Scorched – #Drabble
PHOTO PROMPT – © Sandra Crook
Scorched
They stood in the marketplace. Frozen. The hour glass continue to dispense its sand. Time was ticking away. Only the voice of their mayor snapped them out of their trance.
“We knew this day would come. We have less than an hour. Go home and make yourselves ready.”
The crowd made its way from the marketplace to their individual homes. Mothers clutched their children. Husbands cleaved unto their wives. Wills had already been written. Cupboards bared. Livestock slaughtered. All that was left was the torching of the land.
When the barbarians arrived, they would find only a scorched earth here.
©February 2016 Lori Carlson. All rights reserved.
(100 words)
Promptly Written 
Dear Lori,
This puts me in mind of the true story of the Jews at Masada. Rather than being taken by the Romans they committed mass suicide. Sad story well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Oh yes, Rochelle.. I do remember that story now… thank you, I am honored that my story brought up such an important point in history for you. Blessings to you, dear Rochelle.
Lovely. And so the barbarians are still on the move; even now.
Thanks, Patrick… and yes, they definitely are
“I like your take on the prompt. The end times can be whatever you fear most,” she said.
Thank you 🙂 and yes, I agree… barbarians coming after me would definitely be scary!
What a horrible fate, but I guess their actions were efficient. I like the drama too.
That’s one (quite drastic) way to deny the invaders their spoils. I can feel their resignation to what is about to come.
Thank you 🙂 yes, it reminds me of the Russians and how they always took such drastic measures to keep invaders out.
You created a unique picture in this one. I loved the ending…
Thank you, Rian 🙂
Lovely story. Beautifully told.
Thank you 🙂 I appreciate the feedback!
That’s a twist in the tale – I just read another one with same prompt. It was a romance 🙂
Oh how awesome 🙂 Last time I checked, there were 81 of us writing from this prompt :o}
Wouldn’t be the first time it was done. Maybe not the last, either.
Aye, Alice 🙂 thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment 🙂
At first, I thought it was the apocalypse but no one can predict this accurately when the day will come, right?. It turned out it’s the barbarians. 😀 I feel like I just went through a time warp reading the story. Nicely told.
Thank you, Yinglan 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed my little tale 🙂
My pleasure. 🙂
Really dramatically told.
Thank you! I am honored that you would think so 🙂
I like a bit of drama!
Awesome 🙂
Thank you!