I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest Entry #3

Rules for Day #3 I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest: Emotion Flash Fiction: Emotion is the engine of a story. Pick an emotion and in a flash fiction piece of 250 words MAKE us feel it! We want to connect with your character. This will be a challenge in 250 words.

Clara felt her heart beating hard in her chest, and heard her breath gasping in her helmet. The shouts above them were loud, and there were cries of pain mixed with the crashing sounds of steel.


Two steps below the entryway, Stelia paused, and gave her the hand signal for “close,” which meant stay close to her.

Clara tried to say something in response, but her throat wouldn't let any sound out. It was dry. She was drenched in sweat. She unsheathed her sword and followed Stelia into the hall. Nearly deafened by the sound, Clara just stood there for a moment, shocked at the blood and the fighting. Red Drinaii were slaughtering everyone in their path. Sword Masters, Guards and Apprentices fought a losing battle, outnumbered on three sides.

Stelia punched Clara in the arm to get her attention. She pointed to the right, where a group of Shepherd students crouched behind a desk, protected by a single apprentice in gray leathers. Clara didn’t recognize him, but she knew he needed help. She pulled her sword out and began fighting her way to him. It wasn’t like any practice bout. She didn’t take the time to size up her opponents. She just hacked, slashed, and kicked her way through them. The first man she killed spit up blood as he slid down her sword onto the floor. Stelia put her boot on him, and helped Clara wrench the blade free. Clara felt sick.


Author note: I'm on the run this morning and just cut and pasted this piece . . . I'll be checking out all the other awesome entries tomorrow. Have a great day everyone!!!