Friday Fictioneers

Keith's Ramblings

pwstretched.medium (1)

‘Twas twilight. Upon the bank of a tumbling stream, a chestnut steed nibbled tufts of green grass. A limp wet body lay in the shallow water, one wrist held high, knotted in the steed’s reins. An expressionless face, its pale cheeks grazed and bleeding.

At daybreak, the steed was discovered, alone. The water was still; the only sound, the sorrowful cooing of a pure white dove perched upon a branch above the spot where the body had lain.

Where it went, I know not. Carried downstream maybe. Claimed by creatures of the night perhaps. Gone.

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dales-waterfallFriday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle.  Dale Rogerson provided the photograph. Thank you both.

70 thoughts on “Friday Fictioneers”

  2. ceayr Nov 21, 2018 / 11:14

    Not many laughs here, Keith!
    Brooding and mysterious tale, excellent.

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  3. Iain Kelly Nov 21, 2018 / 11:28

    Quite the mystery this one Keith – what had happened to them and where did they go? Nice detail with the steed.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Nov 21, 2018 / 16:55

      I have no idea! I tend to write open-enders when I’m pushed for time and can’t sit around waiting for an ending to appear – as I was this morning!

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    • Keith's Ramblings Nov 21, 2018 / 17:21

      Thanks so much, Karen. though having just read your amazing piece, we could all learn a lesson in language from you!

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      • k rawson Nov 21, 2018 / 20:12

        Oh boy no one better take lessons from me, but I’m glad you liked it. I sure enjoyed the mythic fable rhythm of your tale!

        Liked by 1 person

  8. rochellewisoff Nov 21, 2018 / 15:57

    Dear Keith,

    This leaves the reader with questions. The language suggests an ancient timeframe. Nicely done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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  10. Dale Nov 21, 2018 / 16:19

    Beautifully written, Keith. A mystery that may remain so…

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  11. hilarymb Nov 21, 2018 / 18:06

    Hi Keith – as it’s soaking here and the rain produces torrents that could easily sweep someone away … but I rather like the idea of the dove being the reincarnation of a delicate woman thrown by her horse and her life … sad – but easily thought about – cheers Hilary

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    • Keith's Ramblings Nov 22, 2018 / 17:13

      ! won’t mention the lovely walk I had on Eastbourne seafront this afternoon! I pleased you spotted the connection between the rider and the dove – I was not sure if anyone would!

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  12. Magaly Guerrero Nov 21, 2018 / 18:55

    I enjoy open-ended stories… how the allow me to wonder. If I want, I can imagine that the horse is a kelpie, which would imply that whatever happen to the body was probably rather unfortunate.

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  15. JoHawkTheWriter Nov 22, 2018 / 04:00

    Oh, heavens, she evaporated with the morning mist, returning to the land of her kind. Nicely done.

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  16. anuragbakhshi Nov 22, 2018 / 06:09

    Dark brooding tale inspired by a bubbling happy stream. Now that’s what Flash Fiction is all about 🙂

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  17. draliman Nov 22, 2018 / 08:00

    Very grim. Poor chap, dies alone (if you don’t count his horse) and washed away who knows where. Nice one!

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  18. granonine Nov 22, 2018 / 14:38

    How awful, to die so alone and helpless. Good writing, Keith.

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  20. michael1148humphris Nov 22, 2018 / 20:37

    I hope the dove collected his spirit and whisked him somewhere nice

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  23. ladynimue Nov 23, 2018 / 15:56

    I had expected this to make me feel sad but it’s making me more curious of the nature of this event ..

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  24. plaridel Nov 24, 2018 / 05:17

    i’d venture to say it was all imagination. somebody who saw it had a lot to drink that night.

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  26. Rowena Nov 24, 2018 / 12:30

    Enjoyed this, Keith. There was that striking image of the bridled horse without its rider, which brings obvious foreboding. well done.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

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  30. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Nov 25, 2018 / 17:20

    I wonder about the story, but part of me want to believe it was in the aftermath of a battle… a soldier carried by his stead to the stream only to perish there.

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  31. Natasha Nov 26, 2018 / 08:20

    Hola Keith,

    Long time! I need a little favour. My blog turns two on 6th November and was wondering if you could write a guest post on my blog NatashaMusing, for the 7th November. A piece of fiction if you please, and Rosey included if that stokes your fancy. :))

    I’ll send you the details on email. Do let me know what you think.
    Cheerio!
    Natasha

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    • Natasha Nov 26, 2018 / 08:27

      It’s December sorry not November as I have written inadvertently. Forgive me.

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      • Natasha Nov 27, 2018 / 10:48

        Thrilled to hear this Keith. Thanks a big bunch🤗

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