photo by H. Hach, on pixabay
We numbered only a third of when we started; the journey had eaten us, taken our strength, yet strengthened our purpose.
As we crested the hill, we saw our destination. A planned town, built in cruciform, four gates opening to the cardinals… four gates that would open to us, to allow us to take shelter within its wall, away from the beasts of the wild; to find soft dry places to sleep; to find fresh food to nourish us, and clean water to refresh us.
As each crested that hill, the excitement was high, yet none could find spirit to let out a whoop.
In formation, backs straight, heads high, we marched down that hill and approached the first gate… and inspected the first of the barricades raised against us, a force feared to destroy them.
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt: Barricade in 136 words
crispina kemp 
Topical with how people seeking refuge these days are being viewed.
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I admit that wasn’t on my mind, but undeniably a serendipitous circumstance.
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I liked the way you wrote this story from the pov of a party of the First Nations.
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I wasn’t thinking of any particular people. I think it can apply to so many regions.
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This was a tough prompt for me. You did a great job Crispina by painting the perfect picture of a people dispossessed and then unsure of refuge at the end of their voyage, because of a barricade.
All that in only 136 words! BRAVA!
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Thanks Jen. I just had a picture in my head of a group of people on a hilltop looking down at a town… but I wasn’t sure if they were warriors come to attack and take over, or refugees. So I allowed the reader to decide. Unanimous, they were refugees.
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Yes. 🙂
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🙂
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Interesting little tale. I guess it is the nature of man to magnify the possible threat and raise barricades for fear of attack. Mind you, reading history we see that a lot of new arrivals did come with weapons and attacked the inhabitants.
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As I’ve commented elsewhere, I wasn’t sure if these folks were refugees, or had come to attack. So that barricade makes perfect sense.
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Interesting, imaginative take. In the disguise of refugees, anyone can infiltrate, you never know.
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This is true, as shown throughout history. I purposely kept it ambiguous
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I liked it.
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Thank you 🙂
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A dilemma wherein what lies behind the doors may be considered refuge or incarceration is the feeling I am left with. This could be taken literally or figuratively. Extremely though provoking piece.
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I thank you, J. I intentionally left it ambiguous. It’s been interesting reading folks’ different interpretations. 🙂
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I like how the barricade is vague enough that it can include bureaucratic barriers too
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Wide open to interpretation. Which is the exact opposite of a barricade… and so amuses me 🙂
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