Friday, October 15, 2010

Magpie Tales


I cant remember how it all started, it was so long ago. I simply know I awoke one day and it was as if I wore blinders. All about me was darkness, I seemed to be in some great stone structure, a castle at best. A prison at worst.

I arose from my cot and flung open the heavy wooden shutters. My eyes blinked at the light. Below, I heard a thunderous sound, as of waves upon the shore and from the trees the sharp call of some mysterious creature whether bird or beast I was not certain. My impulse was to slam shut the shutters and retreat again into the dark, safe and unknowing. Silent and self-absorbed.

But as I looked below onto the barren ground I saw a child, dressed in white with long, russet tresses. She was calling to me, though her words were carried away on the wind before I could capture them. She beckoned and then turned away, running as children will over the hillock and toward the forest beyond.

I sat for a moment on the edge of my cot and pondered. And here it was. Simple and clear. Would I choose the dark comfort of my chamber or would I face the challenge of the light and the child calling me. Would I clamber down the narrow wooden stairs and draw open the heavy brass-studded door. I was not one to make hasty decisions, but soon the child would be out of sight if she was not already. Perhaps impossible to follow. I drew my fingers through my hair, rubbed my face roughly, and……..


this is not complete in itself but perhaps the beginning of a story. Forgive the language but I am reading The Historian. Such language is catching. See more Magpie Tales written using above photo as a prompt.

13 comments:

Katiejane said...

Ooo, this is good! I'm hooked right from the start! Tell me more.

Robin said...

I am also caught up in your tale....and see so much of a certain person (not to be named) - who IS opening the heavy door and following the russet-haired girl (also a familiar being) into the unknown - but bright future.

I have said it before - but - you are as gifted with the pen as you are with the brush!

More....please.....

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

patti said...

I'm loving it too Suki! And I agree with Robin - the story is very 'telling' !

Leslie Avon Miller said...

Fun Suki - you've got me! Its like an installment in the Post or something...waiting until the next chapter!

Lynn Cohen said...

How fun! I love your style! You got my attention first sentence out. Great feelings...mood...story line...I hope you continue it.

Lynne with an e said...

This engaged me from the get-go. I really enjoyed the writing style and, of course, the symbolism of the tale.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you want to follow Pippi! I'm glad your muse is active. Isn't it a good feeling?

Mim said...

wow!

Marion said...

This was super!! I got involved right away...I really want to know more. I want the story teller to run after the child, over the hills and into the forest...but it seems she's got to hurry...

Blue Sky Dreaming said...

I'm a follower...I do hope your heroine will choose the light, not so much for the child but for herself and the possible adventures...next installment please!

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Good you're writing again. Keep it up. We want more! :)

kj said...

oh suki, more more more

i LOVE to see and hear this writing of yours! i'm riding the suspense now, so did she? did she?

:)

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I hope she goes after the child and finds her before it is too late.