The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

The Arches (A Haibun) 
by Terrie Leigh Relf

Carolina was on a college archeological field trip. The ruins were “circa 1400,” or so the docent said. She sensed, however, that they were much older.

early evening

lanterns circling

within an unseen wind

She paused to gaze upon and through the dank, moldy arches that seemed to extend further into the distance than they first appeared. Where would they ultimately lead? To a cathedral, a palace, an ancient library, perhaps?

moon rise

voices raised

in adulation

The end of the cobbled path lead to a stairway that descended into a cave, and Carolina watched as the others headed downward. She sniffed at the cold air which emerged from the cave’s opening . . . Seaweed and something even more foul. While she considered leaving, something slithered around her ankle and up her leg.

morning paper

another class vanishes

Miskatonic ruins

 .

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?

Available for purchase from Hiraeth Publishing!