The Swallowed One and the Goblin Tree
Spooky challenge entry take 2
There was only one rule: "Don't open the door."
Or so read the warning above the little bronze door at the foot of a fire blackened oak. It was written in a script so perverse that when moonlight set it aglow, even the Gods averted their eyes and the damned shivered and kept clear.
For this tree was known as the Goblins' tree and beyond the door was a labyrinthine pit filled with all the cruelties of the world and unfathomable evils besides.
The door was guarded by the Queen of the fairy goblins. A tortured, malformed and soulless being; The Swelgan, she was called.
"The Swallowed One."
Her purpose and duty lay in the second half of the inscription, and she did not take her role lightly.
"Lest you wish to join us," it continued.
The Queen's magic was such that the altar of her people could be manifested at will. Be it in a field ... or in your own home.
And on nights like this one, when the moon rose high and full on a cold AllHallowtide, she called to her kin through the keyhole, whispering to them to be patient.
*
She begins her spell with a thick fog, a ghostly howl, clattering branches and a gusting wind. Before you know it the path that seemed to be a straight line between your bedroom and the bathroom has vanished. And you find yourself in her forest.
Your spine tingles and veins freeze. Your breathing slows to a shallow gasp and your eyes roam for safety.
Then you see it. The little door, lit from within.
In desperation, your racing pulse carries you forward like a marching tune.
You can't read the warning and step inside.
She smiles.
The Swelgan is reborn.
About the Creator
Call Me Les
Aspiring etymologist and hopeless addict of children's fiction.
If I can't liberally overuse adverbs and alliteration, I'm out!
Website: lesleyleatherdale.ca
#elbowsup
~&~
She/Her
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Comments (38)
OOOOH. The tingles down the spine are delightful with this one. I found myself wanting so much more. The style of writing, the way it pulls you in. Unparalleled. We often find ourselves in her forest in our deepest nightmares. Love, love, love, love, love, love, love this! Tremendous writing. Just enough... The style, the story, all of it!!
Oh shit, that sure was creeepppyyyy! I loved it. Congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Another worth revisiting, a wonderful disturbance
Beautiful job!
Congrats on the $20 prize!
I absolutely love your imagery with this! Definitely gives something unsettling!
Oh my gosh, you got me with the cover photo. I love how this was narrated. It was as if your everyday voice and personality was hidden somewhere in a faraway land, and you’re telling a story so real and true that it is almost as if the you don’t exist. But secretly watching us from afar, I don’t know how you do it. I don’t know how else to explain it, but whatever you did, it was absolutely expertly done. Then you addressed us with ‘your’ and I lost all will to keep my composure. This is too good, I feel the fear. I absolutely do not want to open that door. Yet you opened it for us… speechless and terrified 👌🏽🙏 thank you for writing this.
Great piece!
“Even the gods averted their eyes and the damned kept clear” haha great description. im going to remember this one. The fantasy voice this story was told in really brought it to life
Very well written. Grips you with the very first sentence, and doesn’t let go … until …
This was such a unique take on the challenge - fab writing and a well deserved top story too. Brill.
Congratulations, Les! A unique and captivating entry!
Great to see you here and on top story! Congratulations Les and I found this piece riveting and the unique start to a scary fantasy world👏
Congratulations Les! What a creative, mischievous sprout of Halloween fright!
Well deserved T.S.! ☺
Loved the fantasy atmosphere. Well earned TS.
Amazing story, spooky and enjoyable. Good Job. I am subscribing to you.
You did it, love the fantasy angle mixed with an unknowing aspect lingering in the background
⚡❤️❤️❤️⚡
I really appreciate this story. It’s very well-written.
Spectacular spooky story!!! Superbly written!!! ❤️❤️💕
This is such a great story! I love this part "started with a thick fog, a ghostly howl and a gusting wind. Branches would clatter and before you knew it the path that seemed to be a straight line between your bedroom and the bathroom had vanished. And you found yourself in her forest." I think I've been in that nightmare! Fabulously written. One question, is it altar or alter? I thought at first at you were talking about an altar for sacrifice/ritual then thought you might be talking about their power to change where the victim is. Both work so I am left stumped.
scary and creepy!!😥
"all the cruelties of the world and unfathomable evils besides." Bloody Hell.. nope... never going there!! xx
beautiful story