank you.
But not too clear what you mean.
The fifth horseman. She fits with the rest.
Utterly superb! I’m well impressed.
And I am dancing on clouds!
Oh gosh, I can just smell her rancid breath!
I guess personal hygiene wasn’t high on her list…
Clever, very clever. We seem to be at her mercy.
Beware her raspberries, Tannille, they are loud and irritating!
Realistic story.
We need to be at our best behaviour with all.
Still, humiliation will follow? Don’t know…
Realistic?
Yeah, that’s what I was going for!
Gaslighting, narcissism, psychopaths, sociopaths … so many names that do not cover the venom of the demon you mention.
I guess you don’t much like her, Reena!
🙂
Both sides in Armageddon may make use of that horseman, Pride, they tell me, is a sin
Plus, Neil, she’s not a very nice lady!