deathpixie | NanoWrimo - 30 short stories

Warning: not for the squeamish or the elderly grandparents.

"Once upon a time, there was a castle. It was strong and well defended, and because of this it housed a precious treasure, the heart of the kingdom. No-one dared even attempt to steal the treasure, it was so well guarded, and it remained there, safe, for many years.

"Then one day there came a knight. He had heard of the treasure, and desired it greatly. And so he approached the castle, his silver sword flashing in the sun. He defeated the first defences, two giants who pummelled at him, quite easily - he had a potion to make them sleep and then he tied them up with strong chains. The second defence, a strong fence of ivory, was more difficult and he had to hack and hew with his sword until at last, he forced a way through.

"The castle itself had tough walls and passages that had to be navigated. But eventually, the Knight worked his way through and took up the treasure, holding it in his hands..."

Blood stained hands lifted the dripping organ from the young man's chest, cradling it as carefully as they would a precious gem. Blood splattered his hands, his face, his clothes, the cuffs chaining the hands to the table, the table the still-warm body was lying on itself, but he paid it no mind. Here was the prize, the treasure he had sought. The thing that would sustain him.

"Happily ever after," he said, and bit into the bloody heart.