75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- VICTORY TO RcGRANT

[The Judge]

Rules​

Write a story inspired by the chosen theme in no more than 75 words, not including the title​

One entry per person​

All stories Copyright 2012 by their respective authors,
who grant the Chronicles Network the non-exclusive right to publish them here​

The complete rules can be found at Rules for the Writing Challenges​

Contest ends at 11:59 pm GMT, July 23 2012​

Voting Ends at 11:59 pm GMT, July 28 2012

​

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/Grovelling Admiration of Your Peers and the challenge of choosing the next month's theme or genre​

The Theme​

Justice​

The Genre​

Myth/Legend
​

Good luck, everyone!​

 

[Gary Compton]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

Justice will come from the heavens and be carried by an Angel...

The evil goblin witch had kidnapped the children. She stood, haunched, over her cauldron.

“Eye of man, arm of child, blood of the innocent,” she said in a wretched voice as she stirred.

There was no hope but wait - a blinding light – a prince with a twinkle in his eye. He flicked open a device.

The wicked witch cowered.

“They are safe Scotty. Beam her up.”

She disappeared and everyone lived happily ever after…

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

Sins of the Mother​

“So it was that the assassin Nox, whose victims numbered in the thousands, was betrayed by her most trusted friend. The murderess was brought before the pantheon of Archangels, the keepers of law, and was tried by the Creator, and put to death by the soul harvester Ainael, being found guilty not of crimes against the children of the Creator, but for being born of an angelic mother.”

-The Lay of the Nephilim

 

[silvermoon]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

"You know you crime, Drathano," the Elf Queen said. "Slaying my son was pointless--your jealousy will lead to your death."

"I wanted his wife," Drathano said gruffly, looking aside, not meeting her fierce gaze.

"How could you, an Orc, ever expect to win her hand in marriage, Drathano?" the Elf Queen demanded scornfully.

"Who said anything about marriage, Elf Queen?" Drathano spat. "I just wanted to take her..."

"Death," she said. The axe descended...

 

[reiver33]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

While The Hound Slumbers

I sit, dabbling my feet in the murky river, as the ferry approaches.

The boatman frowns. “You are unknown to me, woman. How can this be?”

“Many men shun me, even as others seek my favour. I tire of their affairs and would cross over, but have no coin.”

He rubs his chin. “Then you must work your passage. What service can you offer?”

“Good council...” I stand, shedding my robe. “…and justice for all.”

 

[Luiglin]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

... and silence followed

They say he strode out the wastelands, cloak billowing in the chemwinds, face hidden behind an archaic mask. His steps sure and silence followed.

They say the wanted, souls stained with innocent blood, faced him cocksure and with arrogant grins.

They say he stood and weathered their deadly fire before quietly replying in kind; one, two, three, four, five shots and the dead hit the floor.

They say he strode on and silence followed.

 

[RcGrant]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

"That's not fair," I complained, as Father closed Cornish Legends. "Why did the giant have to die?"

"He betrayed his friend by stealing his wife." Father stood, pushing his fingers underneath his spectacles to rub his eyes. Wrinkles spread from the corners like lines on a map. It was hard work being a single dad.

"But you're not dead," I pointed out.

"It's a story, go to sleep." Father shut the door with a click.

 

[nixie]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

Paying for Betrayal​

The Lady spoke :

“ We made this king but now he must die. He has listened to those who would destroy us.He has denied the child of the fires, a son of the Horned God and the Godess. Took away his inheritance, called him a child of Sin. Go my priestress and take the sword and garter from him, this battle will be lost”

The priestress bowed :

“Your will shall be done”

 

[Grimbear]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

Blodeuwedd

My flower-girl in feathers flies
Through silent, night-time forests glides.
For she was made, and not for me,
Apart we will forever be.

Now Llew is gone, and Gwyddion dust.
Mathonwy passed, as all men must.
Those she was made for now are dead.
My flower-girl is cursed instead.

Blodeuwedd, know that I still wait.
Owl or girl, this is my fate;
To love you always, Dearest Heart,
And yet, we will always be apart.
​

 

[stevietee]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

The Justice Tree​

I sit beneath the Justice Tree, naked branches like accusing fingers pointing at God. Arthur Bailey was hung here a century ago; two days before he was proven innocent, when the lynch mob wept and begged his forgiveness.

No-one comes here now; frightened by the Legend of Bailey’s Revenge.

But its not old Bailey they should fear.

It’s me.

The girl he killed.

