Wednesday, 10 October 2012

Savage

by John Xero


We never asked the goblins for their protection, always called it oppression.

Bunch of us kids would sneak past their patrols every dark moon, down to the whispering heather. Right dumb, but I was trying to impress a girl. Little Annie MacCready, a true fiery Scot with hair like a flicker o' ginger flame.

The gobs came after us one night, only it wasnae us they were hunting, was the wolf in our midst.

I remember them circling us, hemming us in. I remember their savage cries, their wicked spears. And I remember Annie shifting, twisting, and tearing them apart.





Author bio: John Xero doesn't smoke, doesn't drive, doesn't drink (often). He can't afford to, he buys books and comics by the ton. He also needs more bookshelves.
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16 comments:

  1. Helen A. Howell10 October 2012 at 08:10

    Tricky devils are those goblins!

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    Replies
    1. John Xero14 October 2012 at 13:59

      And always painted with the bad guy brush...

      Thanks, Helen. =)

      Delete
  2. Cat Russell12 October 2012 at 15:15

    Whoa. Did NOT see that coming! Superbly well done!

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  3. Larry Kollar12 October 2012 at 16:00

    Dunno if he impressed Annie, but I think Annie impressed the heck out of him!

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    1. John Xero14 October 2012 at 14:01

      I think she did, and I don't think he's ever going to look at her the same way again... ;)

      Thanks, Larry. =)

      Delete
  4. Steve Green13 October 2012 at 12:29

    Annie would seem to be a perfect girl to have on your side during a fight, not sure if she would make the perfect wife though. :-)

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    1. John Xero14 October 2012 at 14:02

      I dunno, just try not to get on her 'bad side'... ;D

      Delete
  5. Tim VanSant Writes13 October 2012 at 16:47

    Nice one. I think I dated her sister....

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  6. Katherine Hajer14 October 2012 at 03:18

    Now there's a girl who can take care of herself. Sounds like Annie has a better control of her temper than the narrator previously appreciated.

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    1. John Xero14 October 2012 at 14:03

      Oh yeah, there's Annie in a bad mood, and then there's Annie in a bad mood... ;)

      Delete
  7. DC Patterson14 October 2012 at 03:57

    Lovely - a great world created in just a few choice phrases - a fun read!

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  8. Peter Newman15 October 2012 at 22:29

    But the goblins are the good guys, right? I had the sense from the narrator's tone that he'd seen more oof Annie since then.

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    1. John Xero16 October 2012 at 23:33

      You've put a lot of thought into this, Pete. =)

      I think they're the sometimes well-intentioned colonials who probably treat the humans as lower beings, as savages. If I were to write it longer I would probably flip the goblins out of their usual savages role and have the humans as the 'natives'.

      And yes, it's told in reminiscent tone, isn't it? Looking back. I think there may be more of their story to tell... =)

      Thank you, Pete. =)

      Delete

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