Posted Sunday December 4
The air was so cold that every breath was painful. It was as cold as a winter’s night could be. I walked down the twisting lane heeding every step less I slip on the ice beneath my feet. Either side the grass on the banks stood rigid, white, frozen. Barren hedgerows glistened silver in the moonlight, and distant trees wove a border of black lace below a grey winter sky.
I trudged into the village. Six disgruntled ducks stood motionless on the frozen pond unable to reach the water beneath a surface of leaden ice. All was quiet but for the dull sound of my footsteps. I saw the shadow of a man, head bowed, deep in thought. It was mine.
As I rounded a bend a golden glow lit the street before me. Quietly at first, then more loudly the sound of merriment and laughter filled the air. I had arrived. I pushed open the heavy oak door and at once my spirits rose amid the sounds smells and warmth of the ancient inn.
“Mine's a brandy landlord, and make it a large one!”
“Mine's a brandy landlord, and make it a large one!”
My tale was inspired by this week's chilly picture at Sunday Photo Fiction
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I like it. That brandy will definitely warm him up somewhat. The description of the poor ducks on the pond. I had visions of them getting there and slip-sliding all over the place. A good chilly read.
ReplyDeleteI wondered where the story was leading me, and enjoyed the surprise at the end. I loved the 'disgruntled ducks'!
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Hi Keith, visiting your blog after a long time and you don't disappoint, the imagery is beautiful, i was prepared for a terrifying end but the twist was interesting
ReplyDeleteExcellent take Keith, put me right in the middle of a cold winter night and could imagine the welcoming warmth of the inn.
ReplyDeletenice "inn" tale, Keith :)
ReplyDeleteLovely description of the frozen evening - very vivid. And who wouldn't want to nip to the pub for a bit of something to warm the cockles? Nice tale Keith :)
ReplyDeleteNice story, poor ducks, but the Brandy at the end, that sounded good to me.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week.
Adorable how you write short stories like this.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a journey to a wonderful place. Warm and spiritful! Lovely descriptions along the way!
ReplyDeleteLovely images. And what a fun ending. Well done!
ReplyDeleteA lovely tale of a cold winter night and the warmth of a friendly place!
ReplyDelete