Pretty much just your average Sunday around here. I finished the Sunday crossword, and I went to my Sunday writing group, where I wrote this:
Good manners are everything, said Mathilde, even when — perhaps especially when — confronted with the slavering minions of the darkest underworld.
Roderick had to agree, begrudgingly, if only because he had seen the proof of Mathilde’s theories at work on previous occasions. He had accompanied her as diplomatic envoy to hell now several times, and although in her eyes he knew he was still little more than hired muscle, her father’s man through and through, there was little doubt in Roderick’s mind that heeding her now was their wisest course of action.
That didn’t mean he had to like it, though.
“Good manners is one fing, miss,” said the boy, Kairo, “but ain’t the sort of fing what’ll stop them beasties from eatin’ youse alive.” He eyed the door they’d barred behind them nervously. A pounding continued to echo from the other side. “Youse really fink we open up, they’s gonna just gonna parley, nice an’ peaceful-like?”
“If we establish terms,” replied Mathilde. “And if we pay the proper respects…then yes, I believe Lord Marbas and his attendants will see reason.”
“We’d best listen to her, boy,” said Roderick. “Either way, that door isn’t going to hold them off much longer.”
“We will need to address Marbas directly,” said Mathilde. “Appeal to his sense of honor, decorum; spilled blood is to no one’s benefit.”
“I still fink you’re starkers,” said Kairo.
“Well, certainly, we won’t open the door until a few strategic wards are in place,” said Mathilde. “Mr. Barnes, the rock salt and the good book, if you please.”
Yes, Roderick thought, he didn’t have to like it, but it was their only shot.
It’s altogether possible I’ve been watching too much Supernatural lately.
Of course, I did also receive a story rejection this morning, which is okay, and maybe wasn’t entirely unexpected given the flash piece in question, but is still disappointing. But the only thing to do is dust myself off and keep writing, try to find another home for this thing.
I do note, with some small level of satisfaction, that “writing” has moved into the “most used” post categories here on the blog. I’m going to have to do my best to keep it that way.
Cool piece, but I thought “starkers” meant “naked.”
Oh, wait, I just looked it up, and apparently it has two meanings. I yield to your superior knowledge of British slang. 🙂
Kairo’s slang is of indeterminate and questionable origin, and the product of a free-writing exercise in which I looked nothing but the head demon’s name up. That the boy isn’t just randomly spouting “Cor blimey!” and “Chim Cher-ee!” is something of an achievement, all things considered.
I meant crazy, nutters, not naked.