Two boys huddled on the battlement wall, wind-blown and on fire with An Idea.
Between them the small catapult waited, fragrant with fresh-tanned leather straps. A pile of stones glittered, rubbed free of ocean, with chapped hands and tunics needing a wash.
No girls around to interrupt their weapons test. Ponies wandered the path to the sun-bright meadow.
Thor loaded the bucket, and with a nod, Peter released the catapult’s arm. The small stone flew and smacked a pony’s flank. It whinnied and shied.
“This time? Bigger rock!”
They didn’t notice the girls step out on the path below.
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2017)
Carrot Ranch Prompt (02/02/2017): In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a rock in the road. It can be physical, adding a plot twist, or it can be a metaphor for a barrier or hardship. Go where you find the rock.
Yikes. Really liked that. Thank you.
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No, thank YOU for stopping in!
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Such sharp writing that I felt transported to witness the scene. How tempting a new catapult would be, left unattended. Beyond cringing for what hits whom next, I also wonder — why the new weapon?
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I love your description, Liz; but your twist at the end sounds ominous. I hope those girls will be all right.
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Time and healing, Norah! 😉
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