Hope

[Braeden Schulze]

This was a great read! The narrative of warriors about to make a final stands against creatures of the dark provides both thrill and tension, and reminds me of the final journal entry of Balin in Moria. Moreover, the concept of comatose individuals forced to fight a losing war on another plane of existence flips the age old dream warrior fantasy on its head, as what should be a means of escapism from the mundane is turned nightmarish by overwhelming odds and deathly stakes. Excellent work!

[Daniel O’Donnell]

Thanks very much Braeden. That’s very kind of you 🙏

I would be lying if I said Moria did not cast a long shadow over this tale. From the imagery I had in mind of the portal to those dread filled last three words that Gandalf reads, I wanted to mirror the feeling of a battle against ancient evil whose outcome is still uncertain. And, who knows, maybe more to come 😁

I’m so glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼

[Justin Deming]

Oh man, this is excellent, Dan. I love stories about the forces of good and evil squaring off. Yours is so well captured and so suspenseful!

Also, I saw what you meant regarding our stories, ha!

[Daniel O’Donnell]

Thanks very much Justin 🙏

Yeah, I was a wee bit worried when I first started reading 😁

[Nathan Slake]

Agreed re: the squaring off. Really feel it here, and as ever so impressive in just 100 words!

[Caro Henry]

Brilliant, Dan! You’ve beautifully blended themes of love, hope, and the struggle against despair in 100 words. It really connected with me. Also, I appreciate the shout-out! Thank you!

[Daniel O’Donnell]

Thanks very much Caro 🙏

However, also a huge thanks to yourself. Over the last few years, your prompts have inspired me to find so many characters and stories. They have got me writing again after so long and for that I will be forever grateful 🙂

[Well That Ended Badly]

It will never not amaze me when someone can take me so far away in so few words.

[Daniel O’Donnell]

That’s very kind of you. Thanks very much 🙏

[Paul Luigi Merino]

Love this. It's amazing with so little.

[Daniel O’Donnell]

Thanks very much Paul 🙏

[Mkwawa shujaa (M)]

The contrast between her dried tears and his burnished armor was really good. Thank you for sharing

[Daniel O’Donnell]

Thanks very much Mkwawa. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[Miguel S. | The Fiction Dealer]

Creepy and atmospheric Dan! Loving it.

[Daniel O’Donnell]

Thanks Miguel 🙏

[Andy Darby - Sword Songs]

Excellent!

[Daniel O’Donnell]

Thanks very much Andy 🙏

[Nick Winney]

great story and thanks for the shout out Daniel! hefty horror overlap we have eh, squire! gleefully devoured GMs portfolio when we were younger and good to take inspiration now!

[Daniel O’Donnell]

I might go back and read older Masterton again. Particularly Night Warriors if this story goes any further. I also took Necroscope off the shelf after our chat. Very tempted to get stuck back into that, but just too much reading and not enough time! 🙄😁

[Nick Winney]

tell me about it!!!

[Daniel O’Donnell]

Just started rereading Necroscope. I might have to give up my day job at this rate to catch up on all my reading 🤔

I blame you Nick 😁

[Nick Winney]

I accept full responsibility… im in a similar position.

[Sharron Bassano]

Powerful, Daniel. Glad you are back.

[Daniel O’Donnell]

Thanks very much Sharron 🙏

[Jim J Wilsky]

Excellent job, Daniel. - Jim

[Daniel O’Donnell]

Thanks very much Jim 🙏