A sample of stories written for the challenges – max 100 words
by Ton Schevan (aka Elckerlyc)
Cut Short
(Theme: Immortals – Genre: Speculative Fiction)
“There are issues with Cut & Collect.”
“You mean… with Death?”
“Yes, him. He Cuts life threads and then forgets about what he was doing or tries to Collect the wrong soul. With nasty results.“
“What’s wrong with him?”
“The symptoms would indicate the onset of dementia.”
“Is that even possible? We’re immortal!”
“Well, he is the oldest amongst us, by far. He won’t die, probably.”
“Poor sod. Not remembering who you are for the remainder of eternity.”
“That’s not the issue here.”
“Not?”
“When Death is no longer capable, who of us can Cut and Collect?”
“Uh…”
“Spectacular New Labyrinth Opens!”
(Theme: Labyrinth – Genre: Speculative Fiction)
“Well done!“ said the sphinx.
“That was it?” I queried the sphinx. It was made of wood and had a placard hung around its neck, which read, “Your free Certificate of Accomplishment is available at the exit.”
“This was it? The spectacular new labyrinth? Seriously?”
“Well done!”
“Yeah, thanks a lot,” I muttered, looking for the exit. “Where’s this exit than?”
“Well done!”
A scribble at the bottom of the placard caught my eye. I squinted. “PTO.”
I turned the placard. “The exit is currently inaccessible due to construction-errors. We appreciate your understanding.”
“Well done!” said the sphinx.
The Labyrinth at the Valley of Itthil yo Lothiriel
(Theme: Labyrinth – Genre: Speculative Fiction)
Day 3 – Mapping proves more laborious than expected. Weather holds, water and game aplenty. So, onward!
Day 11 – Unimaginable complex. What beauty! Must stay keen at marking my route back.
Day 24 – This Labyrinth is huge. Beyond compare. Growing, even? Simpleton!
Day 31 – Crossed my own path today, days old. How is this possible?
Day 37 – Defeat. Am being… outsmarted. Turning back.
Day 38 – My markers are gone! The Labyrinth is changing, growing, twisting!
Day 89 – I will conquer this! I will!
Day 376 – Found yet another skeleton. With diary; last entry Day 9,765. The handwriting is my own.