The Unicorn Challenge.
A magical new weekly writing opportunity from her – Jenne Gray – and me.
Visit her blog every Friday to see the photo prompt, and post your amazing story in her comments section.
Or on your own blog, and stick the link down in her comments.
The rules are:
Maximum of 250 words.
Based on photo prompt.
That’s it.
To hear me read my story, just click here:
Negotiation
I really don’t want to start a war, I say, but…
He laughs at me from across the table.
We’re in the United Nations Office in Geneva, neutral space for our talks.
His entourage comprises bodyguards, advisers and interpreters.
I’m sure that’s true, he responds. Your country is small and weak, I could take it in days. I only want that coastal strip, and we have no quarrel.
I shrug.
Look at you, he sneers, you live in a little state-owned city-centre apartment. I have an impregnable castle, in glorious parkland, with ocean views, where I keep everything of value – artwork, jewellery, family. It cannot be taken by any army on land, sea or air.
I shrug.
Why are you alone, he asks, grinning.
I have faith in your men to keep us safe, and to translate accurately, I reply. I know what my country wants, I have no need of anyone else.
I don’t tell him I know his language, understand what he says, and how they translate his words.
My army is at your border now, he gloats. Where are your puny forces?
I lift my phone.
Wallace, I say, where are you?
Via the magic of technology, on the office’s giant screen an image appears.
It shows, behind my soldier’s smile, an apparently unimpregnable castle in parkland with ocean views.
And one word: Infiltrated.
I hear spluttering noises from across the table.
I really don’t want to start a war, I say, but I can finish it.
And finish it you did with a perfectly understated final line!
Cheers, Keef!
Eccellente, caro mio.
Go, Johnny, go!
Thanks, Nancy.
Mr L rocks, always
Superb last line to a great wee story.
Let’s hear it for Wallace – as always!
PS Never mess with a bantam.
Sometimes wee guys have big brains and they beat big brawn every time.
Freedom!
Oh, a twofer one. I didn’t know that was allowed.
The music is a bit loud too.
Neither did I, Ladysighs, but since it’s Ne’erday, we’ll indulge him.
Guess we don’t have a choice.
I didn’t know about Ne’erday. Does it mean Never Day? I only know the song Never on Sunday
New Year’s Day, an important day in Scotland!
https://folklorescotland.com/a-coal-for-the-hearth-at-hogmanay/
Rules are made for breaking, dear Lady.
And Johnny L gets a free pass here to do whatever he chooses.
Yes, Master of the Castle!