Title: With ice-cold hands taking over me

[swirlsofpurple]

 

Flora’s hands tremble as they approach the Rowan Fortress.

Rachel considers her with concern. “Maybe we could go to one of the shelters further north instead.”

Flora scoffs. “And do what? Wait for someone there to die? You know all of them are at full capacity.”

“Well maybe we just keep moving anyway.”

“We’ll die.”

“We don’t have to do this.”

“We do. You know we do. I’m okay.”

“You’re shaking.”

“Okay, I’m not okay. Look, let’s just get through this.” Flora steps up to the gate and knocks.

 

*

 

Flora tucks her hands under her armpits to hide the trembling as the inhabitants come out to watch the show.

The leader stands on a dais, striding about like a showman. In another world she could see him with a top hat and fancy cane. “We have two newcomers wanting to join our sanctuary.” Here he gives a maniacal grin. “But these are hard times, and all must pull their weight, we set forth these challenges so you can prove yourself to us. You must pick three of the challenges you find before you.”

The water pit. The hot coals. The boulder. The snake pit. The climbing ropes.

Bile rises in Flora’s throat. They of course knew about these. There’s extensive online discussion on what the best challenge choices are, and what the best order to do them is, to give someone the best chance at earning the one hundred points needed to be accepted in. Flora had spent days on those sites in spite of knowing none of the information would be of any use to her. There’s only one way she could get to one hundred points.

She stares the leader in the eyes and says, “You choose.”  

 

*

 

There are gasps and joyful shrieks from the crowd.

The leader chuckles. “Very well. You forgo your choice and in return start with fifty points. Let’s start with the water pit.” 

Flora’s heart sinks. That’s the one she was really dreading. She’s hated being in water since she almost drowned at the age of eight. She’d floated out too far and spent what felt like years scrabbling up to the surface to take some too-small breaths before being pulled back down. The leader knew somehow, she’d telegraphed her fear.

She bites her cheek to keep from crying out. And lets them lower her into the water.

“The longer you stay under, the more points you earn. Press this button when you want to be let out.”

Flora takes a deep breath before submerging. The water is cold. And dark. She tries to keep calm, but can feel herself flailing. Losing air. Too much. Too quick.

She can’t do this. Can’t. Can’t. But she refuses to press the button. Wait. Wait. Wait.

Just a bit longer. Just a bit longer. Just a bit longer.

Fuck. She presses the button.

 

*

 

The ropes are a disaster. Her hands too wet to gain purchase. And her arms too weak to lift her.

“I’m afraid you don’t have the points to make it,” the leader says, grin still in place.

“Wait, what about the third challenge?”

“Even at maximum points you would still be under.”

Flora nods. The ache of her fate is surprisingly sharp given that she knew this was the most likely outcome. That last marble of hope held some hefty weight. The cold reality is she’s going to die.

 

*

 

They allow her to stay to watch Rachel: she climbs the ropes like she was born for it. And manages to push the boulder two thirds of the way up the hill.

The leader keeps a running commentary throughout, clearly Rachel is a far more interesting challenger than Flora.

But by the time she gets to the hot coals, exhausted, she gets only part of the way down the track.

“Ooh, this is going to be a close one,” the leader bounces around, awaiting the point total. “Ninety-five points! Ouch just five points shy. Sorry Rachel.” The grin is somehow wider.

Flora is sure the whole thing is rigged.

The leader claps his hands against his cheeks. “You know, as you are so close, I’m willing to give you another chance.”

“What do I have to do?” Rachel asks, resignation heavy in her tone. It’s not going to be anything good.

“If your friend sacrifices herself for us. That would be enough food to buy your way in.”

Rachel gapes. “What the fuck?! No!”

“Rach, let’s talk about this,” Flora says.

“What, no, this is crazy!”

Flora sighs. “It kind of makes sense. I’m going to die out there anyway. At least this way I can help. This is what it takes to survive now.” She turns to the leader. “I’ll do it.”

The leaders face looks strangely sombre. “Congratulations, you’ve both passed the challenge. You may both stay for as long as you wish.”  

Flora blinks. “I don’t understand.”

“We may be cruel and callous. We’ve had to be. But none of us would be alive if we weren’t willing to die for each other. You belong here. Welcome.” 

Comments

[chasing_silver]

I loved this! This was an amazing story with a great twist. Nice take on the prompt!

[swirlsofpurple]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed :)

[murielle]

Yes! Love it! Wonderful!

But, you know, you had me scared for a minute that your entry was a sacrifice. Don't do that to me! <3 <3

[swirlsofpurple]

Thank you, glad you liked it :)

Lol, I hadn't even thought of it looking like that until I saw your comment :)

[halfshellvenus]

Ugh, those challenges. When people have something you desperately need, and you have nothing to offer in exchange for it... that's when sadism tends to rear its head. Sometimes cruelty is the point.

I was very relieved this ended the way it did!

[swirlsofpurple]

Yep, exactly.

Thank you :)

[xeena]

Oh I loved this and that ending was awesome!

[swirlsofpurple]

Thank you, glad you liked the ending :)

[erulissedances]

Oh, I loved the twist. Very well thought out.

- Erulisse (one L)

[swirlsofpurple]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the twist :)

[alycewilson]

The ending both makes me feel relieved and so angry on their behalf! I've been reading a lot of Ambrose Bierce lately for a panel I'm going to be on at Philcon. And while your tone and diction are very different from his, what does seem similar is the fact that his pieces often had a little twist at the end that then makes the rest of it make sense.

[swirlsofpurple]

Glad the ending had an impact. Ooh, I don't think I've reading anything of his, I'll have to check his stuff out. Thank you :)

[inkstainedfingertips]

I loved the twist at the end and that you ended it with an upbeat note. I like the way you set up this world. Really well done.

[swirlsofpurple]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the twist and the world :)

[rayaso]

I loved the entry! It is amazing what some people will do to those who are desperate, and the depths despair will drive you to.

[swirlsofpurple]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed :). Yes exactly, the things some will do if they can get away with it

[muchtooarrogant]

Loved this! I'm a sucker for those stories that promise that a glimmer of true humanity can always be found in the most unlikely of places.

Dan

[swirlsofpurple]

Thank you :)

[mollywheezy]

I loved this!!! Excellent use of the prompt and what a great twist at the end! :)

[swirlsofpurple]

Thank you, glad you liked the twist :)