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6.2.19

ROCK MAN - a story in 100 words

Today's image from Rochelle for Friday Fictioneers - a photograph taken by Anshu Bhajnagarwala - brought volcanic eruptions to my mind. Partly due to a TV programme about Hawaii I watched last night, but also because I have started on Book Three of my Living Rock series.
This piece of flash fiction is adapted from a story told by one of my characters in the first book - A VOLCANIC RACE, and severely cut to fit the hundred word limit!
This book and Book Two, WOLF PACK, can be found on Amazon.


ROCK MAN
Pepe held his son to his heart, every cell in his body screaming with fear, as the huge creature erupted from the volcano.
The giant knew instinctively these humans couldn’t live in the molten rock which had given him life, and threw himself in the path of the boiling lava, holding firm until the flow divided around his back.
Then he discovered he was fused to the ground – his brief moments of life were over.
Roaring his anguish over the din of the eruption, he only just heard Pepe shout, “Thankyou!” before he and his son raced out of danger.

55 comments:

  1. Dear Liz,

    Love it. I'm still waiting for the sequel to VOLCANIC RACE.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Rochelle - the sequel has been out for weeks! Click on the WOLF PACK cover at the top of my page :)

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  2. thank you seems a bit puny as a response to the beast's genorosity. I think offerings are called for

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    1. You are quite right, but one hundred words didn't leave enough room for offerings!

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  3. Quite a sacrifice for someone of a totally different type of lifeform! Nicely written, Liz.

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    1. In the original version the rockman had copied human form and therefore felt a connection.

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  4. So tragic to have to give his life so soon after receiving it.

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    1. Tragic indeed. Perhaps his spirit will be reborn.

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  5. Love this! And reminds me that I haven't procured part two yet. Or have I? I'm in reading and catching up mode, I swear...

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    1. Book Two is Wolf Pack. Click on the cover up top. My proofreader says it's my best novel yet, and she's read all three!

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    2. Oh, I have it, darlin'... it's in my queue ;-)

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  6. So much vivid action in 100 words!

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  7. Like the old gods of the volcanos!

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  8. I hope they go on to make the most of the giant's sacrifice.

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    1. You will have to read the book 😀

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  9. i wonder if kindly giants exist. this story just proves it. :)

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    1. Thanks plaridel, not all giants are bad.

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  10. Tragically delicious. Nice write!

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    1. There's a description I've not heard before! Thanks Violet .

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  11. The rock man is magnanimous! Just a "Thank you" from Pepe is an understatement for rock man's sacrifice...

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  12. Lizy, Wow, he saved them. Pepe should of been more appreciative since the rock man has sacrificed his own freedom. Interesting story Lizzy! Thanks for the entertainment! Nan Falkner

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    1. Thanks, Nan, Pepe should have been more grateful, but he did have his little son to save.

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  13. At least Pepe was grateful to the giant who gave his life to save the humans. But why would the giant die if he is born of fire?

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    1. The lava welded him to the volcano as it cooled,and he can't live without movement.

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  14. Rock man is a good giant. Appearances can be deceptive.

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    1. They can - never judge on appearances.

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  15. You've restored my faith in giants! Brilliant storytelling Liz

    Click to read my FriFic tale!

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    1. Thakns Keith. This was adapted from a legend told in my first book, and the elgend itself was inspired by a mountain in Tenerife.

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  16. He didn't live long but he did good.

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  17. This feels like an island lore, Pelé vs Pepe... and the efforts the giant makes to save these two humans, make him that much more relatable and compassionate. Nice job, Lizy!

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  18. What a great, original scene. That was a truly benevolent giant.

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    1. Thaks GaH - he was one of the good ones.

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  19. That was a brilliant concept to get across in 100 words. and it worked really well.

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    1. Thank you Sandra - it took some whittling down!

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  20. What a sacrifice for life form he didn't know! Good story Lizy!

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  21. What a wonderfully inventive take on the prompt, Liz. And I love your tragic volcano monster. Wonderful

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    1. Thanks, Lynn - if everyone who loved this piece of flash also bought the book I would be a happy bunny!

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  22. I love this... what a kind and benign giant...

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  23. A lovely tale of magical creatures and a sacrifice.

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  24. How magmanimous on the part of the giant.

    Sorry, that is not a typo... I couldn't help myself. ;)

    A great story, Liz!

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