Swords flashed in the noon day sun as three men in blue gave chase to one in black. “All for one and one for all!” The black clad figure darted through columns with unmatched agility and swiftness. The assassin was lost from sight around a corner. The three skidded to a stop. The assassin was cautiously stepping backward, sword raised defensively. A fourth man carefully pursued the assassin, each waiting for the other to lunge. Suddenly, swords clanged, dust rose. The assassin, cornered by four swords, stood sweaty and breathless and nervous. One removed the assassin’s hood and all stood speechless. “Your Majesty?” “Yes,” she replied. “And if your brains work half as well as your swords, you’ll let me go.”
This is a story in 100 words or fewer for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle-Wisoff-Fields based on the photo above. Click the blue frog to read more stories inspired by this photo!
All In A Dad's Work 
Is “Queen” a surname or a title? If the latter, should it be “your majesty”?
Clever idea.
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Thanks Mick. I wasn’t sure about that. I didn’t want her to be confused for the king. Thanks for clarifying.
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I hadn’t thought of that.
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Nice period detail. I think Mick’s right, it would be ‘your majesty’. I was also a little confused about who was who and that at one point the man in black (the assassin?) vanished, and then was there again.
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I could see how it all went in my head but had trouble putting it into words. I think it would make a better short story than a 100 word story. I was trying to keep the assasin’s identity a secrect and not reveal that it was actually the queen who had killed the king. It was even confusing me a bit while ai was writing it. Thanks for your imput. Much appreciated!
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You should definitely do that – it’s a good story. (I didn’t see the killing of the king bit either.)
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Oh, I thought the “King’s Assassin” was an assassin working for the king.
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That is what I led you to believe in the beginning… only to find out the king’s assassin was the one who killed him was the Queen. Thanks for reading!
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Same doubt as Mick. Maybe you could say, “My Queen?” (I’ve heard it being used that way too). 🙂
But I enjoyed the tale. 😀 Was a fun read.
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Thanks. I may have published too soon. I’ll edit some more 🙂 Thanks for your input, much appreciated.
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Enjoyable read! I didn’t realize she had killed the king. Btw, three muskateers?
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She killed him. Though I’m not sure why, i do know it was for the good of all. And yes, 3 musketeers… or 4.
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Cool!
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A wily queen, to disguise herself as an anonymous assassin. Too bad she was caught after completing her “mission.” But I think she is right that the musketeers(?) will let her go. Good story!
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Perhaps she meant to be caught? The musketeers let her go for sure. She gave the king what he deserved. Thanks for reading. I was trying to cram a lot of story into tiny space.
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One way to dispose of a troublesome husband I suppose.
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I don’t know if you edited the story after publishing, but to me it is all crystal clear. I enjoyed your story.
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Awesome! Good to hear it makes sense now. I did make a couple edits since publishing. Glad you enjoyed!
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I’ve read it after the edits, too, and felt drawn right into the scene. Great action writing.
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Thanks for your kind words. I love stories that start off right in the middle of the action. Though I have to wonder what happened to bring upon such action.
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It was crystal clear to me as well… those royals… they think they can always get away with murder! Great story!
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Thank, Dale! I guess it just need a couple edits. Glad it was clear and glad you liked it. Thanks for reading!
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The musketeers always supported the Queen. Wonderful action piece, well done in 100 words.
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Shhh it was actually 120ish words 🙂 close counts, right? Thanks for your kind words.
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Deft bit of writing here, Dad. I especially like the way you use your title to extend the telling and reach of your story.
All my best,
Marie Gail
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Thanks Marie! I love writing twists so I thought I’d start out with idea that the assassin worked for the king rather than assassinating the king. Good pick up on that! Thanks for your kind words.
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I’ll continue my observations by stating that you are one of the few participants here who not only enjoys a twist but actually knows how to write one without being trite. That’s no small skill. Kudos.
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Kudos to you, as well! Especially for noticing that I frequently participate here. Means a lot to know that I have frequent reader!
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I do read. I don’t always comment. Sorry for that. Rest assured someone is paying attention though..
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No worries about not commenting 🙂 Just good know I have readers.
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Cool – nicely described action scene here.
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Thanks!
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