EEL ISLAND
“Mum – who was Jake?”
The bridge had stretched its challenge across the marsh
since we arrived. Old Sam’s stories only added to the
island’s allure. “It claimed one death for every post driven,” he said, “Why d’you think
it’s so clean? Nobody’s crossed since Billy Cabra went hunting eels.”
“What happened?” I asked.
“Dunno – he never came back.”
“So he could still be there?”
“It was nine years ago, girl.”
“Alligators?” Jake guessed, all cocky.
Sam spat. “This isn't America, Yankee-boy – trolls took him.”
Jake matched Sam’s spit. “English fairy stories – I’m going.”
“Jake was my big, brave, stupid brother.”
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Love this one - there's something very haunting about marshes and bogs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob - haunting is right - they give me the shivers.
DeleteOh dear, poor Jake...
ReplyDeleteThe arrogance of youth!
ReplyDeleteThoe pesky trolls must have been hungry!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteTrolls can't be trusted - remember that if you're every on a boardwalk to the oblivion. Cute story. Nan
ReplyDeleteEvery bridge has a troll, but if you stamp hard enough you can scare them off.
ReplyDeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteGuess Jake should have listened. Good one.
shalom,
Rochelle
Jake was being laddish - 'nuff said!
DeleteNicely done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra.
DeleteLizy, you gave us several twists in this one. Why is it that so many creepy stories have an Old Sam character to make them creepy and almost challenge people to get into trouble?? Maybe Jake should have taken the Billy Goats Gruff with him. :-)
ReplyDeletejanet
Jake should have got Billy's surname translated too! Did you spot that twist?
DeleteGood and rather humerous story. You've got to watch out for those trolls. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting, PS. Trolls are dangerous creatures.
DeleteLike this one although I wish the younger brother would take heed...just in case.
ReplyDeleteYou never know what's lurking under a bridge!
Delete