My abduction of the celebrated Mr Darwin was unreported at the time and is likely to remain so hereafter. It was simple enough to accomplish – despite the furore surrounding his work, he kept no guard and continued to travel openly.
We secured him in his cabin for the voyage, which I suspect was the kindest course of action in the circumstances. The old steamboat was tossed by mountainous waves and those of us on deck were fortunate to escape with our lives. He suffered nothing more than profuse seasickness.
His writings were already draining the world of its magic; I could not countenance that without taking a stand. I took him out alone in the skiff and rowed as close as I dared to the island.
‘Look at them!’ I shouted above the crash of the waves. ‘How do they fit in? What use are your theories here?’
One of the creatures glanced at us with a lazy eye before hauling its vast bulk along the beach: scales hissing against the shingle, two spirals of smoke issuing from its nostrils.
But he could not see them. He simply sat shivering in the stern and gazed wearily towards the grey horizon.
Comments
MistakenMagic | May 13, 2010 - 15:42
Charles Darwin and dragons - such an original combination, Rob ;) Really like this one! Possibly my favourite of the five!
Magic xxx
Silver Spun Sand | May 13, 2010 - 18:58
Particularly clever, this one, rj.
"His writings were already draining the world of its magic..."
I guess this is how it seemed at the time. Realistically though, human nature hasn't changed very much since then. We all enjoy a little magic;-)
One of my favourites too, this one, most certainly.
Tina
insertponceyfre... | May 13, 2010 - 22:20
that's a very interesting one Rob. In your stories I think I enjoy the parts you leave out almost as much as the things you include
rjnewlyn | May 13, 2010 - 23:37
Thanks very much Magic. Not entirely sure where any of it came from, but who can know these things?
rjnewlyn | May 13, 2010 - 23:39
Thanks Tina. I'm glad you liked it. The magic has certainly gone somewhere. Darwin can take the blame on this occasion.
rjnewlyn | May 13, 2010 - 23:42
Thanks Insert. What I struggle with most, with the self-imposed word restriction is what to leave out and how to keep it visible somehow. When it works, I'm happy but it's never as often as I'd like. Rob
rjnewlyn | May 15, 2010 - 10:01
... and thanks very much for the cherry
Beeme | May 15, 2010 - 10:29
Sorry I am late commenting, Rob. I enjoyed this greatly. Really interesting and compelling to read. Love the finishing lines, well done on the cherry richly deserved in my opinion.
Beeme xx
rjnewlyn | May 18, 2010 - 00:51
Thanks very much Beeme. No problem about lateness - I'm generally well behind everyone else in reading anything here. Rob
kenny_mooney | May 20, 2010 - 21:49
Oh I do like that, very cool idea to bring in Darwin, adds a touch of something extra to the mystical tale. Well written and put together. Excellent.
rjnewlyn | May 20, 2010 - 23:18
Thanks very much Kenny for reading through all of these. I'm glad it works - waiting to see when they run out (a few more yet I think). Rob
Sooz006 | June 19, 2012 - 17:45
You imagination is inspirational. Simply beautiful.
rjnewlyn | June 19, 2012 - 23:24
Thanks very much Sooz. I remain happy with this one.