More than coin
For a hero
I do not want your coin.
Take it. This is all I have.
For you it is not enough.
What do you mean, not enough?
You dare to ask me? Look to yourself.
Do not rile me, or woe be upon you.
Now you threaten me?
I do. Step back, old wreck, or learn to regret your refusal.
You step back or feel the tip of my oar.
TAKE THAT then, scoundrel, feel my staff upon your back.
Ahhh! Bastard mortal, desist and step aboard the boat.
Good! Now row! Before the Underworld is gone away. For I am...
Heracles
O ~ o ~
This Drabble, a story in exactly 100 words, was written to a word prompt set by D.A. Ratliff and the Facebook Group: Writers Unite! The below painting by Rubens shows Heracles fighting Cerberus. Having beaten the boatman, Charon, into ferrying him across the river Styx, Heracles must defeat Cerberus, who guards the gate to the Underworld, domain of the dead.
Thanks for reading
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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More stories from Raymond G. Taylor and writers in Fiction and other communities.
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Comments (2)
Wow, that was a real twist. Well done, Raymond.
Did not expect that ending.