Today we’re pleased to announce the winner of the 18th weekly Flash Fiction competition at Indies Unlimited.
The winning entry is rewarded with a special feature here today and a place in our collection of winners which will be published as an e-book at year end.
A total of 31votes were cast in the contest this week. The winner (with 42% of those votes) is our own Rich Meyer.
Congratulations to Rich, and thanks to everyone who participated – excellent entries! Now, without further ado, here’s the winning entry:
Gold Fever
by Rich Meyer
Finally, the end was in sight. The treasure of Quixtelopotec would be ours.
Wilkinson and Sanders followed me as I climbed over the remains of the last crumbling wall to reveal the gaping maw of the sacrificial pit. So many had died here, and you could feel their presence almost pushing them back from the edge.
“There it is, my friends!” I rejoiced. “We’ve found it! The pit of Acolmiztli!”
“And about damn time!” Wilkinson remarked. Sanders similarly nodded his head as he caught his breath.
“Oh, ye of little faith,” I told my skeptical companions. “I knew it was here. And I know what lies inside it. Riches beyond compare! The Aztecs made sure their sacrifices were dressed for the occasion. When I think of the precious stones and gold that is down there…”
“Thinking isn’t getting it.” Wilkinson said moving forward to the pit. “Let’s collect what we can and get back to Mazatlan.”
Wilkinson looked down into the darkness of the pit. The darkness looked back at him.
“What the hell?” Wilkinson said, right before a tentacle of shadow enveloped him. There was a sharp scream that was cut off in mid-breath. Then the darkness slid back down into the pit. Leaving a very white human skeleton that hung in mid-air for a second before collapsing forward into the pit.
Sanders turned to run and another scream was stopped prematurely, another skeleton falling to the ground.
I was too stunned to move. Then I saw the darkness.
[subscribe2]
Loved it.
Congrat, Rich!
Woot! Congrats, Rich!
I'd like to thank all the palms I greased, all the threats I made and hope everyone enjoyed all the sexual favors I performed in order to win this competition. Thanks!
I really liked this story, but my saying so should not be construed as an exchange for favors performed. Just want to be clear on that.
Good job, Rich!
Congratulations–