PHOTO PROMPT © Lori Wilson
Glenn trudged up the steps of the old hotel. His overcoat covered most of the signs of battle, a scorched jacket and trousers as well as the blood. His face had a few bruises, but it was late and the light was low in the hotel lobby.
He casually nodded at the young night guy who was glued to his smartphone. Thank God for addictions, at least in this case.
He closed and locked the door to his room behind him and then set up his wards. That he defeated a demon tonight didn’t mean there weren’t others out there.
Cover image for my novel “A Wobblegong and His Boy”
It’s Wednesday and time again to participate in this week’s edition of Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ Friday Fictioneers. The idea is to use the image on top as the prompt for crafting a poem or short story no more than 100 words long. My word count is exactly 100.
I’m tired. I didn’t mean to get up this early, but that’s life. Being tired is part of what influenced the mood of my tale.
I looked up the hotel and the historic town in which it resides. I considered a few angles and decided my brain wasn’t up to it. I’m both reading and writing fantasy at the moment and so decided to go that route. You’d feel tired and spent after a battle with a demon. The hotel looked like a good place to rest.
Promotional image for my short story “A Monolith in the Regolith”
To read other stories based on the prompt or to submit one of your own, visit inlinkz.
My YA science fiction novel A Wobblegong And His Boy is ON SALE for the month of August in honor of Back to School so it’s a great time to buy a copy for the kid in your life who loves adventure (or the kid at heart). Don’t forget to leave an honest review at Amazon and Goodreads.
My new “Tom Corbett, Space Cadet” short story “A Monolith in the Regolith” is now featured in the anthology Tom Corbett, Space Cadet: An Original Short Story Anthology.
Happy Wednesday.
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at least he has the minibar for afterwards
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He could probably use a stiff belt after the night he’s had. Thanks.
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Hopefully he will be able to rest his weary bones before starting anew.
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That’s what the wards are for. Hopefully they work. Thanks, Dale.
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James, I wondered what the wards were. Now I know, based on your comment. I’m glad he made it out in one piece. Demon fighting ain’t no joke. Good story!
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Think of wards as a magical home security system that makes it difficult for magical bad guys to get in and sets off all kinds of alarms. You’ll sleep sounder. Thanks, Lisa.
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James, does it ward off high-pitched wireless wifi? I could use it if it does.
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I don’t think that qualifies as magic. However, I did look up the problem:
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Good info, James, thanks. I just unplug mine at night, which seems to help.
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If it’s under warranty, you might see about getting it replaced.
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Glen, a hero on a quest. Is he for hire? A story of good versus bad, where the hero struggles to rid our world of demons, good luck with that Glen.
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It’s an uphill battle but somebody’s got to do it. Thanks, James.
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he got lucky this time, but about tomorrow and the day after that?
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I prefer to think of him as a skilled warrior. Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy.
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You always have to be prepared when you’re fighting demons 🙌
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Absolutely. Thanks.
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Dear James,
Those demons are relentless, aren’t they?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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They are indeed, Rochelle. Thanks.
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An interesting snip it, James.
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Thanks, Chris.
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Protecting others at cost to himself. A local hero it seems.
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Actually not local. He travels a lot. Thanks, Keith.
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I like the scorched clothing detail to show how lucky he is to make it back alive. Those steps do look like they were made for trudging, weary travelers. I hope he – and you – will get enough rest to face any other demons.
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Hoping for some rest tonight. Thanks, Sheila.
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Oooooo love it
The roughed up demon hunter. Nicely done. Sounds like he needs a drink now
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People keep saying that. Maybe his room has a mini-bar. Thanks, Laurie.
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Fantastic read, James!
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Thanks, Nancy.
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if demons were the explanation for our troubled world, we would be a busy man.
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It used to be an explanation for some mental illnesses back in the day.
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