Shelter


They thought they’d made the right choice in sheltering in the arched doorway of St. Lestill’s church. But as the spire rotated into a clock tower, the stained-glass windows folded in on themselves, and huge gothic turrets grew out of each corner of the cold stone structure, they realised the error they’d made. The rain still lashed down, and flash lightning lit up the turbulent skies, revealing giant pterodactyls circling high above.

Just as they were about to run out, intent on finding shelter elsewhere, a heavy iron portcullis fell from above, stopping them in their tracks.

And as if that wasn’t bad enough, a groaning from the dark depths of the open building behind them started growing louder.

The artist quickly turned the page, and sketched a set of stone steps, disappearing down into a blackened abyss.

They found themselves at the top of the steps, the groans now louder close to where they stood, and they could feel a hot breath on the back of their necks.

They decided to run down the steps, looking for shelter down there…

14 responses to “Shelter”

  1. The Sicilian Storyteller avatar

    Have you been peeking at my drafts?
    This is going to be an interesting October!
    Nicely done, Tom.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Thanks, Nancy.
      Me? Peek? Never! (I may have sent an Inner Spy or two to have a quick look, though!)

      Liked by 1 person

  2. ladysighs avatar

    I’m waiting for the next chapter.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      So am I, Ladysighs!
      These Hallowe’en tales are terrible for that!

      Like

  3. Diane Henders avatar

    Ooh, a very scary pre-Halloween story! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Thanks, Diane. The perfect run up, then! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. europasicewolf avatar

    That sounds like a terrible idea! There must be a safer option than that!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      I know… and all they want is shelter!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. europasicewolf avatar

        There is a great price to be paid for shelter! 😁 A mortgage!!🤣

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Tom avatar

          True. Or those stone steps…

          Liked by 1 person

  5. europasicewolf avatar

    No Tom…you should always avoid the stone steps….always👻😆

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      It’s too late when they’re there, beneath you!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. europasicewolf avatar

        Well Tom, hindsight is a wonderful thing even if it comes too late to save you!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Tom avatar

          That’s actually the worst time for it, all things considered…

          Liked by 1 person

Would you like to leave a comment?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.