Friday Flash Fiction with K.D. Jones

This week, we have a very magical flash fiction from author K.D. Jones.

“I believe all forms of writing strengthen you as a writer. Flash fiction, especially, makes you par down your words and forces you to get to the core of your story. But just because flash fiction is itty bitty doesn’t mean it can’t have meat. All the basics of good story telling still apply to micro fiction; you still need engaging, lively characters, a big problem, emotional depth, good pacing, and so on.”

We hope you enjoy reading Krystle’s stories as much as we have. 😉 Happy reading!

“The Pegasus and the Princess”

A Fantasy Flash Fiction

By

K. D. Jones

Wind swept over the meadow, rippling the tall, green grass about the young princess’ legs. Her mother clutched her hand. “Careful. This grass is nearly as tall as you, little one! You’ll trip!”

“I saw a unicorn!” The princess pointed to the deep blue sky, squinting against the bright sunshine warming her skin.

“Don’t be silly. Unicorns haven’t existed for more than a century.”

“But I saw one!” The princess tugged on her mother’s hand, but the queen held firm.

“Come now, daughter. We’re going to be late for dinner.”

Later that night, when the moon was high in the sky and the princess was tucked away in her bed, she awoke to a happy jingling sound. A shadow moved beyond the curtains swaying on her balcony, and she climbed out of bed, rubbing her eyes as she went to see what was outside.

She walked out into the night and gasped. “You are real!”

The Pegasus, a beautiful white horse with magnificent pearlescent wings and a spiral horn made of sparkling crystal, neighed and pawed at the marble floor. Delicate silver bells hung from crimson ribbons tied to its long, silvery mane. I am real, the Pegasus said, its lilting voice echoing inside the princess’ head.

“You can speak!”

Through magic, replied the Pegasus. I only appear to those who believe. As a reward for your faith, I can grant you a wish. What is dearest to your heart?

The princess thought about what she’d like. “I’d love to fly!”

And so you shall. The Pegasus knelt, and the princess, giddy with excitement, climbed atop the sloped back of the Pegasus.

Hold on, said the Pegasus. The princess grabbed two handfuls of its mane before the Pegasus bounded into the sky.

They flew among wisps of moon-kissed clouds and stars that sparkled like diamonds. The princess couldn’t believe her eyes, and she laughed in wonder at the marvels she saw. They flew all night, and when the sun at last tinged the sky pink, the Pegasus returned her to her balcony at the castle.

“Will I see you again?” asked the princess.

If you keep believing in magic. The Pegasus turned and leapt into the sky, the music of its bells growing fainter and fainter.

The princess watched it go until it was a speck on the horizon. Sighing, she climbed back into bed and dreamed of the wind whipping her face, dreamed of laughing with such profound joy at the freedom of flying.

When she awoke, buttery sunshine covered her curtains, and the maids were coming in to start their morning chores. Her mother, clad in silk and jewels, swept into the room and sat upon her bed. “Dearest, you’ve slept in. Your tutors will be waiting.”

The princess sighed dreamily. “I had the best dream.”

“What did you dream about?”

“I dreamed I rode a winged unicorn—a Pegasus—and we flew all night!”

“That sounds like a marvelous dream.”

“A dream,” the princess murmured. “I guess it wasn’t real, after all.”

She swore she heard the distant ringing of silver bells.

Or maybe it was real, or still could be real, if she never stopped believing in magic.

Writing Tip

Skip character names unless they have significance. It’s okay to keep things simple in flash fiction. “The girl” or “the bear” will do just fine in micro fiction, unless there is a reason to name a character.

For more flash fiction tips, see K.D.’s post: 5 Tips for Writing Flash Fiction

K. D. Jones is the epic fantasy pseudonym for young adult author Krystle Jones. Krystle was born and raised in the small, southern town of Tullahoma, Tennessee. Reading and writing have been lifelong passions of hers. In addition to writing, she is passionate about information technology, Etsy, painting, and exercising. She believes you can be whatever you want to be if you’re willing to work hard. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and adopted fur babies.

Learn more about K. D. Jones at kdjonesepicfantasy.com.