It was just another nightāthe normal amount of darkness and fear. But something was about to change.
Little did Longwing’s residents know, that today was the day they met their king. Charles traveled in a chariot, surrounded by marching soldiersāa small army. An expected decision of the king after hearing Melina’s prediction. Their quest was to avoid a catastrophe.
The chilly night felt like a curtain of clouded moisture. The residents didn’t dare step out into the mistāonly the creatures of the night roamed the surrounds
Longwing was a quiet place, lit with torches that couldn’t last all night. And, in the center of town was a large burning bonfireāwhen they heard the invaders for the first time.
“Are you sure of this, my king?” Sir Fenix asked.
“I see no other way out,” said the king with a look of disappointment.
Melina had her own carriage, unlike the othersāshe had a large and private space. Charles spent a night of the trip with her, hoping no one would have noticed. But, Fenix was already suspicious of them.
The king’s advisorāthe woman with mystical powersāthe stranger who came to the kingdom and achieved such a high office. Something was wrong.
She must know of my affair with the queen, Fenix thought. That’s why she brought us hereāto end my life.
“Sir Fenix,” said Charles. “Try to be quick and find a warm place to spend the night.”
“Yes, my king,” Fenix said and stepped out of the royal tent.
“You trust that boy too much,” Melina said as she emerged from the shadows.
“He’s a good man,” said Charles.
Melina raised an eyebrow. She looked as beautiful as when she was under the care of the castle’s servants. Her wavy red hair was the only thing hiding her naked body, she waited for the tent’s curtains to close before walking toward the king. “I want you.”
Fenix knew he had to carry out the ordersāthere was no alternative. And, he approached his men.
“Soldiers,” said Fenix, “the work that has been entrusted to us is of crucial importance for the future of the kingdom. We must be bold and stealthy to end all the people of the town.
“That will be the only way we will eradicate the plague.”
The soldiers had only heard rumors of the approaching plague. Of the disease that’s going to doom the worldāaccording to Melina’s predictionsāalthough no one was sure. Not even her. However, the soldiers saw it as obvious. The people imagined that the witch had a special connection with the spirits, that she could talk to them.
Superstitions were enough to follow orders. No matter how crazy they were.
That’s how Fenix marched in front of his soldiers and surrounded the town. The orders were simple. Annihilate everyone.
And that was how, after a long battle, Fenix returned to the royal campaign.
“My king,” he said as soon as he entered Charles’ tent. “We’ve finished the job.”
“Are you sure?” asked Charles.
“No one is left alive,” Fenix said.
“Why are you lying to your king?” Melina asked, now wearing a low-cut red dress.
“It’s the truth,” Fenix said. “I swear.”
Melina moved her hands and a gray cloud appeared at a short distance. In it, they saw the image of Fenix helping people flee the massacre.
Charles turned to face Fenix. “What is this?”
Fenix was silent, looking at the image. “That’s impossible,” he said, taking a step backward.
“Let me worry about what is and is not possible,” said Charles. “Your role is to follow my orders.”
“Butā¦ my king,” said Fenix, “I’m sorry.”
“You know what’s the punishment for treason,” said Charles.
“Waitā¦” Fenix said, looking at Melina. “I had no alternative. It was my right, it’s my obligation to protect my family.”
“They will die from the plague anyway,” said Melina.
“You have betrayed me,” said Charles. “You have betrayed the kingdom.”
“The queen,” Fenix said. “She knows what’s happening between the two of you.”
Melina raised a hand.
Felix felt pressure on his neck, it became impossible for him to breathe. Despite his efforts to catch his breathāhe lost his strength until he fainted from suffocation.
Melina lowered her hand. “We’d better keep him alive to find out what he’s talking about. We can’t let the queen come between us.”
Charles nodded. “And we have to find the survivors.”
Well done. Chilling and oddly not far removed from aspects of our today. Liked how the tale concluded quickly and completely. Though, I wonder… (And that is what a good flash writer is allowed, expected to do, induce a sense of ‘afterward’ expectation.)
Thanks, I also think it somewhat relates to our reality.
A very interesting post . Enjoyed reading it .
Thank you, that means a lot to me. I hope you also like my other short stories.
I am sure I will .
Good
Thanks, I hope you’re enjoying my stories.
Yes it really interesting
GOOD STUFF! š
Only the best for my readers.
GREAT ANSWER-!!!! š
If this universe had a whole novel, you bet I’d read every word. Both of our stories share royalty named Melina too! I loved this story very much.
It’s good to know you enjoyed my story. I really appreciate your comment and the idea. I’m happy to hear you have a Melina in your stories too. I hope to see you back soon.
