The snows came early that terrible winter, blanketing the moors in formlessness. On the high crags, the Seat of the Kings disappeared under a great drift. And so the land passed into a deep sleep that lasted a thousand years.
I tell you, my boy, it’s said the old kings will come again, when our peril is greatest. Somerled, Angus Og, and Malcolm. They will wake, shake their shaggy heads and stride forth with swords of fire to cleanse the world.
But, consider this—maybe we longer have need of kings.
.
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 
I rather think the trajectory is the destruction of the world rather than its rescue. But I’m happy to go down the cleansing route – I’ll bring my marigolds. Nice take on the photo, Neil. Merry Christmas.
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Thanks so much, Sandra
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Neil I love the mythical introduction. If only we could figure out what we need…
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We’re too busy chasing what we want
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Love the cadence of this one, Neil, and then the let-down at the end. Do we no longer have need of kings, or do we just think that? A good cleansing might be exactly what we need. As long as they cleanse the right things.
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Thanks so much. As for kings, most of them were thieves
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That or they brought totally inappropriate gifts to a baby shower. Myrhh, are you kidding me? Thanks Melchior, I’ll put that in the diaper bag for embalming emergencies…
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Good thing to consider. Great write! Happy Christmukkah! (as everyone is saying)
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Thanks so much
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There is no doubting the need of a good cleanse. However, much thought must be put into just what is needed to make things work!
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Thanks so much. Dale
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The world does need a good cleanse, but I fear it may have been, at least partially, kings who set us on this path.
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It’s all that conquering and plundering
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I can visualise the scene: the open fire, the greybeard dressed in skins, the wide-eyed lads at his feet. (And the goblet of mead!)
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The cup of mead is a great touch
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i’d love to see kings with their swords sitting in modern day plastic chairs…
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*Smiles*
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Great tone and description to this avid tale.
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Thanks so much
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Dear Neil,
We could certainly use a do over, couldn’t we? Not sure a king is the answer. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle
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Beautifully described piece… the imagery here is exquisite.
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Thanks so much, Laurie. Coming from you, that’s high praise
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That’s why I always love reading yours, Neil 😊
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You’re too kind
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Lovely writing, Neil. Let the swords of fire begin their cleansing. They are well overdue. And, not naming any names, I recommend bleach and a stiff brush to eradicate the most awkward of those right-royal stains.
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Thank so much, Jilly. Bleach’ll do it. I have it on the highest authority
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