#ThursThreads - Week 289 - Winners

Week 289 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I'm honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale in our fifth year. Thank you. May you come back again and write more great flash. Thousand thanks to Silver James for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Community on Google Plus to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
• Angora Shade | @AngoraShade
• Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Anne Odom | @AFOdom
• Shirley Penick | @Shirley_Penick
• Mark A. Morris
• Nellie Batz | @solimond
• Eric Martell | @drmagoo
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Keturah Lamb | @KeturahAbigail
• Mary Decker | @mishmhem
• V.R. Marsell | @013nessa
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Robin Abess
• Louisa Bacio | @Lousiabacio
• Ruth Long | @Bullishink
• Tina Glasneck | @TinaGlasneck
• Mark Ethridge | @mysoulstears

Siobhan says: Holy moly! So many of you showed up this week for the start of #NaNoWriMo. Thank you so much and I hope this helps you achieve 50K in 30 days. See you next week for more sparks to your word count.

Silver says: It was REALLY hard to choose this week! First, there were so many entries and second, they were all well done with some great--and varied--uses of the prompt. Glad I'm judging this week rather than participating. LOL So, if I can have a drum roll, please.... The winners are:

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
Silver says: I love a good SciFi tale and the way Cate played upon the prompt added to the sense of drama. In just a few words, she gave life to a lot of characters.

Mary Decker | @mishmhem
Silver says: That first paragraph made me laugh, and with the second paragraph, the scene was set. A great story in a few words, with both snark and drama.

Ruth Long | @Bullishink
Silver says: This was a fun entry, well written, and the actions of the dragonel were cute. Interesting use of the prompt, dividing it that way.

Kel J. Heinen | @Aightball
Silver says: Like all good horror stories, this one leaves the reader wondering what is real and what isn't.

Week 289 Winner
Robin Abess

Silver says: I loved the build-up, and the use of the prompt as a way to "pump up" the character's courage was perfect. Then, the twist at the end just made this a great piece of flash fiction. The writing was tight, the story well told, and it put a smile on my face.

The wind whipped my cloak around me, stinging my face as I moved purposefully toward my goal. I could feel my long braid bouncing against my back with each step I took. I rested a hand on the pommel of the sword at my hip, watching my breath frost the air as I strode forward. Well…walked forward anyway. I didn’t do much striding.

It wasn’t long before I could see the gaping mouth of the dark cave in which the great dragon, Seraphus, dwelt. “Okay, I’ve got this,” I muttered to myself, fingers clenching on the sword’s hilt. “I’m unstoppable. I’m a danger. I can do this.” I just wished I believed my own words.

Giving myself a stern shake, I hurried onward, soon standing just outside the entrance. I glanced around at the gnawed bones littering the ground outside, of all shapes and sizes. With a deep breath, I charged inside, yelling out. “Seraphus, you cowardly Wyrm, show yourself!”

The very bowels of the earth seemed to shudder as I skidded into an immense cavern, lit only by the glow of two very large yellow eyes, staring at me. The beast opened his maw wide, and blew out a stream of fire, lighting torches placed around the room.

“About damned time you got here, wench,” he grumbled, moving over to his seat at the worn chess board. “I get to be black this time. I’m gonna wipe the floor with you.”

Congratulations Three Time Winner Robin, and HMs Cate, Mary, Ruth, and Kel! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)