Hugh J. O'Donnell

She is a story on the wind. The Tattered Woman had fought a dozen Imperial soldiers in the market square of Harall before vanishing. She traversed the Sandstorm Wastes alone. She freed an army of Underfolk captives from the Relentless Caravan.
She is everywhere and nowhere.
If you could find her, the Tattered Woman would say many things. The first is that her name is Rachel. The second is that her legend is almost entirely exaggerated. The third is that a red taffeta ballgown makes terrible survival gear. Finally, she would tell you she just wants to get back home.

“Red Dress Exhibit” by Dyroc is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

My very short story collection, The Mountain’s Shadow is available now from Amazon and Smashwords!

Everyday Drabbles © 2024 by Hugh J. O’Donnell is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 

The mission bell rang out in the pre-dawn hours of what promised to be a perfect spring day. Another of God’s gifts to the monastery. But then it kept ringing. And all the monks knew what the alarm meant.
Working quickly and silently, the men of faith gathered what they needed and made their way to the basement chapel. When all were accounted for, it took three monks to close the stone door behind them.
They gathered to pray, but a few cringed when they heard the mighty roars reverberate through the stone.
The dragons had returned to Capistrano.

“Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, San Antonio, Texas” by Ken Lund is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

My very short story collection, The Mountain’s Shadow is available now from Amazon and Smashwords!

Everyday Drabbles © 2024 by Hugh J. O’Donnell is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 

The sorceress stood before her table, accoutrements, tools, and exotic ingredients spread before her. When the first rays of dawn hit the table, she began to work, humming to herself and preparing her brew. Sharp smells and mechanical hisses filled the air.
She filled two bone china cups, and set one before the beast in her parlor.
“Thanks, Doll.” It said after draining the cup.
“You know,” the sorceress said, sipping from her own. “Most familiars do this sort of thing for their Mistress.
“I appreciate it, ma’am. But you know me. I’m a monster before I’ve had my coffee.”

“Coffee break” by Ben124. is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

My very short story collection, The Mountain’s Shadow is available now from Amazon and Smashwords!

Everyday Drabbles © 2024 by Hugh J. O’Donnell is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 

Have a fabulous day!

It was a bad winter, even for Northern Ontario. Jean hadn’t seen anyone in weeks, and he was running out of food.
Jean heard scratching on his door.
When he opened his door, he found a freshly killed squirrel and no sign of anybody.
Winter wore on, and the gifts kept coming. It was always just enough, and he never saw so much as a footprint. Then, the visits stopped.
When Jean next heard the scratching, he found a still-bleeding human hand waiting in the snow.
You’ll eat anything if you’re hungry enough.
You’ll befriend anyone if you’re lonely enough.

“Cabin Snow” by jonjohnson is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

My very short story collection, The Mountain’s Shadow is available now from Amazon and Smashwords!

Everyday Drabbles © 2024 by Hugh J. O’Donnell is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 

Have a fabulous day!