Good to be back for this week’s FF. Here is the challenge:
Write a story with a beginning a middle and an end in 100 words.
Make every word count.
copyright – Erin Leary
The Rusalki – 100 Words
The men labored with their poles, one at the front of the barge, the other at the rear, sweating in spite of the cold. Their breath was alive, writhing and twisting on the air before it fell squirming, subsumed into the heaving river fog.
It was the salt that drew her. Gliding just below the surface, the Rusalki followed patiently, her lustful hunger tempered by guile honed through a thousand years of hunting.
She studied the form of the man above her; tasted his flavours on the chill night air.
Soon she would mate; then she would feast.
jwdwrites 
Scarry but good. Thanks, Nan
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Thank you Nan 🙂
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A great story. Thank you for sharing, Silent
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Beautifully descriptive. I looked up “rusalki”, though your story pretty much told me what they are – I guess at least one of those men won’t be going home tonight.
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Oh, you and your river monsters of myth and magic. Can’t we have one benign loving and gentle river wraith?
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How chilling!Loved it:-)
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I’ll not look at a river the same way again. I learned a new word and a new fear… 🙂
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That’s the way I always lie to do it too. Mate the feast 😉
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Very atmospheric and rich in description. Creepy and dark, in a compelling way. Well written!
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Very menacing, I could almost see this.
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Dear JWD,
A masterpiece in atmospheric and chilling imagery. I did look up rusalki, but from your apt descriptions I really didn’t need to. Well done, sir.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story – lots of tension and rich imagery.
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I could hear the barge pole dipping in the water. See the eyes beneath the surface. Scary but very good!
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