April 8, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that “rethinks the hero.” Define the hero, comparing or contrasting to the classic definition. Break the mold. What happens to the hero in the cave? Is it epic or everyday? Is there resistance or acceptance? Go where the prompt leads!
No More Heroes – by Hugh W. Roberts
As she ascended the scaffold, an image of her husband stood before her. His cloak, scruffy beard and stocky build still made him the hero she deeply loved.
Kneeling before him, she looked up.
Praising him, she told those around her that he was a gentle and sovereign lord.
Bowing her head, she waited for his forgiveness.
As the executioner struck Anne Boleyn’s head off with a single swing of his sword, Henry made his way to the woman he would marry a few days later. She’d become his hero, but not until she delivered him a male heir.
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Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.
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Hugh's Views & News 
Historical fiction! My favorite genre. We see his full jerkiness at the end. His duplicity was revealed in her hopes for forgiveness. WOW, spellbinding. 🙂
Thanks, Marsha. High praises indeed. Glad you enjoyed this little piece of flashback.
I’ve added a link to it in this month’s Story Chat Summary which will come out on Tuesday.
That’s so kind, thank you, Marsha. Writing flash fiction where there is a word count limit is a great challenge for all writers. It really makes you think about the story. Every single word has to count.
It is a huge challenge. I am getting better at the 99 word challenge. I am using that instead of the 9 word summary for my Story Chat Summary. I’ve done a few of Charli’s challenges, but recently I’ve been swamped. with Photo Challenges.
Lol, so I see. You’re doing a great job, though.
Well done, Hugh! i love that you can find a good twist even in history.
Thanks, Charli. I’m enjoying these trips back into history.
Love it! Well done. A beautiful historical twist, Hugh. Is it a new phase you’re in? 🙂
It seems so, Liesbet. I don’t know whether this piece of flash fiction has anything to do with the recent death of Prince Phillip. I also recall being fascinated at school when we studied Henry VIII and his six wives in history lessons. I remember thinking how Henry VIII was a hero of mine back then. When the story came, royalty seemed to be on my mind.
Oh! Hugh that’s an excellent job 🦋🦋
Thank you, Willow. Glad you enjoyed my brief look back into history.
I did enjoy it Hugh 💜
Wow…so gripping! Well done!
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
A great twist, Hugh! I’m loving your latest historical fiction genre these days. Hope you had a good weekend. I’m back to SS this Sunday in time for the violet color challenge 😁
I’m not sure where all this historical fiction is coming from, Terri. I found this week’s prompt especially hard, so I had to work on the story a lot longer than I did on last week’s piece. But I love a challenge. I’m not sure if Prince Phillip’s death also played its part and steered me towards Kings and Queens.
I’m looking forward to welcoming you back to the world of blogging and especially hearing lots more about your new home. I hope you’ve settled in.
You made that quite chilling, Hugh. Good job 🙂
Thanks, Cathy. I can’t imagine what it must have been like viewing an event like that.
No, me either.
Ooh, good way to incorporate the prompt!
Thank you. This one really challenged me and had me thinking and writing it all weekend.
Great job, Hugh@