The girl who tasted Justice; if only for a little while.

 

[Hex]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

After they burned the village

Nothing's sweet as the screaming. Not even burning thatch.

Who gave this babe a sword? He can hardly lift it.

I smash down the axe. He drops the weapon and runs like the kid he is, splashing into the lake. That'll not save him. Laughing, triumph-hot, I wade after.

He scrambles up, streaming water. Blinking, eyes wide, he raises his hand. And there glimmers Arthur's lost treasure -- the ice-white, rune-carved sword.

Oh ****.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

BAPTISED IN BLOOD

"Cheater."

"We didn't say it had to be attached." I raise my stump; drops of blood fuse the sand beneath. "The land's mine - my hand touched first."

He spits. "Have it. If there's any justice, it'll be cursed."

#

July 11th: the thin sound of a lonely flute drifts through the night, a crackle of fire behind.

A flag, red hand adorned, flaps.

A bottle breaks. "For Ulster!"

I watch the sea crash in. "Bloody place."

 

[paranoid marvin]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

Getting The Drop

The Sheriff at last had succeeded
In catching the man in the hood
The trial was a foregone conclusion
Now Nottingham wanted his blood

Yet Robin was no common villain
A man who was nobody's dope
The outlaw once more found a loophole
But this time at the end of a rope

 

[David Evil Overlord]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

Just Innocent Bystanders

She lay chained at the feet of the barbarian.

‘You thought you were gods,’ he sneered ‘You fought among yourselves, until you destroyed the world.’

‘We were heroes,’ she replied. ‘Not villains.

His laughter broke upon shattered towers. ‘There’s a difference?’

‘We fought to save the world.’

He raised a sword of glowing jadarite. ‘Now I’ll save the world. From you.’

The last superhero passed from life into the legends of the Central Park Tribe.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

ROUGH JUSTICE

Bards sang of Caoivan’s exploits in war, his wise judgments in peace.

They say he caught a boy poisoning his wine, and took the culprit by the neck.

Though white with fright, the youth spoke boldly. “You killed my father. You owe me a life.”

Caoivan paused to think. “I owe you a life ... I’ll give you yours.” He shook the boy, then faced him toward the door. “Now take it and go.”

 

[crystal haven]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

The Beast of Feirset Crag

I should have collected milk. Instead I’d ogled Lizzie Blackwood washing in the stream.

I needed an excuse. Quick.

“I saw the Beast, Ma. As Old Jack did.”

“Simon,” she squealed. “Are you alright, child?”

“I threw the milk,” I lied. “It drank it and I fled.”

Ma clouted me across the head. “The Beast drinks blood, my lad, not spilt milk! No supper for you tonight; you’ll be collecting milk at Oakgreen Farm, instead.”

 

[Bowler1]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

Old Yarns

My Grandfather told me what he saw that day.

The crowd were silent, waiting.
With a heavy grunt the Executioner swung his axe.
A heavy thud and his axe was buried deep into the block, followed by another as the King’s head rolled.
The Executioner stepped forward and lifted the head for all to see.
The Kings eyes still blinked in the sunlight.

He swore it were true, many times, right here in this tavern!

 

[ratsy]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

Time to Reflect

On the riverbank I spend my last waking hours.

I feel compelled to stay and pay the price for my arrogance.

I was loved by a woman, but I thought my beauty made me a god.

Now I lie here looking into my reflection, Nemesis having led me here.

My only thoughts are of how much my love enjoyed flowers.

 

[allmywires]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

The Lady Justice

Alabaster fingers curled over a bloodied heart, ruby-red bracelets ringing smooth skin; the thin sword lies on the floor, the scales smashed to shards.

She has cracked lips and a white dress, and her mouth is curled back, teeth ragged, voice rasping. Eyes of adamantine, cruel and viscous; she speaks of death, and vengeance, and all kneel before her.

‘Pray to the Lady Justice,’ she whispers, her sharpened teeth sinking into the heart’s flesh.

 

[r_j_dando]

Re: 75 WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- July 2012 -- READ FIRST POST

Personal Development

My annual appraisal said: Needs to show more initiative. I ask you, how much scope for creative thinking do I have, weighing the souls of the departed?

Fine.

I place the latest soul onto the delicate scales. A faint patina of misdemeanours weighs it down. The odd grey lie here or there, no great mortal sin for this man. The opposite pan, bearing a gold-plated feather, stays resolutely lower. I grin.

“Welcome to Paradise!”