Micro SF/F by O. Westin1d ago

"Help me," the duke said. "My physicians can't say what ails me, but I've lost all pleasure in what I used to enjoy."

The witch examined him, and paused over his hand.

"Nice ring. It is new?"

"A recent gift from the king. Why? Is it cursed?"

It was made to dampen cruelty.

"No," said the witch.

#MicroFiction #TootFic #SmallStories

Show threadEleder1d ago
@MicroSFF I don't get it, sorry!!! Anyone could explain to a non English native? 🙂
Show threadSci-Fi Girl1d ago

@eleder @MicroSFF

The ring reduces his cruelty. Thats why he doesnt "enjoy" things anymore, and why the witch allows him to keep the ring (and doesn't tell him why).

Short version: the thing he used to enjoy was cruelty.

Show threadFilene Taylor

@5ciFiGirl @eleder @MicroSFF Wow, I thought that the king was cruel and gave the ring to the duke to permit him more cruelty upon the duke and people. [The king was evil].

The writing helps end in a tone that makes you ask, is the curse upon the ring, or the one chosen to wear it? Hm

Mar 27 at 11:01pmWeb
Show threadSci-Fi Girl22h ago

@Filene @eleder @MicroSFF

And this I why I love things that leave something open for interpretation by the reader.

Everyone comes up with a slightly different (or very different) meaning!

And they are all interesting! And meaningful! 😎