Wednesday has come around again, and I’m happy to present this week’s flash fiction.
Fendral, warned by echoing footsteps, tidied up her project before the latest explorer arrived. Fortunately, he didn’t keep her waiting long. His tall frame appeared in the doorway before she drowsed off.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t armor clad. Those brutes were always denser and, as a result, quicker to deal with. A little ego nudging and they’d dance to Fendral’s design. This man puffed with importance.
“I’ve come to claim Novahelms’ Flame.” His staff struck the ground to accentuate his demand.
Disinterest then. Fendral motioned to the flame blazing in green glory next to her. “Take it.”
The man’s face scrunched in surprise. “Aren’t you Novahelms’ champion?”
Fendral nodded. “So I’ve been told.”
“Shouldn’t I best you then?” She heard genuine confusion in his voice.
“Stars, why?” She blinked at him in confusion. “The flame’s right there.”
“But don’t you mean to prevent me… from taking… it.”
Fendral shrugged. “I don’t care.”
“What?” He seemed truly confused now.
“If you want it, take it.” She waved dismissively. “Just make a decision already. I’ve things to do.”
The man stammered a moment. “Well then, I shall claim the flame.” He retrieved a container at his side and reached toward the fire.
It wrapped about him, reducing him to ash immediately.
“FENDRAL, YOU WOULD HAVE LET HIM TAKE MY FLAME!” Novehelms bellowed from nowhere and everywhere.
She shrugged. “Like anyone could.”
“YOU COULD STILL SHOW ENTHUSIASM AS MY CHAMPION!”
“You could give me a day off.” Fendral pulled back out her knitting.
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