IAIN KELLY

WITCH’S BREW

They say I am a witch. When the water froze over, they said I was in league with the devil. How else could it be explained? It had never been this cold before.

Tomorrow I am to burn at the stake. The village will turn out to watch, including him, my lover turned accuser. I did not ask to be seduced by him. If the devil resides here, it is in him.

Tonight they will drink my concoction, slipped into their drinks by those who believe me innocent.

If they insist I am a witch, then I shall live up to their expectation.

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.

My first three novels are available on Amazon Kindle for just 99p each in the UK, and in the US ‘State of Denial’ and ‘State of War’ will be only $0.99 each. The offer finishes on Thursday, so get in quick to grab a bargain! I hope some of you get a chance to check them out if you enjoy a good political thriller, mystery and intrigue!

My new novel All We Cannot Leave Behind is coming February 2024 and the paperback can be preordered now. The new cover design has been signed off and delighted to start sharing it with the world!

The State Trilogy and The Barra Boy available now.

42 responses to “WITCH’S BREW”

  1. Anita Avatar

    Hope the Devil is caught.
    Poor witch.
    Well narrated, Iain.

    Even I have a witch in my story this time! 🙂
    “Great minds…” 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Anita, something about that bowl is saying cauldron to us! 🙂

      Like

  2. neilmacdon Avatar

    Seems the villagers were about right

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and so on

      Like

  3. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    It serves them right. Chilling little tale that speaks of a dark history.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

  4. James Pyles Avatar

    Maybe she’s a witch after all.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Possibly, or just a woman not to be messed with. Thanks James

      Like

  5. writerravenclaw Avatar

    Don’t mess with this witch, she is a woman of strength.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      They underestimate her. Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Michael Humphris Avatar
    Michael Humphris

    A story to carry one back in time

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael

      Like

  7. Laurie Bell Avatar

    I love this

    I’m furious she will be killed but my God I love her fury and her thirst for revenge post death. Such voice in this Iain!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much Laurie 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Nobbinmaug Avatar

    You have to respect someone who goes to such lengths not to disappoint people, especially at the end of her life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  9. Dale Avatar

    Nicely done, Iain. Those poor “witches” suffering for people’s ignorance. Good for her for getting the last word, so to speak.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Best to take them down with her. Thanks Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale Avatar

        Absolutely!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar

    Ah, the justice of it …
    Me is satisfied.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      🙂 Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

  11. plaridel Avatar

    sweet retribution but still felt bad she lost her life. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yep, no winners here.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar

    The “witches” we read about in our school books or were featured in TV shows and movies suffered the worst indignation and the most brutal treatment for their so-called crimes. Such an awful part of our history.
    A very clever story, Iain. The villagers, including the traitorous lover, will get what’s coming to them. Great reading!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  13. poetisatinta Avatar

    Serves those villagers right I say, I think the photo brought out the magical for some of us 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Certainly did 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. athling2001 Avatar

    Wonder what the potion will do. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I suspect it’s not going to be good! Thank you

      Like

  15. Thomas Charles Henry Avatar

    Revenge is a dish best served cold! Great story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Bill Avatar

    Blame must be placed. Someone must be accountable. The devil is among us.

    A cold, hard story well done, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  17. msjadeli Avatar

    “Witchery” is such a convenient term used by the unethical. I’m glad she has a camp of believers who will silence her accuser(s) and help her escape hopefully.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Fingers crossed, at least she is not going without a fight.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    Ooo..vengeance…yay!

    Like

  19. Michael B. Fishman Avatar

    It’s a witch they wanted and ask and they shall receive. I probably shouldn’t be looking forward to the after burning libations, but I am!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      🙂 Thanks Michael

      Liked by 1 person

  20. DIYwriting Avatar
    DIYwriting

    You lured me in with that title!

    Liked by 1 person

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