Fable
The Hornet's Nest
The humans I live with are a married couple, both have just turned sixty, I am their dog, Sheba. I am 11 years old, a big black dog with blue eyes. I have an amazing appetite and yes you could say with certainty, I am fat. Mom calls me the gentle giant.
By Deirdre FitzGerald4 years ago in Fiction
Ethel And Benny.
Here is a story my seven year old self wrote to me; Benny loves to chase around the farm's resident squirrel the kids named Freddy while his best buddy, Ethel the barn owl takes her afternoon nap. Their version of 'The hunger games' often lasts until it is time for Old Archer, the farm's owner to bring the sheep in from their grazing and Benny takes his daily opportunity to shine and earn his special treat for bringing them in on record time.
By Cathy (Christine Acheini) Ben-Ameh.4 years ago in Fiction
Luck in love
Thomas and Amelia, a young deeply in love newlywed couple, were enjoying their honeymoon. A lovely cabin nestled in the woods on the side of a mountain. The isolation proved to be therapeutic. After the relentless antics of the wedding. Quiet was just what they needed. However they began to feel restless. With all the relaxation Thomas and Amelia began to feel stagnant in the cabin. The weather seemed warm and welcoming. Which was strange for the beginning of February. It’s as if the mountain was calling them to take a hike. They decided to take advantage of the superb weather. They gathered together some bread and jam to picnic at the top of the mountain. They took only a small amount of food so as to not burden themselves to much with the long hike ahead. After all that relaxation the trek seemed to be almost to much for the inept hikers. Never the less they were filled with joy to have reached the peak of the wooded mountain. They decided to lay out their table cloth and enjoy their bread and jam. They looked around taking in the breath stealing scenery. They knew they couldn’t stay long. The trek was hard enough in broad daylight, it would be near impossible for them after sunset. Their meal was simple yet filling and delicious. The sky a bright serene blue; almost marbled with thin wispy clouds. The smell of pine almost palpable. Even the cool breeze was soothing. The peace of their surroundings paired with the fullness of their bellies gave childlike comfort. Like failing asleep in a rocking chair and waking up in your bed. Only when Thomas and Amelia woke up no one had whisked them away to a bed or to safety. It was as if their peaceful fairytale surroundings had suddenly turned on them. The call of the mountain and warm inviting weather seemed to now be shrieking at them to run. Run as fast as you can from this place. The sky seemed ferocious. The beautiful marbled sky now filled with ominous blue-gray snow clouds. The smell of petrichor and frost nearly tangible. The cool soothing breeze was now a frigid blusterous force. They new they had to make it back to their cabin fast. Their panic was visible to one another. With out speaking a word they both new that each other could not recognize the way home. How could the trail have changed so much? It was as if the darkness played only a small part in changing the trail. Is it possible the trees uprooted and planted over their previous trek? The more they walked the colder it got. They began to come to terms with the fact that they where indeed lost in the woods. They strategized it was best to seek shelter from the cold. Abandoning the idea of finding their cabin before sunrise. They settled to find anything they could to break the rigorous consistent barrage of the wind and hide them from the inevitable snow. How fortuitous to find, what appeared to them to be, an abandoned barn. The brown wooden barn was considerably large. It had the potential to be an impervious shelter. Although the doors did not quite line up correctly. They had a rather large gap between them. It would still be less exsposing then standing in the middle of the woods. What caused Thomas to be hesitant to nest inside though was the “NO TRESPASSING” sign hanging sideways by one nail. Amelia, nearly frozen to the bone, would entertain none of his apprehensiveness. She was not about to pass up this serendipitous refuge. So they ignored the no trespassing signs. Betting only on no one was around and probably no one owned the busted barn any longer. What they could not tell is it had recently been broke into. It’s colossal doors broken and all it’s inhabitants stolen. As they lay exhausted, yet thankful, on the barn floor sleep crept over them. While they slumbered deeply the owner came across them. The grieving and vengeful owner of the recently plundered barn. The owner became filled with rage thinking they where the ones who robbed him. The owner was warned by his friends to keep an eye out and protect him self “because criminals often return to the scene of the crime”. He was prepared. In there deep sleep they could not hear the words the owner mumbled. Their was no way for them to know the owner spoke a man to beast spell for revenge over them. When they awoke the owner was no where to be seen. Fear gripped them to their core. Their very much human bodies where all ready beginning to turn into something very much not human at all. They looked around for an answer or a person. They thought this to be the work of another human. But they where alone. They turned to each other to discuss. Only managing to exclaim the word “Who…” while their vocal cords petrified around these syllables. Making that the only word they could ever speak again. Now they roam the woods rummaging across barns searching for “Who” had done this to them? They call out to “Who” had turn them into what would be know as the first barn owls.
