This story continues a series of short fiction exploring some of the Faerie Shepherds and Shepherdesses within my fantasy world. Read below the story for further explanation and head over to the Tales of the Faerie Shepherds if you’d like to read more!
This is how I’ll die.
Intake—sharp air coursing throughout, biting all in its path. Blood pumps, an audible whooshing; its rapids dancing within. My heart … my heart beats louder than ever, faster, harder. It breaks free of my chest—its home … once.
The rock face—the moment previous, a welcome savior—now cuts me, bruises, awakens.
Nothing stable beneath my feet. Dirt, debris, rock droppings cascade away from searching toes—frantic for firm ground.
Muscles weaken—shake.
Hands sweat—slip.
Grips loosen—slide.
My mountain’s failed me. Turned.
Rejected. Renounced.
I look up as air swooshes on every side and bid farewell to the heart I freely left behind.
I gave my heart to the mountain … and it took it.
“The Mountain that Stole a Heart” Copyright © 2019 by Joy E. Rancatore. All Rights Reserved.
What do you think about this world of mine that I’m building? If you enjoyed this story, please head over to read the entire Tales of the Faerie Shepherds series.
This month’s story flowed from the inspiration of a delightful monthly online writing prompt, #BlogBattle. As you will read on their site, “Blog Battle is a monthly writing prompt meant to inspire writers and entertain readers.” To read several outstanding stories inspired by July’s prompt, “Stable,” head on over to the BlogBattlers site!
You may just find a new favorite author to follow!
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Quite intense. You’ve certainly picked a very dramatic moment in the narrator’s life … although that insightful flash probably lasted less than a moment! Sort of gives a person something to think about as we balance what we love with the risk that could be involved.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words! I do enjoy these little flashes because they help me consider and mentally delve into much deeper aspects of my story and characters and world than these small pieces show.
That start has often entered my characters heads just before things go dark. I’m reading The Long Walk at present and this reminds me of the walkers chats as they know only one can live to the end. Nicely done as ever Joy and I like that peace of mind approach once the inevitable is accepted.
Thank you so much, Gary! Is that the one by Stephen King? I have read a few of his books and thoroughly enjoyed them and his writing. I stick to the less “horror-y” of them. The Dead Zone and Green Mile are those kinds of stories that just linger in the imagination. I guess most of his books have that impact, which is why he’s the KING. LOL
Yes, well it was under his alter ego Richard Bachman although since his cover was broken I think it’s been published again under King himself. I’m actually a huge fan of his and am slowly catching up with the back catalogue. I’ve got the four Bachman books now so am progressing through those right now. Dark Tower remains one of my favourite series though!
I’m thinking of a darker tone for the next prompt which is….oops, can’t do the reveal here lol
Oh! Almost had a juicy reveal here!! LOL I have heard many King fans who love Dark Tower. I’ll have to add those to my list. I still have never read his On Writing either. *Ducks in preparation for the stones to fly!*
Lol, almost! Rachael would never let me forget though if I slipped up in conversation! Although at present she has a cold so might not see it if I did! BUT… never read DT or On Writing??? DT is liked by some King fans, but not by all though. Thing is it links into a great number of his other books too. Callaghan from Salem’s Lot, Black House…loads in fact. The Gunslinger (first DT book) is more a novella so gives a good flavour of Roland in a quick read lol. But seriously…you should duck on the other one though. On Writing describes my method precisely lol
Well, now I’m even more intrigued by the KING! LOL And, yes, I will continue ducking. Of course, that book is tiny; so I really have no excuse.
I really loved this! I liked how each word felt meticulously chosen. Also, that introductory line was perfect; it really drew me in. I additionally really enjoyed the poetic rhythm to the writing, it was musical. I felt suspended in the air with the character, whilst reading this. Beautiful little short story!
Wow! You have completely made my day! Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s rewarding to hear readers pick up on certain details or have specific reactions I hoped they would. Thanks for stopping by my little web home, too! I look forward to connecting more!