IAIN KELLY

THE PATH OF NO RETURN

‘They say the man who can climb the steps and face the enemy on the other side will forever hold the balance of peace within the kingdom,’ said the blind seer, his face worn and grizzled, his hair grey and wispy. ‘Many have tried, none have returned. You should proceed with caution.’

Quinn gripped the sword and shield. ‘No man has returned, you say?’

The blind seer looked puzzled on hearing the voice. ‘You are a child? You cannot possibly continue on this quest, it is too dangerous.’

‘Not a child,’ said Quinn, ‘a woman.’

Copyright Amanda Forestwood

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.

‘The State Trilogy’ and â€˜The Barra Boy’ available now.

39 responses to “THE PATH OF NO RETURN”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    Ah well that does screw up the prophecy

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Always good to upset the way of things. Thanks Neil

      Like

  2. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    No man perhaps, but my bets are on Quinn. 😉

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Rochelle 🙂

      Like

  3. James Avatar

    Shades of that famous scene from the LOTR trilogy, “I am no man.”

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      That’s the idea. Thanks James.

      Like

  4. MrBinks Avatar
    MrBinks

    Nicely done!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Liz H Avatar

    Who would’ve guessed The Mighy Quinn was a woman? It’s about dam’ time!
    Not sure Bob Dylan had your insight when he wrote this song: https://youtu.be/K13hH0pJx5s.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Of course we know, sometimes these thins do need a woman to sort it out! 😉 Thanks for the link – hadn’t even thought of that!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. athling2001 Avatar

    Now that’s the way to fulfill a prophecy. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  7. magickmermaid Avatar

    She’ll be back! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Without a doubt!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. plaridel Avatar

    great twist in the end. well done. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    History is about to change methinks! Nice one, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Keith

      Like

  10. Bear Avatar

    Beware the sword bearing woman! I say. She won’t fight fair, and she’ll win! Way to go, lain! love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  11. granonine Avatar

    Absolutely love this. I hope she gets the victory 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Of course she will! Thanks Linda

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Love it! She’ll save the world, or fight it. I bet whatever is there she will prevail

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Of course she will! Thanks Laurie

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    Yay! Speaking as a woman…Thanks Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You’re welcome! Thanks Dawn

      Liked by 1 person

  14. poetisatinta Avatar

    Great take Iain always beware of a woman carrying a sword 😃

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I steer clear! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  15. msjadeli Avatar

    Fabulous shifting of perspective, Iain. I hope she finds a way where others have not.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. msjadeli Avatar

        You’re welcome 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

    Boom! Well told. I have every faith that she will be the one to face the enemy on the other side of the steps and come out on top.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Of course she will!

      Like

  17. Liz Young Avatar

    I’m on Quin’s side – she’ll find a way.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Definitely. Thanks Liz

      Like

  18. Nobbinmaug Avatar

    That’s even worse! I’m joking. Many women have succeeded where men have failed. What does the prophecy say about the woman who climbs the steps?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      The trouble is none of these ancient prophecies seem to mention women…!

      Liked by 1 person

  19. britcanwrites Avatar

    Haha. Love it. Nice twist. She will return.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Victorious of course! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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