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.
Dear Liz,
ReplyDeleteLove it. I'm still waiting for the sequel to VOLCANIC RACE.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Rochelle - the sequel has been out for weeks! Click on the WOLF PACK cover at the top of my page :)
Deletethank you seems a bit puny as a response to the beast's genorosity. I think offerings are called for
ReplyDeleteYou are quite right, but one hundred words didn't leave enough room for offerings!
DeleteQuite a sacrifice for someone of a totally different type of lifeform! Nicely written, Liz.
ReplyDeleteIn the original version the rockman had copied human form and therefore felt a connection.
DeleteSo tragic to have to give his life so soon after receiving it.
ReplyDeleteTragic indeed. Perhaps his spirit will be reborn.
DeleteLove 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...
ReplyDeleteBook 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!
DeleteOh, I have it, darlin'... it's in my queue ;-)
DeleteSo much vivid action in 100 words!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heather.
DeleteLike the old gods of the volcanos!
ReplyDeleteLegends in their own lifetimes!
DeleteI hope they go on to make the most of the giant's sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteYou will have to read the book 😀
Deletei wonder if kindly giants exist. this story just proves it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks plaridel, not all giants are bad.
DeleteTragically delicious. Nice write!
ReplyDeleteThere's a description I've not heard before! Thanks Violet .
DeleteThe rock man is magnanimous! Just a "Thank you" from Pepe is an understatement for rock man's sacrifice...
ReplyDeleteYou are right, i will have to rewrite it!
DeleteSure you should!
DeleteI have a novel to write first!
DeleteLizy, 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
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nan, Pepe should have been more grateful, but he did have his little son to save.
DeleteAt 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?
ReplyDeleteThe lava welded him to the volcano as it cooled,and he can't live without movement.
DeleteRock man is a good giant. Appearances can be deceptive.
ReplyDeleteThey can - never judge on appearances.
DeleteYou've restored my faith in giants! Brilliant storytelling Liz
ReplyDeleteClick to read my FriFic tale!
Thakns Keith. This was adapted from a legend told in my first book, and the elgend itself was inspired by a mountain in Tenerife.
DeleteHe didn't live long but he did good.
ReplyDeleteHe did - thanks Alistair.
DeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great, original scene. That was a truly benevolent giant.
ReplyDeleteThaks GaH - he was one of the good ones.
DeleteThat was a brilliant concept to get across in 100 words. and it worked really well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra - it took some whittling down!
DeleteAwesome read!!
ReplyDeleteGone with the Fire
Thanks DeeDee. Long time no see!
DeleteLove this story :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda x
DeleteWhat a sacrifice for life form he didn't know! Good story Lizy!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anshu.
DeleteVery vivid. Great read.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa.
DeleteWhat a wonderfully inventive take on the prompt, Liz. And I love your tragic volcano monster. Wonderful
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn - if everyone who loved this piece of flash also bought the book I would be a happy bunny!
DeleteI love this... what a kind and benign giant...
ReplyDeleteThank you Bjorn.
DeleteA lovely tale of magical creatures and a sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Subroto
DeleteHow magmanimous on the part of the giant.
ReplyDeleteSorry, that is not a typo... I couldn't help myself. ;)
A great story, Liz!