Branded

First, there was only one mark. We thought little of it. Perhaps we did not want to believe it. Then there were more. We still didn't want to know. Disbelief stunned us into silence. 

There was horror growing all around us, but we dared not make a sound, lest it all became real. Some questioned, silently; others knew, but still made no sound. We didn't speak for ourselves. We dared not speak for others. We stood by, paralyzed by our fear.

First, there was only one mark. And then, before we knew it, there were almost none of us left.

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The above is a response to the 100 Word Challenge posted on Julia's Place.
Each week, there is a new "theme" and challenge to write a 100 word piece.
The photo is the inspiration for this post.

Dragon & Bard

To the slayer bold, with courage, no fear,

And sword aflame, honed with armor anew;

To the bard who’s words fall soothing on ear;

Magnificent stories of much ado.

We seek you out, noblemen of the realm.

Recount your tales; it need not be the truth.

Bravery is you, commandeer the helm.

Sing us your ballads of a misspent youth.

Reveal your dragons, your battles with fire;

Your nobles, pageantry and tales of woe.

Legends and sagas, we truly desire;

The thrilling pursuit, the call: tallyho!

For all of England doth truly revere

Saint George, the Dragon and William Shakespeare.

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This post is a response to the 100 Word Challenge posted on Julia's Place. Each week, there is a new "theme" and challenge to write a 100 word piece. Click the graphic to check out the site.

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I invite you to want to visit my website: StorytellerMark.com

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Come Play

He stood on the beach, gazing out across the ocean, longing at the horizon. The sun began its slow descent. The waves sang. And then, just above the singing, he heard a different music: hooves, and a gentle snort.  A magnificent steed, tossing his head, seemed to beckon him. Come play. He approached. The gentle giant nuzzled his forehead against the boy’s shoulder. Come play. The gray moved sideways till the boy stood at his withers. Again, he shook his head. Come play. The boy grabbed the mane, and in an instant, threw himself up. Come play. And they did!

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The above is a response to the 100 Word Challenge posted on Julia's Place.
Each week, there is a new "theme" and challenge to write a 100 word piece.