IAIN KELLY

CALM SEAS

His work done, it was time to drift away on calm seas.

The baggage of his long life lifted from his weary shoulders as the gentle tide pulled him towards the blue azure sky, tinged with orange and pink.

A good ending, he thought, a good way to bow out.

He looked at his fellow passengers, each in their own contemplation. His eyes alighted on the man in the black hat. Stares locked. A malevolent smile crept across the stranger’s face.

He felt the adrenalin start to flow, that first pulse of exhilaration that told him a new adventure was about to begin.

He was not done yet.

Copyright Brenda Cox

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read more stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Last weekend, I was invited to attend my first ever writing conference. Plenty of meeting fellow writers and industry experts, and I gave a presentation on my own experiences of publishing and selling my own books. You can read a bit about it in my blog here: THE 9th SELF-PUBLISHING CONFERENCE.

‘The State Trilogy’ and ‘The Barra Boy’ available now.

43 responses to “CALM SEAS”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    And it seemed such a good plan too

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in, sort of thing. Thanks Neil

      Like

  2. Reena Saxena Avatar

    The malevolent smile …feels like a writing prompt or title.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Would make a good title 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Reena Saxena Avatar

        Certainly 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  3. MrBinks Avatar
    MrBinks

    Oh this is great writing. Really engaging!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, much appreciated.

      Like

  4. Bear Avatar

    Intriguing… left me wondering what indeed will happen next. 🙂 <3.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Me too, I’ll have a think!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Tannille Avatar

    It’s only the beginning…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Let the adventure begin!

      Like

  6. Liz H Avatar

    Mwahahahaha!
    Let the vengeful carnage begin…again!
    (Black hat man must be stopped!)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s all about to kick off! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. msjadeli Avatar

    The way of living is wave after wave of challenges and your story is a wonderful metaphor for it. I’m glad the MC found his next one before drifting off. Good story and great news on your writing adventures.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. msjadeli Avatar

        You’re very welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. athling2001 Avatar

    Oh no! What a great twist. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  9. Liz Young Avatar

    And there I was, thinking he was dying happily, and suddenly wham!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yes, still time for one last adventure.

      Like

  10. James Avatar

    Nice. Welcome back.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks James, a couple of busy weeks kept me away, but always nice to jump back in.

      Like

  11. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    Not done yet, indeed!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Still life in him for another adventure or two!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    This is very intriguing. I was disappointed when it was over. He wasn’t finished after all but I got the sense he wasn’t too disappointed. Let the new adventure begin. Great job!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Brenda. Indeed, I think he is ready for another adventure to begin 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  13. plaridel Avatar

    you left me hanging. i expect a sequel to follow. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I’ll have to get thinking! Thanks 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. granonine Avatar

    The really amazing thing here is that your MC seems excited about one last battle before he’s done 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yes, he’s not ready to go just yet – he obviously enjoys life, and the battle! Thanks Linda

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    Just as he thought it was over…! I’m intrigued.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s not over until the… etc…

      Like

  16. Nobbinmaug Avatar

    Sailing quietly off into the sunset isn’t for everybody.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I’m sure there are many who would like that one last chance for an adventure.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Oooooo this is fascinating. I want to know more.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      So do I 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  18. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    I guess he has a few more miles to go before he sleeps. Nicely done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

  19. poetisatinta Avatar

    Just when he thought he could retire…..good one🙌

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      No rest for some!

      Liked by 1 person

  20. thisobscurelife- Michele Avatar

    You really pulled me into this – nice! And congrats again on the book and the Writers Conference sounds like a wonderful opportunity.

    Like

  21. britcanwrites Avatar

    I’m glad he came to the conclusion that he wasn’t done yet.

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.