Entry at The Clarity of Night

I just thought I'd let everyone see the entry I submitted at The Clarity of Night Short Fiction Contest.



One Little Drink
by Dottie Taylor


“Come on, just one little drink, what could it hurt.” He encouraged, grinning wickedly.

“I never break the rules, and going to strange man's room for a drink is a big one.” I smiled shyly, desire to break the rules was never stronger.

“Do I look like a strange man, I've never thought of myself as strange.” He moved closer, brushing his hand over my bared shoulder and back, caressing lightly.

His touch sent shivers across my body, I rubbed the goose flesh. Suddenly, I heard my lips say the fateful words, “Okay, just one drink, five minutes, that's all.”

He grabbed my hand, smiling broadly, victory in his eyes. “What are we waiting for, let's go!”

I looked back at my friends as we ran down the hall to the darken walkaway that led from the atrium to the rest of the hotel, to the forbidden rooms. If I was missed, I was going to be in big trouble.

“See, that wasn't so bad.” He grinned as he popped the room lock, hurrying me inside to the waiting darkness. I turned into his seeking arms, his lips on mine, his hunger and desire throbbing through me.

“Where's my drink.” I whispered, heart pounding in response.

His lips grazed my neck as he softly breathed. “My drink first.” His teeth plunged into my flesh, drinking deeply of the one little drink that was me, the wine to quench his thirst.


Here's the one I didn't submit.


The Chalice of Life
by Dottie Taylor


The chalice was heavy in his hand, but lift it he must.

"I don't see why I have to carry this damn thing with me everywhere Mother." He was tired of the chalice, the challenge to his kingdom, the challenge to his existence.

"You just have to carry it until this year's birthdate, one more day, how hard can that be." She chided her young son. She would gladly relieve him of the burden, but his life depended upon his duty to the chalice. The old wizard had made it clear that it would have to be his burden, not hers.

As they arrived in the village, the young prince and his queen mother dismounted as he slung the chalice across his shoulder. It was a common sight to see the prince with the chalice, but soon it would change. Just one more day until his sixteenth birthday and the chalice would be no more.

With every step, the prince recited, one more day. As they rounded the corner, the young prince was set upon by a gnome, the evil minions of the deposed warlock king. The chalice was the object of the gnome's devious plan.

Quick with a knife, the gnome sliced the strap holding the chalice as it clattered to the floor, breaking into shards.

Strength suddenly gone, the young prince crumpled to the ground. "Mother!" The young prince cried out with his dying breath.

The queen mother spun around to her young prince as he struggled to hold onto the life that was slipping away. The chalice would hold the wine of life no more.



So, what does everyone think? You can comment on my story, One Little Drink, over at The Clarity of Night as well if you'd like and also see the other entries for the contest. It's my opinion that all the entries are good, but I'm partial to a couple, including one by our sweet friend, Amy. Her story, The Interview, can be viewed there as well, and I would say it's one of the best entries!

Go check them out, and there's still time to participate if you'd like, the contest is open until 7-15-09 11:00 pm est. So far, 98 entries.