Free writing: safe, window, visit

There was something prowling around the house, something cold and greasy and hungry. Mack could feel it. He hastily got his Glock out, slapped the magazine into place, and chambered a round. The weight of the weapon made him feel better, less naked, but it didn't make him feel safe. He stood back five feet from the window and sidled over until he could see the back yard. Whatever it was that had decided to visit him was invisible in moonlight, but he could see the grass being crushed under its feet as it circled the house, moving widdershins. It came to the back door. The door thumped against its frame, and Mack heard something scraping it, as if something with long claws was trying to dig through. He found himself praying. His eyes lit on the white knife and he picked it up with his left hand. It felt clean and light. He stood up straighter. The door rattled and then stopped. Mack felt the thing begin prowling again; it was angry and frustrated. He looked at the bedside clock, where the red LED numerals showed 4:12am. Dawn in about two hours. The creature would probably go away—unless it had an ally that could ignore the wards.  

Free writing: farewell, eccentric, west

"Well, Captain DeClarion, tomorrow you sail, eh? West to Huy Braseal. Goblins. Elves, maybe. You ready?"

"Yes, Admiral. Everything's packed. Weapons, food, books and clothes."

"In that order, eh? You're an eccentric one, DeClarion, but you know your priorities. Have anything for your private trade?"

"I was considering that, sir. What would you suggest?"

"Blades and muskets, if you're not trading them where they'll be used on us! Steel bar and silver. Coal. Cloth. My man can guide you on a few things."

"Thank you, sir."

"Remember, captain. Your duty is to your self, your ships, and your service, but the service comes first. That port must not fall into the enemy's hands. Must not. A few warships are not important, compared to that. Priorities, captain! Farewell, and good hunting."

DeClarion saluted and left. So far he'd been given contradictory instructions: he was not to take any risk at all with his warships, lest they be scratched; and he was to hazard them like game chips at need. 

Free writing

For free writing exercises, I'll be taking a few random words, or a sentence. and just typing for ten minutes. Don't have to have an idea where it's going, just write.

Free writing: bed, rock, elephant

Suddenly it was light, and loud. Daytime. Urgh. I was going to need a megadose of caffeine to cope with today. Shouldn't have stayed up till 4 am again. Awfully loud, and kinda open air feeling. Should be dark, quiet, should be still asleep. I pried my eyes open to look for the clock and see who'd opened my curtain. What I say was an elephant about to drop a rock on me. Big elephant. Big rock. I rolled aside, getting tangled in the mosquito netting—where'd that come from? The rock dropped and smashed my bed. Whoever's bed this was, anyway. Where am I? Elephant has small ears, pretty sure that means it's Indian not African. No mahout. I'm staying still and the elephant is not trying to trample me, very important point. I'll keep staying still. Some kind of bamboo hut with woven grass panels for the walls, no glass in the windows, jungle-covered hill outside, old stone palace or temple or something half covered by jungle. The elephant trunk sweeps half the wall away, then he ambles off and starts pulling up grass. I slowly sit up, carefully watching the elephant. It doesn't respond. If it comes after me, well, an elephant can outrun a man who's in good shape, it can certainly outrun me. They can't make sharp....right turns? Left turns? Don't recall. Better not to attract its attention.

Free writing: barrel, purest, drive

"No, Captain Jones, the Portuguese are neutrals! We can't attack the enemy while they're in a neutral harbor."

Jones said, "It's Commodore, Captain. And if you recall, the English had no qualms about attacking us at Santa Rosa when that was a neutral harbor. And it's purest whimsy to think they wouldn't do it again, if they saw advantage. Yes, they'll sent complaints to Court, and letters will swim round the oceans after us, and I may be reprimanded. But if we let this convoy through, they'll land troops and drive on Capetown and station frigates there. Our trade with the Indies will be cut in half—if we're lucky! Your family is wealthy, Captain. Tell me, can they stand it if they have to buy spices by the barrel from Englishmen at the same prices they paid for a tonne around the Cape? Will they pay the insurance rates for merchantmen? Who will buy your linens and silks when they cost triple or more what they do today? And will your family thank you because your delicate sensibility, your nice observation of a law the enemy flouts, made you forego this opportunity? You may indeed bear a public reprimand, in a year or two, when the queries are made; but will your King and your Navy and your merchant boards not know who saved them?"