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!
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Thank you, Dale. I’d be nothing without books. Or probably some hermit living off grid in a cabin by a river…
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I feel ya, Sistah! ;-)
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Wonderfully Gothic
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Neil, thank you. Happy to please you :)
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I assumed it was a cliffhanger. The only Kafka novel I have ever read is ‘Amerika’. I have never before heard of this one.
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The story surrounding the novel is just as fascinating as the novel itself. I’ve only read “Metamorphosis” but want to read more.
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I have a book of his short stories. They are all good
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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.
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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?
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Oh goodness I will check that immediately. That is terrible, will email yes and look what happened.
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Groovy.
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What is a life without good books, you have encouraged me to visit my library
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Michael, so happy to hear it. Let me know how it goes.
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Love a bit of Kafka, good stuff well reimagined
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Thank you, Shrawl :)
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You did leave us hanging… (k)
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Nice mysterious story, Lisa!
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Thank you :)
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Deep, mysterious story
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:)
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Intriguing. I want to read more.
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Thank you, Sandra.
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I like an open-end and this is a cracker!
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:) Glad you like.
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As you say – a cliffhanger.
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Beautifully written, Lisa. I loved the intrigue at the end.
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Thanks, Brenda!
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Well developed and suspenseful, Lisa. A hanger, indeed. Thanks for the explanation.
Now we wait for the ‘and then…’
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Thanks much, Bill. I like the feel of this story and may expand it.
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Sounds like a good idea to me. :-)
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I love the imagery you have in this one…I’m cold just reading it.
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Could you imagine living in a little village and waking up looking at a towering castle up on a hill? No thanks!
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No…no…being looked down upon…in many different ways.
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a clip hanger indeed as I am unsteady on the edge looking over the cliff. Regards, your story reads well and is interesting.
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James, hold on tight. Thank you, much appreciated.
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You’ve set an ominous scene for a rather ominous-looing photo :-)
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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!
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Evocative setting. I feel as if Kafka would approve.
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Anne, thank you. That’s high praise <3
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I only read Metamorphosis. You set a great mood of undecided danger here. And then?
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Thank you, Gabi. I’m not sure what next, the Muse is mum on it for now :)
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Love the sleigh ride and sense of impending doom. It leaves a lot to the imagination. I like that.
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Russell, thank you for reading and your comment.
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you’ve left me hanging again by the ropes. :)
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:) oopsy
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Wow the cold really comes through in your descriptions here. Both in weather and mood. Fabulous
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Thanks much, Laurie!
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They’re watching. They’re coming. The suspense is killing me.
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My work here is done. Thank you, Margaret :)
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Dear Lisa,
Nice buildup to the ominous ending that left me wanting more.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Who doesn’t like a bit of Kafka now and then. Yes, cliffhanger it is!
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Neel, thanks much, glad you enjoyed the story.
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You capture the oppressive environment of the village, and the single-mindedness of the protagonist, and all in 100 words. Well done!
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Penny, thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment. I appreciate your feedback.
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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.
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Thank you, Jilly!
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Great expression, Lisa.
Do they come for her?
Hope she is safe :)
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Thank you, Anita. I think she is aware and prepared. We’ll have to wait and see what happens next…
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