Time for another entry in Friday Fictioneers challenge, courtesy of Rochelle Wissof-Fields. If you want to give it a try, check the info on her blog. 100 words more or less, inspired by a photo, here we go….
Copyright – Laura Helms
Standing in the shadow of a tree, Marcus Crassus looked at the man before him: “Would it be we were standing on the same side.”
“I bless the fates we are not.”
“They ask me if I fear you… I don’t fear the man standing before me. Every man can be beaten.” His gaze shifted to the skull melted into the fractured bark. “But I fear your shadow .”
“Do not fear my shadow, but those walking in it. For they will seek justice.”
“There is no justice in this world, Spartacus.”
“That is not my name.” he whispered.
***
I went back in time this week. The myth, the legend, the man who despised his gladiator name given to him by his captors, masters, enemies. Weather he was a rebel or a thief, that is a mystery hidden in the past times. Today, we still remember him and call him by that forced upon name – Spartacus. And it represents a cry for freedom that echoes across centuries.
Nicely done.
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Thank you.
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Great title first of all… more people should have that whispered into their ears — constantly… to bring in Spartacus here was a brilliant choice.
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Thank you. It’s funny how my mind responds to these photo prompts. I just let go and follow wherever it will take me.
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That gave me the shivers. We all know the name Spartacus and what it means. A great play on the sheep’s head caught up in the tree.
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Oh, thank you. I’ll take those shivers as a compliment. Such a powerful figure, Spartacus. That head reminded me of what is lost and what is left behind.
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Nice….love the mythology reference! 🙂
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Thank you. It was a toss between Minotaur and Spartacus, but the story went this way.
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I love Greek Mythology, but it is confusing sometimes.
I read a weird book once called The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break by Steven Sherrill. I have no clue what possessed me to read it…..but it was an interesting tail. I have a strange sense of humor sometimes 🙂
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I grew up devouring stories of Greek mythology, they were my escape to fantasy land before I descovered authors like Tolkien.
And there’s nothing wrong having a strange sense of humor.
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Excellent title to start it all off. An intriguing take.
janet
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I don’t know why, but I always pay so much attention to the title. I feel if you have a good start, you’re bound for a good finish.
Thank you, Janet.
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I agree. I always try to get the perfect title. Of course, I often fall short, but you can add so much to the story by an apt title.
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Loved your story 🙂 The photo isn’t mine, though… I forgot who submitted it but it was one of the other Fictioneers 😉
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Thank you for your kind words. As for the photo, I would love to credit the right person, but I need to wait for Rochelle to correct it.
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I believe it was Lura Helm who supplied the photo.
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I liked this; more than just clicking like liked this.
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Thank you, the story of Spartacus is very close to my heart.
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I really enjoyed this, Lore. The title, the voices and the language gave it power and gravitas which was well deserved.
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I wanted the story to have that old fashioned feel, something like “I, Claudius”…don’t know why we always imagine Romans speaking in British accent. 🙂 I am very happy you enjoyed the story.
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Dear Snow, great story. I enjoyed it a lot! Good job. Nan 🙂
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Thank you, Nan. And thank you for always stopping and leaving a comment, week after week.
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Lore`, Good story and well-written with a great title. I still remember the movie, but I don’t know how much of that was true. Well done. 🙂 —Susan
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I remember the movie, too. And I was watching a TV show just recently, that inspired me to dig a little deeper into his story. There are very few historical facts about Spartacus, and many things are stuff of legends. But he is an inspiration nevertheless.
Thank you, Susan.
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great story and very interesting photo. melted into the tree!!
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Yes, it was an inspirational photo. Thank you.
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Very nice, and a great title for your piece.
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Thank you, really appreciate it.
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This was different and original. Well done.
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Thank you.
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Dear Loré,
From title to end a well done story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. Hope you are enjoying your vacation.
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I really loved your story, Snow. When he whispers, “That is not my name,” it adds to the deep mystery of death and memory and eternity and … more than a hint of vengeance?
Well-written and gripping!
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When the seed of liberty is planted, it doesn’t matter whoes face is on the flag, but who carries the flag. Thank you so much.
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A very nice read. Thank you.
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You’re welcome, this is one of my personal favorits.
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