Just noticed that you have checked out one of my blogs.(relationships) Thanks for that. Do we have anything else in common?
I’m just a storyteller sharing the voice that transcends through me.
Woman in Red, starring Gene Wilder.
That’s amazing, lol. Thanks.
Honestly, these are some beautiful work. I still have a ways to go.
Thanks, it makes me happy to know you are enjoying my craft. Reading is a great way to learnā¦see you back soon.
Fantastic blog post!
The life of a knight is more complicated than we can imagine. Thanks.
I am going to have to reread this one!
Second time’s the charm, Gina.
Very good. I like the idea of the short stories. The open endings on some of your works allow us to use our imaginations. To try to imagine what the outcomes might be for your heroes and anti-heroes. Well done.
Thank you, I’m glad that you’re enjoying my craft. I get so involved in their stories that sometimes I’m cheering on the wrong character. See you soon.
You are doing extraordinary and original work Sebastian. Excellent looking blog too.
Thank you, it has been a lot of hard work that’s finally paying off. I hope you like the rest of my stories too.
This story, and blog as a whole, is a masterpiece. I have a blog on which I review books and short stories such as these. I was wondering if I could review your stories. Of course, I will link your blog, and credit you. Do you mind if I do?
Allycat2135, that sounds fantastic. I’d love for you to do it, but let me know when I’ll be ready to visit your blog.
Thank you for the opportunity to review your stories. I’ve read this one and it seems very nice. I can’t wait to read more!
Hi, how are you, I see you always follow my posts so I decided to do the same and I was enchanted by this story and I decided to take the liberty to share, besides I don’t know if you know but it’s just a tip for you to register on bymeacoffe take these stories for this audience also enjoy and follow me there laughs https://bit.ly/3u5ElKE.
Lolita, I’m very grateful. Now everyone can buy me a coffee.
I’m glad you could have helped, I followed you, Lola.
š
the perfect ingredients for a flash fiction. Loved this one
However, I want to know more about all these characters.
my opinion? In simple words they are diverse yet the same in their personal agendas… Everyone is trying means to end…
Awesome storytelling.
Love from my site
Loved the story.
I think Fenix should say no more. Let Melinda read his thoughts if she is as powerful as she claims.
I really enjoyed reading this. Keep up the great work!
Interesting
Well written and thanks for another follow, Sebastian (keeping you busy).
Happy writing
“waking up sleepy-head” c
I discovered your blog today and I must say the about section resonated with me. š
Excellent reading. I have read a couple of your stories, they’re great! Also thank you for liking my post on my website. I am really happy for you as you have an awesome ability for writing short stories. I think it would be great for you once ‘Kindle Vellum’ is available to the rest of the world (only US) as you could very well create a monetized continuing story with a lot of the works you have already written and expand upon them. I really think you would have a fantastic group of followers. Bravo Sebastian š
nice
good job
What a great writer you are !!!!! Very talented.
A story of honor, of which is not much left today …
I like the way you dream !
Beautiful writing! I found your blog yesterday when I saw you liked one of mine. I write too. Looking at your work makes me consider posting my writing on my website. Thank You for being an inspiration!
It’s bloody cool mate!
Keep it up
Enjoyed your story. Thanks for checking out my 8 Pack. Hope you are picking against me.
JOE
I love the story! It really pulled me in to it
What a twist. I thought it was predictable but then hmmm… felix is the True Knight I see. I want more. This story can’t end. Hehe
There is much to tell and I hope to do so soon.
This pulled me in. I would like more so I will visit your other stories another day. Thanks for sharing.
Best regardes
Excellent story – wanted to read more!
Very complex characters. I would like to hear more of their story. Great job.
and the plagues of any other ages rage on…
Guite good.
I loved this story! it’s so good!
Wow. Such a grasping way of writing. This really inspired me a lot. You keep your readers hooked on every single word. Truly an amazing story!
Sounds like Caesar! Good story. I must point to a typo you would like to know about, I assume. I believe you meant castle not clastle? Nevertheless an interesting tale my friend. Cheers!
A dark, fascinating medieval story. Keep writing!
This is great!!
is there a part 2?
I started reading then stopped about the fifth paragraph. I went over to my sword rack, grabbed my favourite, went back and sat down with the sword leaning against my chair and started over. I love to be in the moment! Itās tough to lead men, let alone an army but Fenix is stupid. The King was clear and Fenix day will come. As for Red Heads, they can slit your throat in the heat of passion. Itās no wonder they were known as witches, even today the can be hard to deal with. I will keep the sword with me until all my reading is done, just in case. D