Tag: flash fiction

The Emperor and the Seven of Swords are pulled

 

Initially, he was hailed as reliable, respected, and righteous — this new emperor. He saved this barren kingdom from its destructive self, restoring order, under his expert rule.

All the more why none expected his sudden betrayal.

However, no one truly knows what the betrayal was, all they know is that one day, the date of his execution was posted on the local message walls.

Naturally, all of this has become the talk of the town. And naturally, many wild rumors float about as free as the wind.

 

Rumor 1

He sold the lucky chickens — the lucky chickens that helped him rebuild the city. They laid so many eggs, immediately eradicating the widespread hunger and malnutrition. Also, legend has it that every time those chickens leave a community, they lay an egg of destruction. So if the emperor truly sold those chickens, then he’s truly dommed them all 

 

Rumor 2

He buried the seven swords of the seven children of the previous emperor. While the last ruler was worth as much as dirt, his children were as noble as their sacred dogs. They fought in the war that had initially made the kingdom the desolate hell it was before the current emperor came. Their seven swords were said to be made of magic that once infused with their owners’ blood after death, created a barrier around the kingdom that protected the citizens from further harm. And true enough, once all seven children died in battle, the war had ended. 

However, it’s not suspected that the current emperor buried those swords, and no one knows what will happen to the barrier now. Apparently, the emperor claims that he had to hide them from the rabid lucky chickens.

Perhaps, that’s why he sold them . . . 

 

Rumor 3

He stabbed the sacred dogs with the seven swords. The sacred dogs have — as the people say — been in the kingdom since the dawn of time. They are said to be always watching the residents of the land coming only to guide the citizens to their underground dwelling if destruction is guaranteed. But now that the emperor has massacred the sacred dogs, the people no longer have any place to go if a time comes that is worse than the last war.

Perhaps, that’s why he sold the swords. 

 

Regardless of all the rumors, everyone is convinced that the emperor will be executed for his betrayal within the next few days. Funnily some even say that he’ll be executed by the seven swords. So perhaps the buried swords were found?

Nonetheless, at least now, everyone knows how betrayal will be tolerated. . . 

At least that’s what the emperor was hoping for when he put up that false poster on the message walls and spread all those ridiculous rumors. 

So much for being reliable, respected, and righteous — this new emperor.

end

The Devil is drawn — addiction, strange experiences

 

“Have you heard of the snake upon the hill?”

Everyone is aware of that snake. One knows its existence as well as they know that the sky is blue. However, today the sky is red, so maybe some do not know of its existence as well. But I do — which is why I am at the hill — which is what I also told the woman. 

“Then why go up it?”

Why? Does one know why the sky is blue? No, it just is — just how Impulse is. Impulse that now leads me up the hill. It doesn’t speak to me, it only grasps my hand firmly. It won’t seem like it will leave me anytime soon. 

Impulse tells me things, not through words, but through actions. It’s telling me now that I have to meet the Devil Snake — I did not know it was called the Devil Snake, but Impulse decides that it is. 

Then, when I reach the cave Impulse also commands that I take it as a sword and slay the serpent, and who am I to refuse Impulse’s command? So it slithers down my arm to my palm where it allows me to hold it by its legs. I go into the cave with Impulse’s strong hold on me. Its strong hold tugs me through the dark cool archway, which immediately consumes us within its darkness. 

I can only see the Devil Snake because it is on fire, making it glow an unearthly amber. It hisses, a pink tongue sticks out. Impulse resolves that I must cut it. I flinch, for once doubting Impulse. What if it eats me? But Impulse never answers. Reason is not in its nature. So blindly I follow Impulse — it is all that I have to drive me. 

I charge and jump up, but the snake is far too long, and Impulse doesn’t give me the strength to reach it.

After all, it is not in Impulse’s nature to give. Impulse serves itself. After me, it will find someone else to follow it.

The serpent swallows me. Today the sky is black.

 

end