Castle on the Knoll

©️ AYR/GRAY

In response to The Unicorn Challenge 01/02/25

The rules are compose a story, maximum of 250 words, inspired by the above photo prompt.

He resides there, up there in the castle on the knoll. His father before him ruled there, as did the father before that. He can be seen, not often but at times, like now, leaving the domain where he rules, to walk among the people, his people.

Everyone bids for his attention. Everyone clambers for a piece of his time, an hour here or a minute there. It can not be said that he flits from one to the other, as to each he goes with direct intention, if only for the briefest of time.

While his eyes traverse the crowd, relentlessly searching, seeking something he has not yet attained; when speaking, the listener believes he or she to be the center of his universe. For a time, until he is gone and then the void left behind by his leaving is soul wrenching deep.

He and his entourage walk back to the castle on the knoll, their mood jovial, the air of camaraderie within them a physical entity. None of them look back, he does not look back, all that went before forgotten in leu of the next big adventure.

Those he touched, those he smiled upon; watch the leaving wistfully, before returning to the darkness of their own homes.

14 responses to “Castle on the Knoll”

  1. Those that have and those that not. They may mix briefly, but in reality never the twain shall meet.

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  2. Welcome to the Unicorn Challenge.

    I could almost see the rats running between the buildings alert to the occasional discarded food or neglected infrant.*

    *compliment on an egaging story with so strong an atmosphere the visual cortex start going into overdrive

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Great portrayal of someone who lives above the rest and those who seek their attentions. Many pursue people like this, maybe hoping to fill a void in their own lives. Sad, but wonderfully described!

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  4. Quite the fairytale beginning Ami.

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      1. You’re always very welcome 🤗

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  5. Hi Gypsie. Welcome! I,too, have know people like that …. Machiavellian users and abusers with giant egos that need constant rubbing. You painted an excellent portrait of those creeps.

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    1. In nature, voids appear and disappear according to the natural rhythm of life. Man creates a void and walks away, leaving devastation in its wake.

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  6. Your story reads like an ancient folktale, Gypsie – this king who deigns to bestow his presence on his people.
    I’ve known people like him, they’re very hard to be around.

    Good to have you taking part in the challenge – I hope you’ll be back.

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    1. Thank you Jenne! Ive been following and reading for a while but, have not had the chance to participate before and do hope to continue! ☺️

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  7. Hi Gypsie, welcome to the Unicorn Challenge, always good to see a new face.

    Neat portrayal of a rather sad tale of Them and Us, the Have and HaveNots.

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    1. Thank you ceayr! Yes and the difference that makes in priorities! ☺️

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