Flash Fiction: Keeping Up Appearances

This flash piece was written for the 24 October2014 Flash! Friday competition. The photo and “bankruptcy” was the prompt. For this one I delved into the Norse mythology a bit.

Title: Mr. Hydrick, county supervisor, and Mr. Melody Tillery examining mouth and teeth of his mare, which has mule colt. Pike County, near Tray, Alabama. Public domain photo by Marion Post Walcott.

  

Keeping Up Appearances

“Best horse ever born.” He grinned and glanced to where his partner stood scowling. But the magic held and the horse seemed normal as long as you didn’t look too close.

“Fast?”

“Like the wind. Could outrun the law if it had to.”

The man shoved a wad of banknotes in his hand. It had to do. He stuffed the payment in his pocket and walked back to his partner as the man sped off.

“That was unnecessary.”  

“The horse will return when the fool reaches his destination. Or the spell wears off. He’s imprinted on his mother.”

“Hilarious. You don’t just go selling people’s sons.”

“Meat, mead, and maids. It costs a fortune to maintain a feasting hall.”

“It’s not my fault your father bankrupt your whole family. It’s my son!”

“It’s the least you can do, Loki.”

“If that robber kills my son when he sees he has eight legs I’ll kill you – god of Thunder or not.”

Title page of Prose Edda (Snorri's Edda), 18th century.