The tide will carry her off. In the nature of things, there should have been a line of torches. There should have been a shield wall of warriors beating their chests and women wailing. There should have been a funeral barge aflame, drifting out to the Underworld.
Drama. that’s what this needed. She was so vibrant, always larger than life. But, ah, not with a bang but a whimper, as the poet says. At least I was here to dispatch her.
I lay the club reverently on her chest and walk away.
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Very poignant. Really hits home. Reminds me of my mom. She served her community her entire life… and yet, when she died not a single person came to the funeral that she had helped along the way. It used to anger me. Now, I just don’t care anymore. Great story! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Bon
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Sad but peaceful.
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Thanks so much, Dawn
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Am I detecting a note of dark humor here? Maybe it’s just me.
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Might be, depending on your sense of humour
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There’s a certain dark peace to this tale, Neil. I love it!
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Thanks so much
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she went gently into the night. perhaps it was for the best.
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He was grateful for her graciousness
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Dear Neil
You leave me wondering if it isn’t the narrator who used the club to send her to her reward? Methinks there’s more story here than meets the eye.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think you may be right, Rochelle
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I always think it’s a good thing to show respect to the peple you’ve just murdered. It’s something that sets you apart from the common or garden murderer. Lovely!
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Thank you so much, Sandra. The Icelanders used to extemporise odes over the bodies of their slain foes
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Into every warrior’s life a little death must fall. At least he was there to give a respectful send off to his opponent.
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Thanks so much
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The club – I’m wondering if she was Judy? Liz
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In my mind, she was Judy
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I love how that last line turns on a light to illuminate the whole story. I feel like this is a case of an old foe he will miss fighting.
Jen
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Thanks so much, Jen
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I love your take on this: very clever.
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Thanks so much, Rob
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I sensed a murder on the beach rather than an arranged funeral.
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You have it exactly, James. But a respectful murder, even a fond one
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This is the second time this week I’ve heard talk of fiery barge Viking-style funerals…strange! I believe I’m picking up on some dark notes? I like the juxtaposition of the majesty of the first part and the irony of the last line.
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Thanks so much, Angela
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Great last line. It turned the story on its head. From one warrior to another, he showed her the respect she deserved.
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Thanks so much, Brenda
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Oh wow
This pulls no punches. A poignant farewell to an enemy or a friend or a family member. A respectful farewell even though he was the one to help them pass on. There should be wailing. Nicely done Neil
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Thanks so much, Laurie
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It’s interesting to me how this story can be read exactly the same and be taken two completely different ways. After the second read I had the thought that I hoped he wiped his fingerprints off the club. And then I decided that I liked my first read interpretation better.
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Thanks so much for that close reading, Michael. You are quite right
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That was dark. well done.
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Thanks so much
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