Sweat streamed in her eyes, trickled down her back causing the woolen shirt to stick wherever it touched. The sun beat down with a rhythm matching the bass drum beaten by the monster in the stern. Worse, the whistle of the whip flew past her, landing on other shoulders and backs, their pitiful groans reminding her what would all too soon be her fate.
All around her men pulled oars, backs burned black from the sun. Faces sucked dry of moisture, eyes deadened with pain. They wondered one thing, why didn’t she rid herself of the encumbrance of shirt, pants and hose. Why continue in this terrible heat fully clothed, baking unnecessarily when all around her were stripped to their skivvies.
They were unaware she was a girl, hidden in boys clothing as a lark she has been ‘pressed as a Galley slave to the Kings service.
Flash in the Pan is brought to you by the amazing Red of M3 fame
This week’s word is Galley. The word limit is 150 words. This one comes in at 147.
Hashtags: #flashfiction #getpublished
QBG_Tilted Tiara 
Excellent. I .like this a lot!.
Love this. Very tactile. Any chance we could interest Stephen King in flash? His (stuff) would be so much better under 150 words.
xxx
That is just mean, you really need a vacation!
🙂
Always the master of surprise aren’t you? LOL
Well, yes I hope so with the Flash that is part of the fun.
🙂
Such a vivid circumstance. Had I been there, I would know she was a female. Is any boy this shy?
Wonderful, Valentine. The action of oars, the dead eyes, the parched skin. Awesome.
Might be a shy young boy finding himself in such terrible circumstance with such rough men, but right you are soon her horrible secret will come to light and then what will be her outcome do you think?
Glad you like me twist on Galley.
Those days were filled with sorrowful tales
and you have told this one well my great friend 🙂
Have a lovely Tuesday Val 🙂
Andro xxxx
Thank you Andro, this was a tale to twist back on itself wasn’t it?
It surely was my sweet friend 🙂 🙂
Have a lovely start to your Thursday Val 🙂
Andro xxxx
Oh the wrath of human societies. Meanwhile, I always enjoy this series!!!!
Ah the twisted sense of entitlement humanity has at times and how it turns on individuals.
I am glad you enjoy these Frank, I have come to love how I am forced to use my imagination.
Shanghai’d into the King’s service – many untold stories buried in deep oceans.
Indeed, wondered how many would understand the word ‘pressed