Sinead and Moonsprite stood before the castle walls. Sinead grasped the Sword of Elshain in one hand and buried the fingers of her other hand in the unicorn’s snowy mane.
The huge iron doors of the castle swung open. ‘Lay aside your weapon. We welcome you!’ Was the voice inside Sinead’s head or did it come from within the castle walls? Moonsprite nuzzled her shoulder and she sheathed her sword.
Together they crossed over the threshold. The doors clanged shut behind them.
Flowers carpeted the castle grounds. Breathing in their heady perfume, Sinead began to relax for the first time in many weeks. Moonsprite whinnied gently, burying her muzzle in the brightly coloured petals.
Ahead of them another door creaked open and a cloaked figure appeared, holding a massive hound on a leash.
The figure beckoned with a crooked finger. ‘Come inside, both of you!’
Sinead and Moonsprite dutifully obeyed.
Written in response to a prompt from Susan T. Braithwaite
Genre Scribes Friday Fiction Writing Challenge #40
The challenge this week was leash. Photo credit: Kevin Jackson on Unsplash
Sinead and Moonsprite apologise for hi-jacking this week’s challenge, but they have an important quest to complete. Previous episodes of their quest may be found here
luna's on line 
Great piece
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Thanks Teresa!
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Now i will read them as i am really intrigued.
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Oh I hope you do! This series will run and run 😉
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This installment highlights the courage of Sinead and Moonsprite as they enter the castle walls without hesitation. They did not look back when the doors shut tight. They are tired from their journey, but Sinead was able to relax. I wonder if it was because of the voice she heard? A commanding male voice or a soothing female voice? Either way, she put her sword away. Not sure I could have done so with a cloaked figure ahead! Enjoying this series Chris!
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I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it, Darnell. I love your summaries of the action. I’ve set myself quite a challenge in keeping each episode to 150 words. It leaves the reader with a lot to fill in. There will be a ‘reveal’ about the voice next time though.
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Ahh yes! Looking forward to it!🤗
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Great hook, Chris. Loved it!
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Thanks, Matthew!
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Gripping as always Luna! Great job!
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Thanks Shruti 🙂
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Great installment, Chris. I love the mood shifts, especially with the introduction of the ominous figure with the huge dog. I can’t wait for the next one!
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🙂 thanks, Susan! It was strange the way the dog appeared with the need for a leash 😉
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Hehehe! Even though I know what happens next, I’m still intrigued. It may have been a good idea for me to play catch up from the earliest post, Chris, thinking about it now! 😊🙂
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If you read them in the wrong order you’ll find all the plot holes!
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Nah… but I’ll try to read correctly from now on!
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