Summary

In a fantasy setting, Charity and Herald, a paladin, navigate their roles and hierarchy within an adventuring party, with Charity asserting her leadership and scouting responsibilities while Herald struggles with his own ego and defensive nature.

Abstract

The narrative "Pecking Order" is part of a serialized fantasy story titled "Searching for Charity." It centers around the dynamic between Charity, a proactive scout, and Herald, a self-important paladin referred to as "The Fearless Herald," who is humorously nicknamed "The F**king Stupid Herald" by Charity. Their interaction is tense, with Charity trying to maintain a low profile for their mission while Herald insists on his ability to contribute. Despite Herald's bravado, Charity's experience and level-headedness prevail, leading them to the discovery of a significant chamber. The story is inspired by JF Danskin's "A Drabble Challenge for Authors" and is part of a larger challenge of writing 100 stories, currently at 48/100. Readers are encouraged to engage with more of the author's work through various mediums.

Opinions

Charity is portrayed as a competent and assertive leader, frustrated with Herald's lack of discretion.
Herald is depicted as overly confident, defensive, and somewhat comical in his insistence on being heard and recognized.
The author uses humor to underscore the tension between the characters, with Charity's internal thoughts and the nickname she assigns Herald providing comic relief.
The story suggests that despite personal quirks and conflicts, the characters are capable of working together effectively, as evidenced by Herald's successful discovery of the chamber.
The narrative encourages reader investment in the characters' journey and the overarching story, inviting them to follow the series and support the author's creative endeavors.

FICTION | CHALLENGE | DRABBLE | FANTASY

Pecking Order

Searching for Charity №10 — Charity and Herald need to clarify the pecking order …

This is a continuing story. Find previous instalments here.

“Listen,” Charity said, annoyed, “I scout ahead. YOU secure the rear.”

“I can sneak!”

“Shush.”

“Don’t shush me!!!”

The paladin pranced in front of Charity.

“Keep it down, Herald.”

“It’s The Fearless Herald!”

“The F**king Stupid Herald!”

“How can you ….”

“… stand you any longer? No idea. Just shut up!”

The paladin flinched at Charity’s ferocity.

“You need to ….”

“I need to scout ahead,” she clenched her fists, “and you keep it down.”

A few metres down the hallway, she recognised someone following her.

“Herald?! What is ….”

“I found it. I found the chamber.”

Charity sighed.

“Unbelievable….”

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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.

Have you ever met someone really defensive? Write a flash fiction story where one person is trying to give an uber-defensive person some helpful advice or guidance. Perhaps it’s a co-worker who has made a simple mistake, for example.

💯 Story Challenge (48/100)

Unbelievable, that Herald guy. Order new friends for Charity by reading my fictional tales, subscribing to my email list or joining Medium with my referral link.