Twas Wednesday and the village square bustled with busy shoppers and eager tradesfolk as wandering waits made jolly music. A wizened old man in a black gown sat hunched over a black-clothed table.
‘Tell me, kind fellow, how charge you for your service?’ asked a frock-coated gentleman.
‘Three groats sir. I think that is fair. How say you?’ replied the soothsayer stroking his lengthy grey beard whilst expectantly twitching the fingers of an upturned hand.
The gentleman removed his tall hat and placed it on the table. ‘Two groats my man, and should your fatidic statement prove both accurate and pleasing, I shall award you twenty groats more’
They shook hands. The gentleman sat and paid his dues.
The seer bent down and plucked a stone from the ground. With a small coin of little value, he frantically scratched its surface. All of a sudden he stopped and gazed upwards, his hands pointing heavenward.
‘The angels smile down upon you this fine day sir. Conceal this stone within the pocket of your weskit and visit the gambling den from where you will surely leave with a fortune’.
…….which reminds me, I need to buy a lottery ticket – you never know!
*Fatidic, a word first recorded in 1602. Having the power to foretell future events; prophetic.
Word count 200
Thanks to Donna for hosting. The photo is courtesy of Wendy Van Hove.
Very authentic flavor to this story.
I’m pleased it was readable! Thanks so much Sadje.
You’re welcome😇
What an intriguing tale, and well told as always. Here are my predictions of the hour:
A dozen fellows, greatly impoverished by die and card, seek for the old man that evening to pelt him with his worthless stones, he’s wisely disappeared.
If you buy lottery tickets, you’ll find in the new year that you’re out quite a few groats and have worthless stubs in your pocket. 😉
If I’d had another hundred words that’s pretty well what would have happened! As for the lottery, I’ve never actually bought a ticket and doubtless never will! Thanks for your skillfully selected words of wisdom Christine.
Those soothsayers are tricksters, every one.
The fastest way to double your money is to take what you would have spent on the lotto, fold it in half and stick it back in your wallet!
Absolutely, I agree with every word! Now, which horse will win the 2,45 race at Ascot?
Beautiful, you took me to a land of fortune tellers and Lord of the Rings kind of feeling. Glad I bumped here via Sunday Photo Fiction.
Regards,
Dipika
Thanks so much for dropping by Dipika, it’s much appreciated.
Your story took me back in time 😊
Just as I hoped it might! Thanks, Lakshmi
Told in perfect voice. A pleasure to read and behold. Best of luck on the lottery!!
It’s fun to try something different now and again!. Thank you so much for your generous words and for wishing me luck. I might actually have a go this week in the hope that the fatadist is looking over me!