October 1873
Microfiction | Inspired by Captain Richard Barter, the "Hermit of Emerald Bay"
"You’re rowing in this weather?" Samuel asked.
“Aye, I want to sleep in my bed.” Captain Dick answered, tossing coins on the bar as he imbibed the final sip of whiskey from his glass. “Don't think they're ready for me up yonder anyway."
Unusually sober, Captain Dick stepped off the dock into his dinghy and pressed away into dark waters. He rowed hastily as rain muddled his vision, disorienting him. Standing for a better view, the slick bilge caught his feet, sweeping his legs from under him, sending his head smashing against the starboard.
Silently capsized, he heard yonder call.
********
This is a work of fiction surrounding Captain Richard Barter's mysterious death. Although the following article says he was in town for liquor, more research revealed that his friends said he was unusually sober when he left the bar that fateful night. You can read his story here: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=34942
About the Creator
Kristen Balyeat
Words fly to me on the wind, bump into me as I'm strolling the city, splash me in the face while I rest by the river, and shake me awake in the middle of the night—I’m humbly one of the vessels they use to come to life.
Also, i love you:)
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More stories from Kristen Balyeat and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Wishing Flower
"Grandma, it's a wishing flower!" Hazel plucked the dandelion from the side of the path and pinched the stem between her tiny fingers. Closing her eyes tightly, she conjured the biggest wish she could and gently blew the flower through pursed lips, releasing weightless magical seeds into the breeze.
By Kristen Balyeat3 years ago in Fiction
Comments (8)
I really enjoyed the historical basis for this piece :)
This was very interesting, well done!
I’d never heard of this before, but I agree with Dharsheena. Love historical fiction. So much of history is veiled in mystery, I love exploring the possibilities of what could have really happened.
Historical fiction is so fascinating! I love what you're done here! It's brilliant!
Interesting story well described. I enjoyed this, Kristen!
A mystery beautifully introduced. Thank you, Kristen.
Man, what beautiful wordsmithery here. This piece *feels* maritime... aquamarine... wet. Outstanding work, Kristen 👏
Oh, that's impressive, Kristen. How you made that tight word count work for you. I tip my hat!