SHORT STORY | MAGIC REALISM | Literary Fest
King Andrew’s Literary Enigma
LADYBUG
As I was willfully skimming through Medium, a particular publication, The Lime Castle, caught my eye. Intrigued, I delved into its contents until I stumbled upon a curious prompt — “ladybug.”
A spark ignited within me, nudging me to try my hand at it. However, uncertainty loomed large. What could I possibly write, and would it even be accepted? These doubts lingered, casting a shadow over my initial reluctance to attempt the challenge.
To gain insight, I perused the already published stories, hoping to decipher a way to write something. Accomplished and talented writers adorned the platform, leaving me even more bewildered about my own narrative direction. Hours passed, confusion mounted, and I eventually shut my computer, diverting my focus to daily chores and work.
Come dinnertime, I decided to cook a heartfelt meal for my loved ones, hoping it would clear the mental fog. After a satisfying dinner, I went to bed and took rest after a hectic day. Yet, the ladybug prompt lingered in my head, accompanied by a lack of inspiration. Fatigue overcame me, and I succumbed to sleep, the dilemma still unresolved.
The next morning, I woke up at 8 o’clock and proceeded with my morning routine—washroom rituals, brushed my teeth and prepared some breakfast.
While fetching juice from the fridge, I heard whispers emanating from the adjacent wall. Intrigued, I approached and pressed my right ear against it. Unexpectedly, my ear, and subsequently my entire body, got pulled into the wall — a portal to another world. Darkness enveloped me, with a distant light guiding my way to a grand stadium-like venue called “limosseum”.
While advancing cautiously, I discovered a regally adorned “pulpitum”, guarded by peculiar lime-head figures. I concealed myself behind a massive wooden board as I witnessed the grandeur unfold on the royal stage. Upon the colossal board, the resplendent words “King Andrew’s Magnificent Literary Fest” glistened like stars in a night sky.
The air was electric with anticipation as the symphony of trumpets and drums commenced, heralding the grand entrance of King Andrew’s cherished ladybug emissary. With wings painted in regal hues, the ambassador descended onto its royal perch, embodying grace and majesty.
He ordered the fest to begin!
A spectacular entry by a ladybug and its 1500 strong squad representing CJ, the Duke of Coopland, with banners proudly displaying “ Emily’s journey into magic world,” started the grand literary fest.
Then entered the ladybug and its 790 squad representing the Rex of Damberville,Vadim, with banners “Elara & resilient ladybugs” to a big cheer.
The next line-ups were “Kid-knight and friends” from Rafael, the Earl of Mulance with 55 squad,” Topher and grieving ladybug” from Aaron, the Marquees of Wordland with 215 squad, “Sophia, Abby and ladybug bite” from Claude, the Earl of Thomberg with 45 members, “Grandson’s love” from Laura, the Duchess of Texa with 280 members, “The crystal kingdom” from Rachel, the Regina of Gausberg with 1200 squad, “A drive with Samuel and Aleskania” from JF, the Duke of Dansland with a strong 2600 squad, “Erin and The Krellins” from Cathryn, the Marchioness of Molland with 435 squad, “Clara, Tudor and Crusade” from Alex, the Regina of Mossania with 380 members, and “Lucy” from Alex, Duchess of freenland with a squad of 1500.
Thereafter entered the majestic ladybug with a strong crew of 6000 representing Ben, the Pharoah of Azerypt, with banners “Adam Sandler”. The arena echoed with cheers. While some alliances were formed, some groups remained engrossed in their own world.
The next three banners followed were— “Sarah & magical mercy potion” from Matthew, the Duke of Clannway with 1000 crew, “Nella, Tyler and mystery house” from L. R., the princess of Spruceland with 85 squad, and “Two dreams and a nightmare” from Scarlet, the Regina of Ibenberg with 785 crew members.
Amidst this spectacle, I found myself pondering over what would be the criteria for evaluating the writings in the fest. Would it be based on creative ideation, writing style, or the organic connection evoked in readers?
As my contemplation deepened, a new banner unfurled, bearing the mysterious label “Door to magical realms” from Arpad, the Czar of Nagnesia with 2600 squad followed by the banner of Debdutta, Kaiserin of Decadonia with 1300 squad which read “Ladybug in bell jar”.
Meanwhile a unique banner appeared in the “limosseum” arena which read “Maelie, Argo and a boy in jar” from Taylor, the Duchess of Gammestin with 580 crew, followed by a banner, “Eric in ladybug land” from Bruno, the Duke of Brunsland with 1700 strong squad.
Then entered an exquisite ladybug riding on an elephant with 1100 squad and a banner that read “The mahout and ladybug” representing Grandma, the Queen of Smillew.
The next delicious banner was “Looks of Karmel” from Heidi, Regina of Pidsberg with 820 disciplined crews. The Duchess of Honigsberg, Robin, was represented with the banner “Rebecca’s birthday” and a strong squad of 2100 members while the banner “A tale of chosen ones” displayed the magnificence of May, Czarina of Senssia with 2900 crews.
I was in complete awe and felt enamored seeing such grandeur for the first time in my life.
The final two banners were “The curious tale of dead granny” and “Sarah and the talking tree” from the Esme, Duchess of Kissberg with 1800 crews, and Jennifer, princess of Zennia with 240 squad members respectively.
The ladybug, representing King Andrew, rose to announce the winner, and the suspenseful music set the stage for the revelation. My thoughts wavered between academic linguistic technicalities and unconventional heart-touching narratives, pondering what truly captivates diverse readers.
The suspense continued!
As King Andrew’s ladybug was about to reveal the winner, suddenly, I heard some footsteps approaching me. Before I could turn back, a sharp blow to the back of my head plunged me into darkness. When consciousness returned, I found myself on the floor beside my bed. Alarm clock roaring in its full glory.
It read 8 o’clock!
Thank you all for sharing such lovely and amazing stories. I enjoyed reading them all. Indeed quite a nice way to say good bye to 2023 and being the new year with a lot of joy, happiness and enthusiasm. Wish you all and your families the happiest new year. May you reach newer heights and have great moments and kinder experience this year.
