December 2010 Writing Challenge: STORMFEATHER WINS!

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

RULES:

Write a story inspired by the chosen theme in no more than 75 words
The title is not part of the word count -- or the story
It should be a story, not simply description
It can be prose or poetry
One entry per person
All stories Copyright 2010 by their respective authors, who grant the Chronicles Network the non-exclusive right to publish them here.




Contest ends at 11:59 pm GMT, December 23 2010
Voting Ends at 11:59 pm GMT, December 28 2010
(December 30, in the event of a tie-breaker poll)

You do not have to submit a story in order to vote -- in fact, we encourage all Chrons members to take part in choosing a winner


The Magnificent Prize:

The Dignified Congratulations/Groveling Admiration of Your Peers
and the privilege of choosing next month's theme or genre




This month's theme is:


SACRIFICE


Stories must be Science Fiction or Fantasy

Happy writing!
​

 

[Bella Donna]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Air Supply
​

"Captain," said Lieutenant Sampson, "our oxygen tanks are leaking."

The captain looked up. “We're what – six light years from Earth? How long have we got till it runs out?”

“Three days, and we're...”

“At least a week away.”

“And there's three of us.”

They regarded each other with calculating intensity.

“Where's the nearest ship?”
“Too far away.”

“We'll have to draw straws.”

Three friends became strangers then.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Whatever The Cost
​

“I can’t grant this to you for nothing, mortal,” the demon said. “It‘s difficult returning humans from the dead.”

“I’m willing to do anything to save my daughter’s life,” the knight replied.

The demon grinned. “Good.” There was a flash of bright light, and the demon disappeared, instead in its place, a beautiful young woman.

“Father, I…”

“I brought you back,” the knight said, grinning.

The demon reappeared behind the knight. “Time to pay up.”

 

[sloweye]

Re: December Writing Challenge

The first and last.

The blood ran down the cold stone,
A scarlet trickle leaving a faint hit of steam as it rolled toward the ground.
The sound of the thin metal blade retracting from flesh, the glint of the moon tinted red shines across the hooded faces, grim with the task at hand. It was done.
“We won’t go hungry this year” his second said aloud.
“She was my only one” replied the chief, wiping away a tear.

 

[Mag the Mighty]

Re: December Writing Challenge

The Hecatomb

“Warriors are buried with swords,” said Emperor Ob, “for they must fight in the Other World. I am Emperor. I must rule.”

So when Ob died, his servants slew the people’s cattle and burned their crops. They poisoned the wells and razed the cities. And in time, the people followed Ob to the Other World.

And so Ob remained Emperor even in death, and warred against the gods themselves and made them bow before him.

 

[Talysia]

Re: December Writing Challenge

The Hardest Choice

How had it come to this?

As she approached, his eyes - once loving and tender - sought hers, and she faltered. The beast had been too strong and, in failing to defeat it, had possessed him utterly. How much remained of the man she loved? Could she really let this monster run free, if it meant that he stayed alive?

Tearfully, she loosened her sword. At least his soul would be free.

"Goodbye," she whispered.

 

[Oxman]

Re: December Writing Challenge

War Games

Queen Bialy moved from the castle’s shadow, forwards on the tiled courtyard, glancing behind at her knights. She was infinitely more powerful than the small, black clad footsoldier, yet she didn’t strike, instead stepping into the path of his clumsy diagonal thrust.

Bishop Weiss saw the lady fall, closed his eyes and whispered a prayer.
“It wasn’t in vain,” his King said, beside him. “Now you have a direct route to the Dark Lord.”

Checkmate.

 

[nixie]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Goodbye my friend

Silence fell, all eyes turned as he entered the hall. Would he do it? If he didn't the aliens would not allow them to travel through their territory. The ultimate sacrifice had to be made for the space exploration to continue.

Shaking, all colour drained from his face, legs hardly able to support him. He approached the creature, tears streaming down his face and handed over his cuddly threadbare stuffed bag puss.
​

 

[Ursa major]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Self-Sacrifice (or Per Ardua ad Astral)


Success! Finally, I’ve left my body.

I can see my own face; it’s never looked happier. No wonder. Since childhood, a voice in my head’s been saying, “You can do it. You know you want to.”

Some call it obsession. True, I’ve sacrificed relationships, my career, to research the mystical texts.



A problem: Though I’m willing myself to return, I’m still rising.

My smile has broadened, gained a wink. My body’s waving goodbye. To me.

 

[Boneman]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Wait, begone.​

She wasn't sure she could do it. But everyone was watching. Waiting. Judging. If she could sacrifice her own feelings, her yearnings, it could be perfect.

