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 