Photo Prompt: (C) Rochelle Wisoff Fields
Below Jeno’s window, three girls washed clothes in the Vltava River. Voices raised in teasing laughter drifted through the open casement, along with the first warm breeze of spring. He ignored them, bending to his astrolabe and astrological calculations. The new Dutch telescope was trained, not on the stars but on Prague Castle across the river, on Countess Maria’s window. Jeno’s mind could span the heavens, but his heart feared the short crossing of the Vltava. This horoscope had to be without error if it was to gain him entry to the Emperor Rudolf’s court.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find It here.
Dear Neil,
Welcome to Friday Fictioneers. Vivid descriptions and imagery made this an intriguing piece.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the compliment Rochelle. It encourages me to continue with Friday Fictioneers
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There’s a lot left unsaid in this intriguing story. For Jeno the stars seem easier to communicate with than people.
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The stars don’t tend to have you executed if you try to make the wrong liaisons I guess
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I think he has found a good reason to give a good horoscope (I wonder if he dares to read his own)
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Absolutely, Bjorn
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Hope he makes it across the river to the emperors court
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I’m sure he’ll make it across the river. Whether he makes it into the Countess’ chamber is another question altogether
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The set-up in this is quite delightful – such hope in the girls’ laughter then we discover things aren’t so rosy Jeno. Nicely done.
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Thanks for the lovely crit
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It sounds like he has everything planned out. I hope the Countess is receptive!
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Life, they say, is what happens while we’re making other plans
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I hope his mission is successful. Welcome to FF.
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Intriguing end. Nicely done.
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Thanks. I appreciate the compliment
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Welcome to Friday Fictioneers, Neil. Good story. Political intrigue in those old days could be deadly. I would be afraid of making a mistake also. Well done. — Suzanne
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Thanks Patricia. 100 words is a very new discipline for me
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Welcome to FF. I enjoyed your story and an rooting for your protagonist.
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Thanks Dawn
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