By Candy Girll4 years ago in Fiction
Owl Be There For You
Welcome ladies and gentlemen of the farming community. Many know me as Gordie the barn owl. I am welcoming one and all to understand why I return to this farm every year. I hope after explaining to you that you will understand that this farm means so much to me and that is why I return to it quite often.
By Cathy Deslippe4 years ago in Fiction
Return Of the Night Owl
A route. Traveled many times in her life with her mate following close behind. Tonight, with the light of a full moon and the stars to help guild the way. The route planted firmly in her mind she flies alone. The air crisp, cool and heavy with the smells of the coming spring. She doesn't let this deter or sway her from her flight. She has caught a current headed in her direction and she lets it carry her onward. She's tired and her route seems as if it has gotten longer as she studies the ground for any movement. Eyes sharp, ears alert for any minor sound below. She has flown over the trees that has laid open fields ahead of her flight. The faithful air current now gone she restarts her flight. She hears a sound down below she turns with a flick of her tail. Flying lower, just about the tall grass she hears the sound again. She knows where it is as she ready's herself for the swope down, and with her talons she easily captures the rat. The rat dies instantly as she tears into the flesh with her sharp hooked bills. This meal will help give her the strength and refresh her energy for the journey ahead. She takes to the air and without even trying she is back on her route. The open fields soon open up to lights and sounds she has come to know well. Horns honking somewhere in the distance, sounds of crowds gather together, laughter and doors slamming. She flies on. Soon the city is behind her, and open fields lay ahead. The moon now has lowered in the night sky. It still helps guild her onward and closer to where she needs to be. There, up ahead in the distance she sees what she has been longing for. It's an old barn. Sitting out in a bare field with nothing around it for miles. It's a peaceful place but has been neglected. The red paint long gone exposing the wood to the elements. The barn leaning sideways from years of strong winds blowing. The roof nearly gone, the rust eating through the tin in places. One of the barn doors is laying on the ground outside the barn while the other door is barely hanging onto its hinge at the top. When the wind blows the door sways slightly. Years of seasons hasn't been good to the place she calls home. She flies through the open space where the door is laying on the ground and comes to rest on the dirt floor. She ruffles her feathers, shaking off her long flight and comes to a rest. She takes in the sight, the same sight she has seen many times. The times when her mate was with her. She takes a step forward, her eyes seeing and her ears hearing she takes another step. The old familiar barn with nothing left inside but the loft above. There, up there in that loft her mate beside her raising their owlets. She fly's up to the loft and lands softly as dust flies up in the air around her. Once the dust settled, she slowly walks to her old nest. Stepping into the nest she steps around making the nest more comfortable she starts to bring up pellets she adds to her nest. Satisfied with what she has done she settles in. The night moon now at the horizon slowly slipping away, the sky turning blue she glances around her home once more. The time has come for her as she closes her eyes. You see, this is the story of a barn owl that was lucky enough to make it to old age. She passed away in the early morning hours just before she was able to think of her life.
By Vicky Ashley4 years ago in Fiction
Mountain of Destiny
Legend has it that “The Excalibur” has been protected by an ancient owl, a barn owl at that. It is said to be 30,000 years old. Thousands have sought after the sword for many ages. Many have challenged this myth with hopes to obtain the saber, but no one has returned. The Excalibur is located in the mysterious Mountain of Destiny, where the sun never shines, and the clouds never rain. The totality of darkness and weather conditions alone has scared off many to even dare challenge the legend. But could it really be that hard to defeat a barn owl? My name is Yogen which means “Child of Prophecy” I am from the Catawba Clan. The Elders of the tribe have constantly warned the villagers to stay away from the mountain, unless they too wanted to perish. Obtaining The Excalibur has been a dream of mine since I was a child. I was often teased and mocked for even thinking that it was attainable for me, but my faith never waivered. Time after time I watched the toughest of men go to the Mountain of Destiny. I’ve also watched their families grieve because they never made it back to the village. But still the sword was calling me, and it was my time to prove exactly who I was. I had to claim what was mine!
