Drogan
The Commander broke the seal on the Governor’s message, unfolded it, read it quickly. Said, “Winstrop, what does it mean?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know, sir.”
“You don’t?”
“I might speculate, sir.”
“Do.”
“I’d prefer not to.”
“Why is their height of importance? Tell me that much.”
“I do not know.”
“I think you might.”
“I might speculate, sir.”
“But you’d prefer not to.”
Winstrop nodded, sighed, resigned to All Things. “Would that circumstances were different, sir.”
The Commander said, “I beg your pardon.”
“Well, sir.” Winstrop adjusted his collar with one finger. Resumed his disinterested stance of attention. “You might make a decent Governor.”
The Commander stifled a smirk, shook his head. “Good that you’re not a soldier, Winstrop.”
“Indeed, sir.”
The Commander studied Winstrop. “You’re a good man — ”
“I do wish — “
“ — but sharp of tongue. Quick to say what might be left unsaid. Thank you, Winstrop.”
Winstrop nodded, turned to go. He exited the tent, and the flap fell shut behind him. A voice outside said, “Well, look who it is, lady of the hour.”
Shoot, I’ll read anything you write. Even if it’s a resonant, full-bodied fart.
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Glad to know someone is with me even through that!
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The end was powerful. Goodness. I like the humor in the beginning. I pictured the fat man perfectly—he’s a great character.
I’m working on a new site, by the way. I’m mentally spent lately, and not much is coming out. I guess I need a break for a while. But I’m lurking in the shadows.
I’ll let you know when I get up and running again. In the meantime, more spoilers, please.
Very nicely done, Walt.
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Thank you for your comment about the end, Ms Mildred. I think you might be one of the few who made it that far. But 4000+ words is asking a lot, probably too much, for most, and I knew that going in. Definitely let me know when you get a site back up. I will be there. I already miss the old one. I actually miss the occasional gloom and darkness of it. I found it refreshing. Does that sound weird? Probably. Anyhoo, thanks for reading.
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I started from scratch completely, new username and everything, which seems pointless because it’s all the same stuff. I follow no logic.
Anyway, if you like…here I am
http://thesmartbennet.wordpress.com
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Well I’m glad you’re back, and so soon. I don’t understand it, but no matter. I’m glad.
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Thanks. I just needed a fresh start. I guess it’s the whole “old” thing. I don’t get myself, either, so you are in good company.
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It was a great read.
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Thank you!
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Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
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Thanks, Kate!
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Already in love with Winstrop – his name is great (strop means noose in Dutch). His struggle is somehow something I think everybody can identify with because of the way you describe it. And his goal well… I can only hope he’s slowly but carefully tying a noose for someone.
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Does it mean noose? In English it has a few meanings, one being to sharpen. That’s a great idea though. I will keep it mind. Glad you like W. I like him too!
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Love it. Love Winstrop – that whole idea of the person of low stature being sooo much brighter than the one in charge. Love a piece of writing that opens – ‘he was seated on a stool, sharpening a sword’. Cracking. Love the fat, greasy governor too. Just from this exchange, we know exactly who these people are, what their relationship is like. When’s it set? Makes me think Napoleonic War period – not sure why. Imagining lots of braid and epaulettes, shiny boots and pointless cavalry charges.
The right words are miraculous – with so few, I’m imagining the whole world …
Looking forward to the next installment.
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Thanks, Lynn, I respect your opinion. Glad it worked for you. You know, it feels later than I wanted it to. I intended more of a fantasy feel but it didn’t come out quite that way.
There will be at least one cavalry charge. Hopefully not too pointless. Next installment is a ways off though. Thanks for reading and for the feedback!
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A pleasure to read and feedback! Could just be my perception, the periods I have in my head. Worth checking with others – it may just be me who has that impression. Will look forward to reading more when you’re ready 🙂
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I, the odd will read it, read it all, write on.
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That’s why I love ya, W.Odd!
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Reblogged this on Just Tarin.
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Very entertaining, Mr. Walt. Like the fat guy. Well, I don’t like him, but he’s a good character. Love how you write dialogue, too.
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Thanks, P.VJ. You’d like him though I think if you got to know him. You should soothe him with some music from your guitfiddle.
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Guitfiddle! *laughing lots*
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Well, there you are. As breath fogs a window pane and one rubbeth, so the images appear. I can’t help but compare this to other pieces you’ve written, and in so doing, I will say it is my favorite; it is clean, seems fully conceived, and I care. I’m hooked. It doesn’t feel like a joke or piece of satire I won’t get, it feels like there’s something deeper here. (One of my favorite phrasings is the old couple as a carving, among many others.)
It seems to me your knack for dialogue is more controlled in this piece than others; in other words, the breaks between exposition and dialogue are more balanced, less self-conscious, just more natural and confident. I like to see the restraint in that. I like that you put yourself out there with your intention to write a book and I thought, albeit a bit snarky, I sure hope you want to read it because the truth is, we wind up reading our own goddamned books or writing more than anyone else likely ever will, so I sure hope we do like it — ha! And I am hoping you’ll share more, or put me on your Gold Club membership to receive special notifications or what have you. Well done, Walt. – Bill
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I continue my practice of ripping off others, and I add now the practice of ripping off myself from previous pieces. Saves work, don’t you know. Glad you care and took the bait, too. Or the other way around. You get a lifetime gold club membership, I’ll send you the card once you sit still in one place for more than a few days.
Thanks for taking the time with such thoughtful comments. I appreciate the feedback.
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I will definitely read it a hundred times over. 🙂
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Wow! I would have been happy with 99! 😉
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