OK. Here it is! My first attempt at flash fiction. I hope you enjoy it. Please, please, please leave a comment below or message me on Twitter (@ryndaria). As I learn to write these, I want to know what worked and what didn't. I respond to every comment and tweet directed my way that I can.
On Monday, I will discuss the story a bit and the process I went through in writing it. See you then. With that, here it is.
Shadow's Lament
"Shadow."
I
winced at the name, one I chose in the arrogance of youth. I heard
the sarcastic mocking in the voice. The face of the speaker showed he
enjoyed my discomfort with the ridiculous name.
"Yes,
Boss," I replied, eyes lowered. I spoke the well-earned name of
the one sitting behind the large mahogany desk in front of me. I
glanced to each side, taking in the smirks of Boss' two dangerous
lackeys, the Twins.
"Ya failed me, son." His voice
softened. "You lost something of value to me. How we gonna make
this right?" He invited me to give a suggestion.
"I
dunno, Boss," I stammered. "Maybe..."
"I'll
tell you what's gonna happen," he yelled as he slammed his large
hand upon the desk. "You're gonna gimme that pretty little black
blade o' yers, and you're gonna thank me for lettin' you keep workin'
fer me!"
"No."
The Twins circled around
close while Boss finished his speech. Before I understood what I
said, something
hard struck from
behind while
a large fist slammed into my stomach.
Dizzy and out of breath,
I fell to my knees and held my stomach. The need to throw up
overwhelmed, but I worried how my employer would react if vomit
decorated his fine exotic rug. I tried to breath.
Boss stood up from his desk and walked toward me. I
understood why he negotiated behind that big wooden desk. It hid how
short and fat he was.
He towered over me while I knelt. I
held
my stomach and tried to keep the blade's pommel from his
grasp.
"Look
Shadow, we're both reasonable men." I blinked away any remaining
tears as he smiled down at me. "The Twins and me ain't gonna
steal yer sword. I know it's important to ya." He bent down so I
could see his face.
"But we are gonna stay here until yer
convinced
it's worthy payment fer yer mistake."
My thoughts jumbled
around inside. I understood the situation. I had no choice.
I
bargained anyway.
"Boss," I panted. "Let me pay
you back another way." I started to raise my head up, but Twin
One grabbed my neck, forcing
me to look at Boss' shoes. "I'll get
it back,
or find you something even better," I
negotiated.
Boss
sighed and shook his head. He lifted my chin with one hand and tapped
my cheek with the other.
"It's the principle of it,
Shadow. I'm not gonna hurt ya bad,
boy. Ya got too much work to do. But I am gonna convince ya." He
nodded to Twin Two.
The brute walked over to a door behind the
desk. A yell escaped in protest when it opened, revealing David. Little brother looked scared, but he was in one piece.
"Boss,"
I stuttered as the thug pulled David's hand to the table. Twin One
held tight, forcing me to watch as the little fat man lifted a hammer
and brought it down on David's hand with a sickening thud. David
wailed.
"Okay," I whispered, eyes
closed.
I
gave them what they wanted.
As
I grabbed David to leave, I shook my head. Boss could have had
better than his own blood staining that glamorous carpet.
I hope you enjoyed Shadow's story. I have a feeling this won't be the last we hear of him.
Thanks for reading!
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