For Honor – Part 2

Photo by Bill Jelen on Unsplash

To a writer, creating is a joyful excursion into the unknown. When I created Je’hir’s world, I didn’t know where it was going to take me. I had a theme, recover, and a blank canvas. I prayed and began writing. There are times the words don’t flow, and the action seems frozen. Writing For Honor was one of the time the words spilled easily onto the page. I hope you are enjoying the story. If you missed Part 1, go back. Part 2 will make no sense without it.

Emjoy!

Je’hir put on a burst of speed and sprinted toward a steep rocky outcropping. If Elder Ka’nir learned he was still trying to patch the hole, he would lecture Je’hir. You must release this absurd need to recover your family’s honor. It is beyond saving. Je’hir had heard it all many times before.  

For Honor – Part 1

Photo by Heather Morse on Unsplash

Flash fiction is quick and fun to write. It is also quick and fun to read, which explains its growing popularity—especially among young people. By its very nature—limited word count—it trains writers to hone their craft while creating stories within the set constraints.

For Honor was originally published oi the flash fiction webzine Havok in 2019. I have tweaked this story a bit to share it here on our blog. The word count exceeds Havok’s maximum, but the piece is still short enough to be considered flash fiction. And though it is short, I have elected to divide the story into two pieces. Why, you may ask. For two reasons. First, because I am preparing for surgery in early September and wanted my posts set prior to things going even more crazy; and second, because I didn’t want my posts to get too long.  

So … enough said. I hope you enjoy For Honor.

Je’hir tried to blink back the salty tears that leaked from his eyes, past the tops of his pointed ears, and into his dark, sweat-moistened hair as he lay staring up toward the heavens. Sky, turquoise with fluffs of pink clouds filled his vision. A wavering black dot far overhead broke the serene beauty.  

For the Love of Words Part 2

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I love using words like myriad paint colors to create images in readers’ minds. The English language allows me to use a wide pallet while the rules of writing and grammar set the boundaries that define the edges. But, like any language, English has its idiosyncrasies. I would like to look at a couple.

First, have you ever pondered whether to use “lie” or “lay” in a given situation? The rule sounds simple, right? Lie is a complete verb; an action taken by someone or something. To recline. Simple. I lie down. So far, so good. Lay is a transitive verb. It is something that happens to an object. To put something down. I lay the book down.

For the Love of Words Part 1

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When I was a seven-year-old child, I spent a few days home from school, confined to a sick bed. We were living in my grandmother’s house at the time, and she watched over me while my mom did some grocery shopping. Upon returning home, Mom gifted me with a surprise—a book. My delight was complete. Even at that age, I loved books and reading, and will never forget the joy my mom brought me that day.

My seventh grade English teacher, Miss D—an old-school teacher who never married but found purpose in encouraging her charges—further instilled a love of the English language as she endeavored to instill the rules of grammar into an unruly class of twelve- and thirteen-year-old students. Her passion and praise will always retain a special place in my memories. And, though I never aspired to write, I went on to get a degree in Performing Arts and English Ed due to Miss D’s influence.

Dropping the Mask

One of every human being’s most deep-seated needs is to form a personal identity that defines who he or she is.

In my series, The Seven Words, the demon, Sigmund, blocks young Prince Rayne’s memories. Why? So he can implant false memories and warp Rayne’s character—his identity. Rayne’s perception of himself—as seen through the deceptive lens of Sigmund’s corrupted identity—would taint Rayne, making him unable to become the One’s Light Bringer and fulfil the prophecy that promises Sigmund’s failure.

But Rayne’s identity is already secure in the One. He has planted an ember of hope within the young boy, giving him the strength to defy Sigmund. Eventually, Rayne recovers his old memories and, with the One’s help, realizes his true identity as a child of the One.