On to the first challenge:
Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)
The door swung open and Tori held her breath. Heart in her throat she slowly let her breath out and watched it ruffle the lone spider web in the otherwise clean interior cavity.
Obviously this passage was well used. Or at least kept in an inhabitable condition.
Her footsteps echoed on the flagstones under foot as she carefully started through. At a junction she stopped and chewed her lip while she considered. Straight ahead got darker, and to the left there were little lights recessed into the wall close to the floor. Decision made, Tori head for the lights.
Passing ten lights she came to another door, wider than the one leading from the portrait hall. Placing her hand on the door she had a sudden shiver as the damp air in the tunnel blew towards her. Voices behind the door bolstered her courage. The housekeeper must be here.
The door opened with only a slight effort, without a groan of hinges as she’d expected. Stepping onto the plush carpet and facing the full window drenched in morning sun, she glanced to the right.
“Welcome, child. I’ve been expecting you.”
With a distant thud she heard the door shut behind her.
201 words! A snippet from my Princess story, this part hasn't been written yet, but has got the juices flowing :) My entry is 334 Go here and like it!
I love the idea of finding a secret passageway! Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteVery nice, you had me walking with her and now I want to read more! ; )
ReplyDeleteI always loved secret passageways since reading of them in Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Fu Manchu! Great hook of an ending. Thanks for visiting my blog, Roland
ReplyDeleteI love that she stepped onto plush carpet and there was light coming through the window. Very hopeful.
ReplyDeleteI felt like I was right there with her. Love secret passageways :)
ReplyDeleteHi from the campaign! I’m in Group 43 - Romantic Suspense, which I write as Kris Bock. Let me know if you want to trade guest posts. I focus on writing craft at Write Like a Pro! A Free Online Writing Workshop: http://chriseboch.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI have a daughter named Tori and she would definitly go for the light. Nice job. Mine is #72
ReplyDeleteOoh. Very mysterious. I'd like to know where she'd come from and where she found herself. Why was the person at the other side expecting her. Lots of questions!
ReplyDeleteOh my this is a mystery. Loved it. Great Entry!
ReplyDeleteIntriguing! I have to wonder where the other passage goes. :)
ReplyDeleteMy entry.
Intriguing! It makes me wonder what happens next, for sure!
ReplyDeleteA lot of tension in this piece! Mine is #279...
ReplyDeleteWould like to invite you to The Rule of Three Blogfest ---a month-long shared-world fiction extravaganza in October with some great prizes, and of course, a lot of exposure for your writing. Check it out :0)
Very fun
ReplyDeleteOkay, you had me at the spider web.:) Great fun!
ReplyDeleteKathi
Lovely! Can't wait to see what happens next!
ReplyDeleteOooh, nice build up of tension! And to end with someone expecting her...gulp!
ReplyDeleteVery creepy close (and congrats tying the opening and closing lines together). Brilliant use of dialogue, simple yet powerful. Great entry, best of luck!
ReplyDeleteMadeline x
Ooh, this was a great entry! I really enjoyed it. *fellow campaigner waving hello*
ReplyDelete