Friday, June 27, 2008

Friday Flash Fiction: Redcurrants

Issue 21 of Jupiter is due out in July. It's their fifth anniversary issue and will contain my fourth Roadmaker story: Roadruler. This week's FFF is a little interlude about one of the series' minor characters that takes place some time between Roadrider and Roadruler.


Redcurrants
By Gareth D Jones


Gooseberries were a favourite in DeFrey. That and raspberries. Loveday Smith, Deacon of DeFrey, was fond of both; but redcurrants were his particular favourite. Especially when his wife made them into one of her fabulous pies. He plucked a small handful and popped them into his mouth one at a time as he wandered his fruit orchard.

His plantation occupied a sheltered location on the outskirts of the village, only a short walk from the Deacon’s home. Here he liked to escape from the cares of his office and spend some time with his plants. Sadly those times were few and far between nowadays. Not that his job was overly stressful, but there was an endless stream of villagers at his door who all wanted some of his time. Sometimes there were arguments to be mediated, sometimes just some advice was needed. Sometimes Loveday wondered why he had taken on the job instead of staying with his quiet occupation.

It had been a particularly stressful time recently, following the destruction wrought by the Roadmaker. It was an uplifting time too. The whole village had pulled together for the rebuilding work and the village’s spirit had been inspiring. Loveday was proud to be part of it, proud to represent the village. He breathed deeply of the fruit-scented air and turned to look over the sprawl of buildings. He was proud, but tired. He was beginning to think maybe it was time to retire from the job, to pass the responsibility on to somebody else.

The fruit seemed to be coming along nicely but sill Loveday eked his tour out as long as possible, enjoying the fresh air and the diversion. Eventually he sighed, pulled out his fob watch and sighed again as it confirmed his fears. Popping one last redcurrant into his mouth, he headed back home.


The End

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a nice, relaxing, pastoral snapshot, although having only read the first Roadmaker story I struggle to contextualise it.

Gareth D Jones said...

Thanks Shaun.

You can still purchase back copies of Jupiter 16, 19 & 20 if you've missed any of the 1st 3 stories.

dan said...

hmmm, I might just do that. I've been intrigued by all the Roadmaker talk recently.