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Copyright Oggbashan October 2006
The author asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
This is a work of fiction. The events described here are imaginary; the settings and characters are fictitious and are not intended to represent specific places or living persons.
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The following are 15 fifty-word stories with a Halloween theme. The title isn't counted. Each is a nightmare on death inspired by an object.
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01. Stone Knife
Layla threw a flint knife.
"Ouch!"
"It didn't even scratch!" she screeched. "I asked for a new one weeks ago."
I went out to make a new knife.
On the furs Layla swiftly drew the blade across my throat.
As I died she said, "I want a new man too."
***
02. Arrowhead
Chip. Chip.
Making a new flint arrowhead was tiresome. I had to finish it quickly before my arrow was found in her husband's back. I couldn't explain a bow with no arrow.
Hours later my bowstring was wrapped round my neck and pulled tight.
Good workmanship is too easily recognised.
***
03. Bronze Axe
"You value that axe more than me," She accused as I sat beside the fire sharpening the edge.
It was true. The axe head had cost me a month's hunting. She had come free with her father's curses for being an incompetent cook.
The axe cut through her neck cleanly.
***
04. Roman Coin
She threw the old coin into the sacred stream. No one would spend it now.
He had given it to her that morning. Was it payment for what he thought she was?
That night, exhausted, he went to sleep. A blanket, held down by her body, made his sleep eternal.
***
05. Loom Weight
She had been sitting at the loom when the Vikings raided.
A hairy sweaty man had pushed her to the ground, raised her skirts and raped her violently.
He held her down until he could rape again.
Collapsed across her he did not see the loom weight crush his head.
***
06. Pestle
He ground the pestle into the mortar, crushing the dried leaves into a powder.
He was villein and to be sold with his wife and children like cattle because he couldn't cure the Lord's wife's frigidity.
She would poison her Lord and marry her lover. Villein and family could stay.
***
07. Longbow
It must seem to be a hunting accident.
Walter Tyrell raised his bow and aimed, watching the Royal party from the corner of his eye. If he could just get the King in line with the tree...
He let the arrow fly. The King is dead. Long live the King.
