Any artists fancy a challenge?

[Bat King]

OK not sure this is really a challenge to artists... This is definitely a challenge to myself but work involved for an artist...

My challenge is - post an original picture you have drawn/painted/etc that hasn't ever been published anywhere... I think I'd prefer any characters in the picture to be original too... but not essential.

My challenge to me - I will write a short story based on the picture. I am thinking a story of at least 500 words but if artists want to challenge me to a shorter story I'll see if I can meet the challenge.

By taking the challenge the artist and myself can pop the finished work on our respective FB, Blog, Tumblr, etc. for the entertainment of those that look at such things.

If I accept a challenge I will try to write the story within 7 days.

[maryanddavid]

Nice idea, it was tried in the early 2000AD, Tornado's etc, but maybe in reverse, i.e. story first. Interesting to see if anything comes of it.

[amines2058]

We ought to do 2 threads then, one for artists and one for writers. So writers can test themselves with Bat Kings thread, and artists can test themselves with posted scripts / Character descriptions etc.
Just a thought, but sounds like something I would like to have some fun with!! (I hope that makes sense)

[Neil McClements]

A bit late but how's this.

[Bat King]

That's perfect...

I'm on it.

[Neil McClements]

I'll look forward to it. Still reckon on the 7 days?

[Bat King]

By midnight Friday 11th...

[SKD]

 Terrific picture Archie, I'm looking forward to see what you do with this Bat King.

Stew.

[Darren Stephens]

I'll have a bash, too. I'm off work this week. 

[Neil McClements]

Do you mean you're gonna write something Darren or do BK a picture?

[Darren Stephens]

Sorry, yeh. I'll do a pic! 

[Bat King]

500 Words. I think it should be darker but not enough time to re-work it by Friday so here it is.

Sébastien paced the chapel silently, as he breathed out slowly his breath misted in the early evening air. The Templar was late, what could have delayed him?

It was getting dark and though Sébastien was used to his own company the sounds of the nearby forest were unusual to his ears. Raised in Paris, trained in Rome he now resided in Nottingham. He was used to the noises and smells of a city and its streets, not the wilderness of Britain on a cold autumn evening.

The monks that had been living here up to a month ago had reported odd sounds in the night. One, then another, had claimed to see bright lights at the window to their cell. No torch would shine through such a window, it being ten foot off the ground.

Gregor, one of the lay brothers, was found gibbering about 'The Green Man' one morning a few months ago. Soon after the deaths started. One death each night that the moon was new and another on the full moon. Each monk, dead by strangulation, found in a locked cell.

Monsignor Tomas had charged him personally with this task. This was his calling, though some questioned his practices. To consort with demons was not something most God fearing people would do. They needed him and his like; those that could see what others could not.

He had examined the cells and he was certain something had reached down from the high window and throttled the sleeping monks. Something that did not want the holy order here.

Sébastien stepped out into the open air, the full moon bathed the road in a blue hue and it was lighter out here than within. The Templar was bringing the sword that was required. Sébastien had the tallow and bell prepared. Whatever foul entity was here he would exorcise it in the name of the Lord.

The road however was still empty.

Unlike Gregor, Sébastien knew what manner of foul beasts there were out there in the forest. The sight of the entity he was here to slay would not leave him a mindless wreck. Out there were older things, older than his masters in Rome. Older than Rome itself.

Out in the wild woods there were beings that defied all logic.  Sébastien had slain a number in a number of lands. He could see some now, small ones with little or no power. They were more scared of him than he needed to fear them.

In the distance he heard wolves howl. Wolves of many types were in this forest, man and beast.

He realised that the Templar was not coming. He sensed it, the Templar had been slain by something out there, death was fresh on the air. There was another scent too, unnatural. It was close.

He concentrated on the near treeline and fingered the dagger he always carried.

Behind him were the sanctified halls that the foul beast intended to encroach. Behind him... behind him... behind...

[Mabs]

Well done Bat King! That was a very excellent story, really connected with the superb artwork by Archie! Big pat on the back for you, sirs! 

[Moggot Lover]

Nice one Bat King!

[amines2058]

Very good, and very atmospheric...I liked that a lot! Good job Archie, I look forward to the next.
I also still stand by my original suggestion of this being a 2 way street, with artists also able to create an image from a brief written synopsis or passage from a writer?? This then gives everyone a chance to flex their creative muscles!