The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!
Lord of the Manor
by Terrie Leigh Relf
It had been a brutal winter, and the people were starving, their ashen hands raised up in supplication for just a morsel of bread, a bit of fruit. Anything. I peered through a peephole as the lord and lady of the manor took a few steps onto the platform, house servants following close behind, nearly crippled by the weight of heavy baskets and buckets. Many of the gathered throng called out their hopes and prayers for the lord and lady’s health and well-being, while others cursed the hands that had not fed them.
With a wave of his hand, the lord directed the first pair of servants forward, followed by the next and then the next. The servants waited for the sign to dispense the food and drink, but the lord and lady turned and walked back into their manor. I heard the locks clicking, the bolts sliding, and wondered how the servants would gain access.
Apparently, their masters’ retreat was the sign the servants awaited . . . In near unison, they lifted lids off buckets and baskets, recoiling at what these contained. Even from a safe distance, I gagged as the scent of rotting food and something worse. Much, much worse.
As the mob clambered up the platform, pushing and shoving to reach what they believed was food and drink, the servants turned to run.
“This way!” I called out to them, hoping to guide the servants to the side entrance, to no avail. As the mob’s rage escalated, the servants didn’t have a chance.
They weren’t the only ones torn limb from limb . . .
I opened the side door and led the charge to my parents’ sitting room, vowing that I would be a better lord of the manor, and they would want for nothing.
Fiction © Copyright Terrie Leigh Relf
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
More from author Terrie Leigh Relf:
The Sisterhood of the Blood Moon
For thousands of Earth years, the Transgalactic Consortium has had a quiet interest in this planet and its inhabitants, the Haurans. While the Sisterhood of the Blood Moon works together with the Consortium and Haurans to maintain balance in the universe, the Blood Moon is fast approaching. The power of this moon reveals untold secrets . . . including a sacred covenant with the Mora Spiders. There is an ancient pact that needs to be honored—but at what cost and for whose purpose? The world may come to an end. But will there be a chance for a new beginning?
Spreading the Writer's Word 
Good one, Terrie!
Really enjoyed this – nothing like some just desserts being served!
Delightfully dark.