It’s long remained a mystery, the cold spot twixt the trees. A place that on the warmest days can chill you to the bone.
Some say the Ice Queen’s throne once sat there. Others claim it’s the site of a dastardly murder committed one winter’s morn when an icicle pierced a victim’s heart. It’s even said a colony of snow creatures inhabits a frozen warren beneath the forest floor.
But no. They are wrong. Only I know the truth. And you will never know. Unless you linger long enough to freeze your blood. Then you’ll know but wish you never did.
My tale has loosely based the picture from Rochelle who is, of course, also the host of Friday Fictioneers
Click Froggie to see what others have made of it!
A big stand of shade trees and a dip in which frozen ice persists?
May be, but I’m not saying!!! Cheers Neil.
Dear Keith,
You leave us with a cold case mystery. Great use of metaphor. Love it!
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. Your picture was quite a challenge!
You were most certainly up to it, Keith. 😉
And I’m out of there quick smart! Good to have you back Keith, hope you had a good A to Z last month 🙂
Before you dash off, thanks. I had a very good A-Z! We get one day a week off which is Sunday. I wish they’d make it Wednesday instead!
It’s been a couple of years since I took part, just can’t find the time to commit. Maybe next year.
Why not publish on Sunday, and take Wednesday off? The numbers work out the same. I publish every second Monday, from April to April. 🙂
Love this, Keith. Excellent take on the prompt (maybe put an r in pieced?)
Cheers Dale. I don’t know about you, but no matter how many times I edit, I invariably miss something even with my trusty pal Grammarly at my side!
In Grammarly’s defense, it is a real word 😉
And yeah, no matter how many times…
Yep, another goody Keith, a metaphor well used, don’t fancy finding out myself if i’m honest!
I wouldn’t recommend it! Cheers.
I can pass on knowing. It seems like the safer option. Well done.
Very wise Sandra!
Yeah, go on then, my blood’s pretty cool already!
Quite scary for you, Keith, nearly as scary as Rosey!
If you bring Rosey with you I’ll have to give in – she could scare a scarer!
Mystery!
Indeed! Cheers Sadje.
👍
Wow, beautiful tale, a mystery I would love to know, but no chill please 😉 Oh well, I will have a hot cup of tea 😉
Take a flask of hot tea with you and you’ll be okay! Thanks so much.
Excellent mystery, there. Would telling be seen as treeson?
Haha! See what you did there Anthony! Thanks so much.
Oh my, that sounds like the beginning of a most chilling longer story. Well-done, Keith. I would love to hear more and am willing to risk my blood chilling.
Don’t say anything you might regret!
Unfortunately that’s a part of mankind’s oldest curse. Each of us is replete with gnostic tendencies.
Gnosticism is a gift best used wisely! Cheers, Larry.
Oh, i will certainly come in from that cold, and right away!
You’ve got a warm heart Mimi, so you should be OK!
This is excellent! A quick resonating horror story.
Pleased you liked it, Sascha, thank you.
Very mysterious, we crave enlightenment
Me too, and I wrote it! Cheers Michael
Ah, I like! Though I’m not booking my trip to come see this place in person … 😉
(Poor froggy needs mittens. Looks cold even in that scarf…). 😉
I wouldn’t recommend it Na’ama! Froggie could have done with a woolly hat too. I think I was a bit mean!
🙂
Beautifully written Keith! Excellent take on the prompt 😀
I’m delighted you liked it, thank you.
I think I have come across cold places like this in the forest, they have an atmosphere that sends chills rippling down my spine. Great atmospheric tale, I enjoyed reading your mysterious of the Ice Queen’s last place.
I’m sure I have too James.Thanks for your kind words.
Too many warning signs, too many rumors. I’d have to take a hard pass. I love the mystery you created in the last bit. Nicely done!
Very sensible Brenda! Thank you so much.
I absolutely love this story, Keith. Indeed, the perfect use of the photo prompt to create your metaphor.
5 **** stars … Be safe … Be healthy … Be happy
Isadora 😎
Wow, what can I say? Thank you so much Isadora – and look after yourself.
curiousity aroused. but since curiousity killed the cat, maybe i should pass. 🙂
Haha, too right! Cheers plaridel
I enjoyed this Keith
I’m pleased! Thanks Michael.
Eek! I think I’m okay with living in ignorance on this mystery. Nice one!
Very wise! Thanks so much.
Good poetics, Keith. Has kind of a “Hamlet Flavor” to it which is good and works great! Very read aloud-able, too! Made me wonder, OK, whose responsibility is it for this cold spot? No one knows but one …
Five out of five “singing golden spiders.”
Thanks so much, I so appreciate your kind words. It will of course remain a mystery!
A chilling tale Keith!
Cheers Russell
“Curiosity killed the cat!” I would be scared – but at least cal the authorities! It’s a pretty setting the trees – sad to ruin it. Great story!
The authorities would be very nervous too! Thanks so much.
Wow this sucked me in. Great stuff!!! Now about that secret…
Now that would be telling!
OOh — I felt chilled in every sense by your story ! I hate being cold so would run away as fast as I could.
I wouldn’t blame you!
Nice mysterious take. I like that. It was… chilling.
…just as I hoped! Thanks.
Thanks for the mention!
Wonderfully written. Very atmospheric.
Thanks so much.