Mayor Rosebury didn’t like disorder in his town. In fact, it was pretty much an unknown occurrence. He liked people going about their business in a predictable fashion, and that’s what he got.
So when a mysterious, bedraggled child materialised in the high street, wearing clothing that was torn, dark in colour and made darker by some grimy substance that also coated his skin, he took the only sensible course of action that was available. He spoke to the boy as kindly as he could, asked him where he was from, and then slung him into the city jail while he figured out his next move. A crowd of onlookers had gathered and rumours were already spreading that the boy was a demon.
Decisive action was needed, but that was for the higher authorities. As mayor, he fulfilled a mainly ceremonial role. Issues like this were way out of his comfort zone.
*
I'm also excited to be taking part in the release blitz for the Where Words Fail, Music
Speaks Anthology, which is out now!
Where Words Fail, Music Speaks is a collection of short stories and poetry by writers from all walks of life.
Each story is based on the titles of 90s Britpop songs, including Come Back To What You Know, Bittersweet Symphony, Animal Nitrate, Disco 2000, and more.
Our list of authors is: Kyra Lennon, Clare Dugmore, Annalisa Crawford, Ker Dukey, Wesley Copeland, Robb Turburville, D H Sidebottom, Audrina Lane, M.B. Feeney, Karen Frances, S.J Warner, Scout Dawson, Kimberly Morgan, Maddie Wade, Rebeccalou Heronpontin, Andrea Coventry
All proceeds from the sales of this anthology will go to Clusterbusters.
25 comments:
That's an awful thing to do to a child in need! I would've put him with a foster home.
That is so mean, he should atleast give he child a chance to say his side of the story
:-(
A Peice Of My Life
a glimpse of some ancient people in an ancient land . :)
A well-thought-out character portrayal , as always
Best wishes,
Moon
https://aslifehappens60.wordpress.com
Congratulations to those authors!
Throw a child in jail? That is cruel.
Everyone is bemoaning the plight of that child, but to me, it makes for such compelling narrative. Isn't that why we read, to be compelled? Especially in fiction, no one is truly hurt, but we can experience a range of emotions from the despair of his plight to the mystery of it all to the resolution, in whatever form that comes.
That should be an interesting array of writers in that project! The one I know is Clare Dugmore and I adore her.
Sounds like the Mayor is about to get more of that disorder that he's not fond of. One demon shows up and the rumors start flying...
Discarded Darlings - Jean Davis, Speculative Fiction Writer, A to Z: Editing Fiction
I had a bad feeling about where this was going from the opening sentence. Well done!
And thanks for sharing the short story anthology. Sounds neat!
http://darlamsands.blogspot.com/
I like characters that like to keep up appearances and shuffle problems away/onto someone else. They're so easy to dislike, and make frustratingly annoying villains.
R - JR Robertson, Toronto's First Literary Pirate
Sounds like an interesting character who certainly does not take to the ups and downs in life well. Lock away the child because he doesn't fit into the perfect town - well done :(
Emily | My Life In Ecuador | Reinventing a 2.4 km beach front boardwalk
Oh, oh, oh! That's the boy from... oh, which letter was that? (I'm not going back to look.) The boy who found the portal to the pretty city and ended up in jail. I was wondering how he ended up in jail.
If he is a demon there is little to be gained by throwing him behind bars. Next!
Another day in Amble Bay!
Hi Nick - Rosebury doesn't sound so nice - on top of that he's weak and uncaring ... he won't last long ... I don't think!
Well done on promoting "Where Words Fail- Music Speak" ... clever idea for an anthology .. cheers Hilary
http://positiveletters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/r-is-for-rare-breeds-survival-trust.html
Oh Dear, it doesn't sound like the Mayor has much of a heart! To throw a child in jail just because he is unsure what to do with him? Certainly there is someone who could have helped him find a more suitable place for a child to stay. Grrrrr! You have elicited a strong emotional response, which is what good writers do! :-)
Josie Two Shoes: R is for Raine
I'd like to know more about that child!
Where Words Fail and Music speaks sounds like a great anthology. I'll have to check it out.
Mayor Rosebury does not sound like a nice person - people who treat other people badly just to maintain some concept of status quo are not nice people.
Sophie
Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles - Dragon Diaries
Hmm...don't see what putting him in jail achieves...if he's a demon then much good it will do Rosebury to imprison him...and if he's not, then it's probably going to turn into a PR disaster...
Best wishes,
Nilanjana.
Madly-in-Verse
All the best with the anthology! What is Clusterbusters?
Brilliant. I like the way you describe this most unusual event from the POV of a mind that doesn't like unusual events ;-)
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter - 1940s Film Noir
It sounds like Mayor Rosebury is a bit of a control freak and you can't always believe rumors. Maybe this poor child is innocent. Maybe, all he needs is a hot bath, a good meal, and a change of clothes. I want to stay positive. Of course, whenever a character wishes for a harmonious living then everything is sure to fall apart fast.
I'm sorry for being slow to visit but thanks for visiting yesterday's post, Art Sketching Through the Alphabet "R" (realistic rabbit & rascally road runner). Have a good weekend!
It's much easier to hide a problem than deal with it, isn't it? Poor Mal!
Thanks for sharing the anthology, Nick :-)
Putting the child in jail seems pretty drastic! That's an interesting idea for an anthology. Anything to do with music is worthy of attention. ☺
It was good that Mayor Rosebury wanted to nip the problem in the bud but throwing the boy in jail appeared drastic. Could have been lesser options!
Hank
Brilliant idea for an anthology!
Hope that boy gets away from the Mayor's clutches...
خدمات صيانة سامسونج المتميزة الان تقوم بحمالات صيانة دوريه و فوريه في كل المحافظات لتحصل علي اعلي مستوي من خدمات الصيانة باقل التكاليف
كبري شركات تنظيف مفروشات بمكة لدينا افضل و اقوي المنظفات لتنظيف السجاد و المفروشات بكل احجمها و انواعها بطرق متعددة تناسب نوعيه الاقمشة للحفاظ عليها من شركة تنظيف سجاد بمكة فقط تواصل معنا نصل اليك باسرع وقت
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