Tag: plague doctor

Blog Flash 2012: A Furry Friend

Okay, so I managed Day 1 of the Blog Flash Challenge yesterday and Day 2 today, so now I am only *counts on fingers* four days behind. At least I can twist this prompt to my whim, as I’m not much of a warm and fuzzy story person.

I apparently have a fix on plague doctors lately. I did a bit of flash for the #Faerypin contest here, on a plague doctor.

If you enjoy this one, you might check that one out too. 

DAY 2: A FURRY FRIEND

I press my hand against his brow. The pustules bubble up and break. His lips move in life’s pantomime, though the soul has fled. I close his eyes.

I mark the door with a scarlet ‘X’, a house of contagion, paint pooling on the sill like blood.

People move away, crossing themselves.

Once I arrive at the wharf, I pull from my cloak the seed of my vengeance. His red eyes glare into mine, reflecting the black mask.

“Go forth, my friend, and show them the way.”

The rat scampers up the chain and into the bowels of the ship.

Faerytaleish Pinterest Contest: Anna Meade 2

Here for the Plague

~

Ardo answered the door.
A momentary chill swept him, at the robed figure with the long white beak, but then he laughed, “Venetian Carnival! How excellent. When in Venice…”
“I am here for the plague,” the masked man said.
“Ah, Medico Della Peste!” Ardo stumbled with the Italian, “The Plague Doctor, ha – funny!”
He tweaked the smooth beak of the mask, ”Rather morbid though, isn’t it, chap? When I said ‘fancy dress party’, was thinking more of pirates and rogues. Plague doctor’s a bit of a downer, eh? But expats must stick together – come in!”
Ardo gestured with his drink, sloshing some on the terrazzo floor, “The party’s already started in here. Lovely Teresa-r’s dressed as Venus.”
Teresa’s laugh squeaked, “Ardo, I told you I’m Mother Teresa.”
“Ciao bella – in some countries, that costume would get you arrested.”
Teresa pressed her breasts against Ardo’s arm, “Who’s your friend?”
“This is…er-sorry, chap, what was your name?”
“I am here for the plague,” the masked man said.
“Not much one for conversation, love, but he’s perfect for you,” Ardo pawned the stranger off on Teresa and returned to playing Who’s Got the Button with Jacqueline.
Teresa’s scream yanked him back, “He smells like rotting flesh!”
Ardo stumbled back over, “Probably the herbs in his mask…” The room tilted more than ever, “Listen, chap, you’re killing my vibe here. Perhaps you’d better go.”
“I am here for the plague,” the masked man said.
“I heard you the first time. You’re scaring the ladies. Get out of here!” Ardo’s voice cracked as he pushed the masked man out the front door.
The eyeholes of the mask yawned empty and dark, but the man walked from the courtyard into the darkness.

Ardo closed the door.

In the other room, Jacqueline began to cough.
~