
The air held an odd scent, something metallic. Underfoot, the floor bounced springy as moss. There was music—like the plucking of a lute, but deeper and full of strange yearning. Nothing was as it should be. I drew my sword.
A knave materialised, wearing an outlandish motley jerkin and breeches. This demon spoke, but the sounds made no sense. Before he could ensnare me, I cleaved him in twain, head to toe.
The last thing I heard was a sigh and, “Next time, let’s try not to bring-through a warrior.”
.
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

Dear Neil,
I’m in the midst of binging Outlander. I pictured one of the characters coming through the stones. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle
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Quick action.
Well expressed
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Thanks so muchm Anita
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haha! Good write. To a warrior, anything is a reason to kill.
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Thanks so much, Lisa
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You’re very welcome.
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I’m also a fan of Outlander, and you’ve captured the scene nicely. Yes, watch out for those warriors, especially the red-headed ones 😉
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Thanks so much, Fleur
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Oh I loved this! I am a historical fiction kinda gal so this one was just right!
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I’m glad it hit the spot, Violet
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I cleaved him in twain, head to toe. I see so much blood here. The last line is a doozy. Nicely done.
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Thanks so much, Alicia.
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Good atmosphere created ….you were very quick on the draw there Neil 😄
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Thanks so much.
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Sudden and brutal, but then those times were.
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The times don’t mix well
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ouch! i didn’t see that coming.
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Sadly, neither did he
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Craigh na Dun from Outlander sprang to mind. This is wonderful, Neil.
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Thanks so much, Nancy
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A shoot first and ask questions later kind of person, or in this case cleave in twain. You did a lot here in so few words and although historical fiction it still mirrored the current times.
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Thanks so much for that thoughtful read
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I double-checked. I’ve had trouble leaving comments that “stick.” Anyway, excellent story as always. It drew me in from the beginning and carried me to the surprising end. Fingers crossed this comment sticks.
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Thanks so much, Brenda
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Hahaha! Nicely done. Warriors do have an automatic reaction after all
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In his defence, he was very confused about what was happening
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