Summary

In the fantasy short story "Big Bites," part of the "Searching for Charity" series, the protagonists confront the man-eating lizardman Tsssaraksssch in their quest to find a dungeon, leading to a violent encounter where the lizardman is bested and questioned.

Abstract

The story titled "Big Bites" is an installment in the "Searching for Charity" fantasy series, where the heroes, including characters named Pike, Diera, and Viper, come face to face with the notorious Tsssaraksssch, a lizardman known for consuming humans. Despite the lizardman's claim that eating people is part of a sport, the group engages in a fierce battle, resulting in Tsssaraksssch's defeat and subsequent interrogation about the location of a dungeon. Diera, initially appearing nervous, reveals her strength and concern for innocent lives during the confrontation. The narrative is part of a larger challenge inspired by JF Danskin's "A Drabble Challenge for Authors," which encourages authors to write concise stories, and it is accompanied by writing prompts related to food challenges.

Opinions

The author presents the character Tsssaraksssch as a formidable yet non-personal threat, viewing the consumption of humans as a form of sport rather than malice.
Diera's character is portrayed with depth, showing both vulnerability and a fierce protective instinct, especially when innocent lives are at stake.
The story's violent encounter is described as brief but intense, emphasizing the stakes and the characters' combat prowess.
The narrative's connection to JF Danskin's writing challenges underscores the author's participation in a broader literary community and adherence to specific creative constraints.
The author invites reader engagement by suggesting that reader support, through reading and subscribing, can contribute to the continuation of the story.

FICTION | CHALLENGE | DRABBLE | FANTASY

Big Bites

Searching for Charity №11 —The heroes meet the infamous Tsssaraksssch …

This is a continuing story. Find previous instalments here.

“Where wasss friend? Tsssaraksssch needed help?”

Defiantly, Pike looked to the towering lizardman.

“I couldn’t support that!”

“Tsssaraksssch in trouble!”

Diera fidgeted nervously.

“You. Ate. People!”

Viper’s mouth dropped, nearly kissing the floor.

“Not persssonal. Tsssaraksssch likes sssport!”

The lizard grinned at Pike.

“Now, you are sssnack!”

Tsssaraksssch tried to grab Pike, but Diera dashed forward, her hands transforming into claws.

After a short, brutal melee, the lizard cowered on the floor, bleeding.

“Tell us,” Diera panted, “where’s that dungeon!”

“I thought she’s a nervous wreck,” Viper said.

Pike smiled at her.

“Only when she’s afraid to hurt innocent people.”

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JF Danskin’s “A Drabble Challenge for Authors” challenge inspired my drabble short story “Searching for Charity.” Some additional inspiration came from one of JF Danskin’s writing prompts.

Write a scene or story in which someone undertakes an ill-advised food challenge. Perhaps it could be an eating contest, for example, or vowing only to eat a particular kind of food for a month.

💯 Story Challenge (49/100)

Let’s get that lizard a toothpick. You can help by reading my fictional tales, subscribing to my email list or joining Medium with my referral link.