They didn't know how hard it was. All the years of loneliness as she worked to this point. Acceptance back into the human race was within her grasp. But the price? Was it too High? Tentatively, she reached out with the sacred cup.
"Cream and sugar?"
"No thank you."

 

[paranoid marvin]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Writer's Block


How many hours had he toiled at his work in his quest for immortality?

How many nights spent tossing and turning , mind bent on achieving his goal?

How many months searching for the spark of creativity that would bring his creation to life, and thus enrich him with the accolades and adulation that his efforts more than merited?

He would show them ; this was his month.

And so he put down his keyboard and waited.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Name-Day​

The fairies gathered when the prince was born, to bestow their gifts.

“He shall heal the sick.”

“He shall feed the hungry.”

“He shall restore the dead.”

One by one, the fairies blessed the little prince beyond measure.

The wicked fairy entered, and declared, “He shall be pricked by a crown of thorns, and die young.”

Only one good fairy was left to mitigate this fate.

“His death shall bring eternal life to all mankind.”

 

[Mouse]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Αριθ Θυσία (Ochi Thusia)

This is all new to me. Apparently, if we don't do it, a giant god of the sea will destroy us all. I'm not sure I believe that. But what can I do? I don't want to not do it, just in case.

It's a human sign. When things go wrong, slaughter a cow.

I'm not quite sure why we all have to be naked though.

 

[chrispenycate]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Tribute Maiden​

"I don't like it, either, but it's traditional, and they won't have forgotten the tradition. The offering must be a maiden."

She didn't like it – how did she think I felt?
"I'm not…"

"You've no offspring, no responsibilities; there's no-one else like that. Apparently, it's no longer death, just servitude."

I sighed – all true – and, with scales burnished and wings half spread, walked off down the hill toward the human town, and my fate.

 

[Perpetual Man]

Re: December Writing Challenge

A Captain's Duty

Somehow it had come down to this, my own decision, strangely giving peace.

A singular choice that effects all through me.

Cruel joke it maybe, but an honourable stand, hands unguided by magic, just conscience.

Remorseful though, I am not.

I smile as I fall, noose about my throat.

For this is the gift I give.

I know my friends, my crew will survive.

Can they follow my instructions?

Escaping as I dance and die.

 

[reiver33]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Fade Out

The world around me dissolved into limbo, and I was alone with Fear. She smiled.

“I can count the number of people who have done this willingly on the fingers of your left hand.”

I would have hid the mangled stump away, but I was as glass to her gaze, transfixed. Self-mutilation had turned my hand into a key, a key to unlock her heart.

Her kiss promised eternity, and our child would be Peace.

 

[Precise Calibre]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Auto-injurious Forfeiture



“So, let me get this straight. We're doing a sacrifice, right?”


“Yes, oh Great One.”


“And who are we sacrificing to?”


“To the great Cloud God, my Lord.”


“And that's me, right?”


“Correct.”


“And who is the sacrifice?”


“You, oh Great One.”


“But I'm your god!”


“Yes, my Lord.”


“You can't sacrifice me, I'll die!”


“I'm sure you'll be ok...”

 

[Allanon]

Re: December Writing Challenge

With Balance In Mind


Only one can stay...

Why?

It keeps the balance...

It's not fair!

I know, still...

I won't do it!

You will...

But, the Others?

They know, they understand...

They'd do the same?

If it was their choice, yes...

Doesn't make it any easier!

I know...

Do you think I should?

Yes... No... I'm not sure...

I don't want to!

I know, but you will...

I know. (He swallowed the pill, as the voices faded).

Goodbye...

 

[R M Tobias]

Re: December Writing Challenge

Rostario’s Liver.

A shaft of light pierced the darkness. “Quastio, what have I told you about hiding in the oblatory?”

“Tchizora tez timeron”

“He’s speaking in tongues again,” said Nelphariod, wearily.

“Someone get the book of curses”

“It’s too late, look,” Elmarion pointed at Rostario’s bloody remains.

“He couldn’t have eaten it all,” offered Vantarion.

Without warning, the temple shook. Dust loosened from the ceiling. Nelphariod said “Oh dear.”

Somewhere beneath, Baragon, Godking of Helderast stirred.

 

[J Riff]

Re: December Writing Challenge

They Didn't Believe

Santa writhed on the crude stone altar as grotesquely cavorting lizard-people thronged into the vast cavern. A horrid gibbering echoed throughout the chamber as the chief executioner entered.

The squirming fat man screamed as the sacrificial knife was raised, began it's deadly descent - and shattered!
Lizard-beings dropped dead on all sides of the struggling Xmas deity as a hail of arrows filled the cavern.
The Elves had arrived.