Here’s the prompt. What story does this scene whisper to you? Is there someone in that building — someone looking for something or perhaps someone waiting for something? Maybe the building is empty of people, but not empty altogether.
Tell us your story! You have 100 words, either here in the comments or at your own web home with a link back here, please. Have fun!
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These are simple route march shelters. They were built by the British army during their campaigns in India and the Sudan as well as other warmer climates. If a troop formation of up to twenty men were on the March they would know the location of these and use them as protection from dust storms and the mid day heat. After the last of these were abandoned they were often used as shelters for local nomadic people.
She searched her whole life for the sacrificial chamber of Missa. Her colleagues told her it was dangerous, a fools errand.
But there it stood in front of her. What secrets did those stone walls hold? She would be the first to find out. Images of published journal articles with her name on them flashed in her mind.
The building was a single room littered with bones. All her research told her these poor people volunteered. Why?
A vibrant image caught her eye. Mezmerized by it she picked up the dagger at its feet and pulled it across her throat.
You, the next James Michener, have been driving aimlessly through the Eastern desert for days searching for inspiration when you happen upon what may be an ancient temple.
Grinding the jeep to a halt, you wait for the choking cloud of dust to drift away and slowly allow your senses to open. Now, surely, it’s just a matter of time before your muse awakens.
Truth be told, you’ve been hoping for a chance to drop the phrase ‘ululating threnody’ into one of your stories and a temple, perched out here in this wind swept wilderness might just fill the bill.