PHOTO PROMPT © Na’ama Yehuda
Kari crossed Bílý Bridge at dusk via horse-drawn sleigh from the train station. It was mid-January. She hugged her soft leather bag close and shivered; it was only partially because of the cold. Craning her neck up as the sleigh lurched over snow-packed cobblestone, she imagined the castle, now a dark silhouette, towering over the village was watching – and waiting.
Tipping the driver generously after he helped her down, Kari toddled the shoveled sidewalk to the inn’s entrance. Registering, then settling in to her room, she wondered how long it would take for them to come for her.
[99 words]
Origin story: the moment I looked at the image I thought of Franz Kafka’s novel, “The Castle.” Looking for a little more detail for my story, I turned to wikipedia (where else?) and was filled with a range of emotions. I learned that Franz never finished the novel. I decided to change the protagonist to being female, even though I know that Kari may also be a male’s name. I know I left this as a cliffhanger, and if the opportunity presents itself there may be future installments.
photo link is above
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the creative host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Funny how we were both inspired by books we read/are reading 🙂
Well done, you!
LikeLike
Thank you, Dale. I’d be nothing without books. Or probably some hermit living off grid in a cabin by a river…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel ya, Sistah! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderfully Gothic
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neil, thank you. Happy to please you 🙂
LikeLike
I assumed it was a cliffhanger. The only Kafka novel I have ever read is ‘Amerika’. I have never before heard of this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The story surrounding the novel is just as fascinating as the novel itself. I’ve only read “Metamorphosis” but want to read more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a book of his short stories. They are all good
LikeLiked by 1 person
The ending went very Kafka, in a very real way, and all the rest of the tale therefore took on new meaning..very nicely sone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ain. Question: I thought I downloaded your book yesterday but it is a virtually empty file when I opened it. Can you email it to me?
LikeLike
Oh goodness I will check that immediately. That is terrible, will email yes and look what happened.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Groovy.
LikeLike
What is a life without good books, you have encouraged me to visit my library
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michael, so happy to hear it. Let me know how it goes.
LikeLike
Love a bit of Kafka, good stuff well reimagined
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Shrawl 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did leave us hanging… (k)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice mysterious story, Lisa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Deep, mysterious story
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Intriguing. I want to read more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sandra.
LikeLike
I like an open-end and this is a cracker!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 Glad you like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As you say – a cliffhanger.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully written, Lisa. I loved the intrigue at the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Brenda!
LikeLike
Well developed and suspenseful, Lisa. A hanger, indeed. Thanks for the explanation.
Now we wait for the ‘and then…’
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks much, Bill. I like the feel of this story and may expand it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a good idea to me. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the imagery you have in this one…I’m cold just reading it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Could you imagine living in a little village and waking up looking at a towering castle up on a hill? No thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No…no…being looked down upon…in many different ways.
LikeLiked by 1 person
a clip hanger indeed as I am unsteady on the edge looking over the cliff. Regards, your story reads well and is interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
James, hold on tight. Thank you, much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve set an ominous scene for a rather ominous-looing photo 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ali. Not sure if you read, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” but I had that village the estate was in in my head to spur me on. That and that damned Kafka castle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Evocative setting. I feel as if Kafka would approve.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anne, thank you. That’s high praise ❤
LikeLike
I only read Metamorphosis. You set a great mood of undecided danger here. And then?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Gabi. I’m not sure what next, the Muse is mum on it for now 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the sleigh ride and sense of impending doom. It leaves a lot to the imagination. I like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Russell, thank you for reading and your comment.
LikeLike
you’ve left me hanging again by the ropes. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 oopsy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow the cold really comes through in your descriptions here. Both in weather and mood. Fabulous
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks much, Laurie!
LikeLike
They’re watching. They’re coming. The suspense is killing me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My work here is done. Thank you, Margaret 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lisa,
Nice buildup to the ominous ending that left me wanting more.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle, thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Lisa
LikeLike
Who doesn’t like a bit of Kafka now and then. Yes, cliffhanger it is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neel, thanks much, glad you enjoyed the story.
LikeLike
You capture the oppressive environment of the village, and the single-mindedness of the protagonist, and all in 100 words. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Penny, thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment. I appreciate your feedback.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Atmospheric, with a strong sense of unease. She has a leather bag and she tips the driver, so she’s not a poor person. But who’s coming for her? Tingle down the spine stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jilly!
LikeLike
Great expression, Lisa.
Do they come for her?
Hope she is safe 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anita. I think she is aware and prepared. We’ll have to wait and see what happens next…
LikeLike