THE GATES OF HELL (via CHARLTON)

‘You’re sure this is the right place?’ Norman looked at the grey concrete  structure. ‘It’s just so very, well, ordinary.’

‘What were you expecting?’ the sprite asked.

‘Perhaps a swirling vortex of doom, or an army of raging demons. At the very least a ferryman with a boat.’

‘You read too much fiction,’ the sprite replied, ‘at least that explains the costume.’

Norman looked down at the shining armour suit he had ‘borrowed’ from Roger, his friend who was secretary of the Charlton Historical Society. The metal visor fell over his eyes again.

‘Come on.’ The sprite led Norman into the multi-storey car park. Passing shoppers stared at the knight, fumbling with a large sword, clunking down to the basement level.

Fred, the car park attendant, was dosing in front of the security monitors when the sound of metal walking stirred him. Norman appeared at the door.

‘Excuse me, is this the entrance to the Underworld?’

Fred sighed, ‘You’re the fifth one today.’ He pressed the buzzer. ‘Straight through the door.’

Norman nodded, a determined look on his face. He was ready to slay the Devil to save the world, and hopefully be home in time for mother putting tea out.

He stepped through the door.


224-03-march-11th-2018

Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Al Forbes. For more details visit HERE.

To read more stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

28 responses to “THE GATES OF HELL (via CHARLTON)”

  1. Terrific, Iain, imaginative and funny

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, glad you liked it 🙂

      Like

  2. ha – just let me know what he likes in his tea and I will have it ready – piping hot

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Haha, thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I love taking classic tropes and turning them on their head. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much 🙂

      Like

  4. WOW! I would love to be in his place, with all the implied risk.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Rather you than me 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Cool imagination😊

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I don’t think things are going to work out as planned.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well, those that went before him obviously didn’t succeed…

      Liked by 1 person

  7. willow88switches Avatar
    willow88switches

    How wonderful a tale – could see this clanking clunking knight heading into the car park – and the security guard’s response is hysterical.

    I do have one question? you used the word dosing to imply the guard was asleep – but it usually means to offer a controlled dose of medication etc. So was this an accidental typo or deliberate – because if it was deliberate, it adds another dimension/layer – and curious minds want to know … LOL – except you aren’t required to expand upon it.

    Cheers and well done with this Flash!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well spotted – actually just a typo, but I think I prefer your explanation, he’s an elderly guard so he could be on a number of medications!! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. willow88switches Avatar
        willow88switches

        I thought that was it, the fingers too fast for the brain – LOL, but it’s okay, I’ll accept it either way 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Excellent, funny take.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, glad you enjoyed.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I really like the detail in your piece, Iain. Nice one.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. That was such an imaginative take Iain, absolutely loved it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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