By Edwin White Jr4 years ago in Fiction
Bluebells. Runner-Up in Return of the Night Owl Challenge.
1 ‘I went over this on the phone.’ ‘I just want to confirm the details.’ Mark pinches the bridge of his nose. ‘Olive skin. Dark brown hair. She’s… I don’t know, average build, I suppose. Just over four foot tall. She’s tall for her age.’
By Ellie Scott4 years ago in Fiction
Tar River
There is a land where Mountain Sprites live and play. They are very magical and proud beings who live on top of this enchanted lush green mountain called Mount Morris. Other sprites live in other parts of the land, but the Mountain Sprites only have vague references in their oldest lore to such other sprite existence.
By Beth Fisher4 years ago in Fiction
Tar River
There is a land where Mountain Sprites live and play. They are very magical and proud beings who live on top of an enchanted lush green mountain called Mount Morris. Other sprites live in other parts of the land, but the Mountain Sprites only have vague references in their oldest lore to such other sprite existence.
By Beth Fisher4 years ago in Fiction
Pebbles' Playland
Once upon a time, there lived a very cute, very loveable little dog. Her name was Pebbles. She was the cutest little dog in the whole kingdom. Everyone loved Pebbles, for she was so nice and so kind to all. Animals from all over the kingdom would travel from far just to come to play with Pebbles and her new toys. She was so loved and she so loved everyone, that after a long day of playing she would give everyone she played with a new toy. After so much playing Pebbles always had to clean up the big mess that would be left behind by all of her kingdom friends. No one ever stayed to help her clean and that would make Pebbles very sad. She thought that because everyone loved her and because she always gave everyone a toy that they would stay behind and help her clean too. But no one ever did. Of course, this didn’t stop Pebbles from treating everyone with love and kindness. “No matter what, they are all still my friends.” Pebbles says with so much joy. One morning when it was time for Pebbles to awaken from a long night’s rest, she heard knocking, she stretched all of her little tiny limbs and ran down to answer the door. “I wonder who it could be this early in the morning?” Pebbles asked herself. As she pulled open her front door, she poked her little head out with a big smile. “Good morning, how can I help you?” Pebbles asked happily. And there in front of her was someone new, someone, she had never seen before. It was another small dog. “Hi, I’m Daisy, I’m your new neighbor from one kingdom down.” She grinned. Pebbles stared at Daisy for a few seconds, then smiled and reached out a paw, “lovely to meet you, my name is Pebbles, welcome to my enchanted kingdom.” Pebbles replied. “Would you like to come in? It’s a little early, not quite time for all my guests to arrive but you are welcome to join me for breakfast if you like.” Daisy looked at Pebbles as she walked past her to enter her very beautiful home. Pebbles closed the door and walked past Daisy to lead the way to the kitchen. As she passed, she noticed Daisy looking at her up and down and not in a very nice way at all. But as we know Pebbles is a very kind dog, so she just continued to walk and talk. She explained to Daisy how she has all of her friends from all over the kingdom to come play with her and her toys every day. Daisy watched and listened as Pebbles went on and on about all of her good deeds and how much everyone loves her. As Pebbles continued talking, Daisy started to not like Pebbles more and more. “I think I better be leaving now!” Daisy shouted over Pebbles while she spoke. “Leave? Why you will not be attending my gathering today?” Pebbles asked with such concern. Daisy told Pebbles that she had to take care of her very sick mom and that is why she couldn’t stay. Pebbles walked Daisy to the door and out the gate and told her to have a very lovely day. “Well, she was very nice.” Pebbles told herself. Pebbles hurried back up into her house and continued to get everything ready for all of her friends.
By VANESSA MARTINEZ4 years ago in Fiction








