Friday Fictioneers: Surprise!

PHOTO PROMPT - © Adam Ickes

PHOTO PROMPT – © Adam Ickes

 

‘Well, what do you think?’ he said.

She stamped a sandalled foot on the boards, ran a hand along the rail. ‘Seems sturdy enough.’

‘Well, of course it’s sturdy,’ he said.  He watched his wife closely. ‘You don’t like it’

‘No, no, I love it. It’s just …’

‘What?’

‘What’s he going to think?’

‘Persephone, it’s just a tweak in his working conditions. He’s not actually losing his job.’

‘But maybe he liked the rowing …’

‘Gods! You try and help someone out -‘

‘Sssh. Here he is.’

‘Ah, Charon, my old pal. Surprise!’

 

Written for Rochelle Wisoff-Field’s Friday Fictioneers. See here for full Ts and Cs and to read more stories.

This was a ‘what if’ story.

What if Hades, the Greek God of the Underworld, decided to embark on a building plan. What would he build? Well, one of the first things I’d do if I was him was build a ruddy great bridge across the Styx, save all that ferrying. I wonder how Charon the ferryman will take the news? We do all have to be flexible in today’s changing job market …

 

 

 

56 thoughts on “Friday Fictioneers: Surprise!”

    1. Oh, yes definitely, and the price of the condos would rise the higher you climbed up the sides of the mountain – the top (and priciest) spot reserved for Zeus of course. I would imagine he’d have an amazing pool too. 🙂 thanks so much for reading, Neil.

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  2. I think Hades would first put it out to tender, get a proposal from Gaulish and Chinese gods, then silly-shally about a decision because of escalating costs — the godlings of Natural Energy and Home Security meanwhile raising a stink — and then have the Chinese gods threaten all kinds of bad feelings if he didn’t get on with it. No, too unlikely?

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    1. I do like that idea – the Greek pantheon roping in gods from other nations and geting them to bid for the contract. Brilliant!
      I had a kids’ novel idea that involved gods from all different cultures (the ‘extinct’ gods, that is, none that are currently followed by anyone likely to point a weapon my way). There was to be a lot of adventure and the end of the world was likely, of course. I still like the idea and might still write it one day.
      Thanks very much, Chris, for making me smile 🙂

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    1. Hi Rochelle, thank you very much. I think Will would have taken very well to a word processor – imagine how much more scribbling he could have got done! Thanks so much for your kind comments, best wishes, Lynn

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    1. Yes, I think that’s Hades’ idea – give Charon a uniform with shiny brass buttons and surely he’ll be happy? Thank you so much, Iain – very kind. And I’m glad it made you smile 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much! I think Persephone has the same idea as you – poor old Hades, just trying to do his best for his employee … Thanks for reading and for youe kind comments

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  19. So now everyone has to wear themselves out walking across the bridge, instead of being rowed across the water. Aren’t things already bad enough for them? And Charis will put on weight because he’s not getting any exercise, so his brass buttons will pop. Has Hades got no compassion? 🙂

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  21. This is a great take on the prompt. There are so many stories that could be re-told with a different perspective or someone throwing a spanner in the works like you have here. Brilliant stuff. 🙂

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  22. Yes, Charon would probably like being set up at a toll gate with a uniform so he could collect tolls and not do any rowing. He is used to the exercise, though, and he wouldn’t seem quite so important so might not like it. Creative use of the prompt, Lynn. Good writing. 🙂 — Suzanne

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