In the middle of the mountain oak, where the three branches soared upwards from the main trunk, I placed the squirrel’s skull. I had boiled it until its flesh fell away and every tiny tooth shone white. I stood on tiptoes to feel with my fingers, the basin of tepid water that the tree kept in its secret heart. After the skull went a magpie’s feather – dark, with a smear of blue, like petrol on a dirty puddle. And lastly a long hair, unwound from the comb that morning.
So long as these things remained I knew that nothing would harm me.
***
This piece of writing was for the 100 word (or so) prompt for Madison Woods’ #Fridayfictioneers. I’d be very happy to receive comments and constructive feedback. Click here to read other people’s.
Good descriptions. I particularly like the magpie feather. Thanks for stopping by on mine!
Thanks for your comments
Wow. So that’s it? I can do that and come to no harm?
Well, now that the secret recipe is out… I’m staring my own corporation.
Good story!
Randy
Shall we all try it? Although we might decimate the squirrel population!
ooh… nutz!
Great story, I too like the descriptions, especially the feather coloured dark like petrol in the water. It’s more like feeling or seeing than reading.
Thanks Beatrice. Being able to write so that people forget they’re reading is certainly something to aim for.
I liked the petrol description, too. Oh, that it were that simple not to have anything bad happen!! 🙂
I think she might be a little naive…
Wow, just wow. There’s a certain amount of pride in how well each item was described, like each item had to be just perfect in order for the protection to work. I loved it. Thanks for commenting on my blog.
Thanks for coming and having a read. I’m glad you liked it.
It must be something in me. I thought the spell was going to be a malevolent one. Excellent choice of words. Descriptive, expressive. Can’t wait to come by next week!
But she’s a good girl… just a little frightened of things. Thanks for having a read.
I love the description of the squirrel with his tiny teeth, that really puts an image in the mind.
Beautifully written, a very simple idea, vividly described.
Thanks Trudy. I liked yours too.
I liked that reference to the effect of petrol on water. I’ve used that quite often myself – I think it’s a powerful visual. I liked this, it started off quite sinisterly and then seemed to drift into innocence – which is an unusual reverse flow. Nice one.
Thanks Sandra
Very creative use of the prompt. I also like the feather and the water in the tree’s heart is inspired. A magical piece.
Thanks Gilly