As part of the 1st Challenge for the Platform Campaigners. Here is how the challenge read:
Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: “the door swung shut.” (also included in the word count)
For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!
Here’s my story. Enjoy! (NOTE: I accidently left off the first part when I first posted this. Here is the full version)
Thedoor swung open admitting three knights into the wizard’s chambers. At thestart of a long journey, the three knights gathered to be given a gift by thecastle wizard. The wizard laid threedifferent-colored boxes on a table in front of him and pointed to each in turn.“You may each choose one box to aid you on your journey,” said the wizard. “Thefirst box is strength, the second cunning and the third compassion.”
Oneknight snatched up the first box and bounded out the door, “Surely strength ismost important on a long road.”
Thenext night, ran to the table and snatched the second box. “Surely cunning willuphold me long after strength fails.”
Thefinal knight took the box of compassion, and thanking the wizard, took hisleave of the castle.
Onhis way, the knight of compassion came across the knight of strength,hopelessly caught in a hidden snare. At great risk to himself, he freed theother knight from the trap.
Fartherdown the road, they found the knight of cunning, encircled by ruthless bandits.Together, his companions chased the bandits away.
Rejoicing,they set off together, never again to walk apart.
Books by Michael D. Young 
14 responses to “1st Challenge for Platform Campaigners”
This is a wonderful tale of support and unity ! There is strength in numbers !It also reminds me of the song "No Man Is An Island" that I taught to my school choir . My entry is no.#59
Interesting scene. Felt like I was standing among these guys.Nice job! 🙂
It's like a nice little fairytale. Well done.
I liked this. Somehow i could really picture the scene. Nicely done. Mine is #72
Uh…..cool story for sure but am I missing something? Like…."the door swung open" or is this implied?Stobby
Woah, thanks for pointing that out. I accidently left off the first part of the story. It makes a lot more sense that way.
A lovely start to an interesting tale.
Hi, I love the look of your blog. Good story, too. I'm in your fantasy campaign group and wanted to say hi.
Great story! Loved the lesson it gave and fable like quality.
Hellow there fellow Fantasy writer and campaigner, I'm following you. That is a fantastic cover.
Very nice! You made me curious, which is (in my opinion) the point of flash fiction.New follower, by the way, and fellow campaigner.
Nice to meet all of you new followers. I try to post every Monday and Thursday.
I love this! 🙂 It's like a fairytale or parable. It's boasts a true and valuable lesson. Well done!
Oh, that was beautiful! Almost like a poem!Where is your entry for the second challenge? (I'm number 180 for that one).