Cherie Reich's 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest

This awesome blogfest is hosted by Cherie Reich. She's a flash fiction genius! The rules are simple, and there's cool prizes.

1. Entries must begin with the two words: Lightning flashed.

2. Entries must be 300 words or less and be in prose.

3. Entries must be posted on your blog between May 21 - 23.

4. You must sign up in the linky list to have your entry be counted.

On May 25, Cherie will announce the six finalists and open voting through May 28th.

On May 29th, Cherie's third year blogversary, she will announce the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as a random winner selected from the participants list. All ties will be broken by Random.org.

Now what are the prizes?

First place - $25 gift card from Amazon

Second place - $20 gift card from Amazon

Third place - $15 gift card from Amazon

Random prize - $10 gift card from Amazon

Here's my entry. A flash piece inspired by some old gods.

SEASONS

 

Lightning flashed and the last demon fell to the ground. The stench of charred flesh was too familiar. Perun lowered his fiery bow and gazed across the field of the dead at his final target. The great serpent roared and uttered curses most foul. The earth shook and the sky grew dark in anticipation.

Perun stroked his beard, finding comfort in the small act. He had already fired upon the serpent. His thunder arrows alone would not defeat it.

The great and hideous beast spread its wings and launched itself off its perch. It sped across the battlefield and spewed blue fire at Perun. He dodged left then right, constantly moving, and firing arrows at what he deemed to be its weak spots. Nothing slowed the serpent down.

Its tail lashed out on one pass and caught Perun off-guard. He flipped head over heels and came to rest on a heap of dead enemies. His body screamed with pain and exhaustion, but he didn't let the cries escape his lips. He could not fail. To do so would leave the world in icy bleakness for eternity.

The serpent landed behind him as he pulled himself up. Perun searched his pack for another weapon, but all he had left were three golden apples. He turned to face his enemy. Three would have to be enough.

Spreading its wings and roaring, the serpent seemed certain of its victory.

Perun tossed the apples into the air and chased away the growing darkness as they began to glow. They sizzled and popped, ballooning into massive balls of lightning as they flew at their target.

The serpent snapped at the first one, unwisely swallowing it. The other two hit it in the chest. The bright light from the explosion hadn't faded when Perun leapt onto the beast and ran one of his arrows through its massive eye into its brain.

It slumped over, dead.

Dead until next year when winter came to the world again, and Perun would be forced to wield lightning once more to bring forth spring.