The story passed from mouth to mouth. With each rendition, it changed subtly. The swaggering bully in the tavern became an evil baron or, sometimes, a dragon. But I remained myself, the unitary hero. The minor variations blended in as wrinkles, which faded with time.
Then my story reached the land of the river people. They are less keen on heroes. The tale branched, and now there were two of us. I met him, barring my way at the ford. How to win against myself?
Think! Truculence is my besetting sin. And his. I stepped to the side. “After you.”
.
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
I expect they’re still at it now… “no, I insist, after you…”
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is the weakness in his strategy
LikeLike
The river people are less keen on heroes. Not a comforting phrase.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I don’t know. Heroes do demand a lot of tribute
LikeLike
“What… is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?” First thing that popped into my head.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm. OK
LikeLike
You’ve never seen “Monty Python and the Holy Grail?”
LikeLike
How stories change, Chinese Whispers comes to mind
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite so
LikeLiked by 1 person
😄this brilliantly subverts the classic ‘hero fights his reflection’ by having him outsmart their shared stubborn pride through pure politeness🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
May the hero win! Whichever one- it’s you!
Two heroes in the same story now!
Do agree how stories change with each rendition! Chinese Whispers:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
A perfect template for his-story. Oh how I weary of warriors fighting against themselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Lisa
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, Neil.
LikeLike
I like how you subtly subvert the ‘hero’ myths, Neil.
And I predict a cracked skull in one hero’s near future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, CE
LikeLike
Will the one cede to let the other pass? Love the word truculence. Stories do have a way of getting embellished with each retelling…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Dale
LikeLiked by 1 person
truculence – i just learned a new word today. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a good one
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful writing as always Neil. I wait for your story every time. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. Surabhi
LikeLiked by 1 person
History as written by the victor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Patrick
LikeLike
Dear Neil,
Stories have a way of changing from mouth to mouth, don’t they?
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Rochelle
LikeLike
masterful story telling, as always. We are our own worst opposition at times, whatever the variance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Michele
LikeLike
Oh I like this end. After you! pride will be one’s downfall. But he learned in the end
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Laurie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hemingway often voiced his opinion of “$10 words”. Very interesting story, Neil; I question your MCs master plan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Nancy
LikeLiked by 1 person
As said by others, I too like the new word!
I also like the truth painted here, how stories change with each retelling but also how the hear can decide to retell it based on their own bias.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person