Friday, April 29, 2011

Flash Fiction Friday: Week #37

Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take. 


And here is picture prompt #37:
 

Guardians of the Horn
By Michelle Greathouse

For thousands of years the magical realm of Cymbrelle lived in peace and harmony.  The people prosperous, the Monarchs throughout time generous and fair.

The study and use of magic is commonplace and anyone interested in learning is encouraged to seek out a mentor.

Unicorns, beings of pure magic, are held in high regard, treated with reverence and respect.  Once a year adult unicorns travel to the Kingdom and allow their horn to be gently scraped by the Kings magician.  These scrapings are key ingredients in the spells used throughout Cymbrelle.

But it is a daunting task that can be undertaken by only the most careful of magician.  The horn of a unicorn is not only magical - it is their very life essence.  If the horn of a unicorn is broken from its body, the unicorn dies and the magic of the horn changes.

The horn of a unicorn is magic in its purest form - good magic.  When the horn is removed from the unicorn, the magic becomes twisted, tainted.  It can then be used in incantations and spells meant to harm, maim or kill.

To protect the unicorn from such a fate, the Guardians of the Horn were formed.  These individuals have sworn to protect the unicorn and offer safe haven when the unicorn is being hunted.

Guardians are trained in all manner of weaponry, the sword, cross bow and knife, as well as defensive magic and hand to hand combat.  Oftentimes magically enhanced beasts are used in tracking the unicorn and the long bow is employed for distance kills.

Aniki is a Guardian of the Horn, she and her family have protected the unicorn for most of her life and she has become quite fond of most of them.  But one unicorn in particular is her favorite - she calls him Bran.

Brans mother and father were killed in his second year and Aniki’s family sheltered him until he was strong enough to go out on his own.  Aniki took to Bran immediately and the affection was returned, the two became inseparable.  Aniki’s magic is stronger when Bran is near and Bran is invaluable when it comes to sensing a unicorn in need.

Together the two have saved numerous unicorns.  And Aniki has made a name for herself - which has gotten the notice of the wrong kind of people.

Now Aniki is in danger.  A being of pure evil wants her dead and he will stop at nothing to attain his goal.

The End
Word Count: 423

Okay, not my best effort.  But not too bad for an hours work this morning.  LOL With all the tornado business of Wednesday PM/Thursday AM, I completely forgot about my flash.

Have a wonderful weekend.

3 comments:

Anachronist said...

REALLY it reads like a summary of a fantasy book - interesting!

Blodeuedd said...

So you gave us a summary..I expect a story next time missie ;) Who wants her dead?

Michelle Greathouse said...

Anachronist,

That is exactly what I thought when I finished typing. LOL I enjoy fantasy - but I've never tried to write it before. :)

B,

:) I have no idea who he is...I know he is a powerful dark wizard out to do mean things. LOL

Have a great weekend ladies.

M