Fiction logo

Content warning

This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.

Island Retreat

A Story Every Day in 2024 May 23rd 144/366

By Rachel DeemingPublished about a month ago 2 min read
Island Retreat
Photo by Rowan Heuvel on Unsplash

"Land ahoy!"

Captain Combs scanned the horizon and indeed, he could see the bump rising from the sea's flatness. It was a welcome sight, as although he loved the swell of the waves, he was fed up of rum and biscuits and was eager to find some exotic fruit or wild pig on which to feast. He knew that his men felt the same.

"Right! Let's get there, men!" and a rousing cheer of agreement filled his heart.

*

The island was deep green with golden sand stretching into the distance. The Captain thought he could see small creatures scurrying where the trees met the sand. His stomach rumbled at the thought of fresh meat.

The boat beached and they scrambled out.

"Alright, men. You know your roles. When the sun is at its highest, we meet here. Happy hunting!"

The men left, laughing, their spirits high as they can only be at the start of a day where none of its pitfalls are anticipated or known.

*

Captain Combs and Bones, his ironically nicknamed man-mountain of a crewman reached the beach at noon as agreed. No men. The only thing familiar? Their boat. Had it moved? Could be the swell? The captain paid it no more thought.

The deserted beach surprised him. He and Bones, whilst getting water, were sure they could smell cooking.

"I don't like this, Cap'n," Bones said, warily.

Captain Combs shared his fears but was damned if he would voice them.

"Leave the water here, Bones," and they walked towards where his men had gone.

The mood of revelry dissipated, replaced by something darker.

*

Smoke rose above the trees. They followed it. The smell intensified. Something scuttled in the undergrowth. A monkey?

A clearing and in it, the most horrific sight. A butchery. A spit above a roaring fire.

Burning flesh.

*

"Run, Bones!"

Sprinting, he heard a cry, and a heavy thud, and his own panting breath.

He ran with the swiftness of the desperate.

The boat was in reach. His legs burned. Could he make it?

Powering on, he leapt into the boat, his pursuers close.

He grabbed an oar.

And then he saw the missing plank.

***

365 words

Thanks for stopping by! If you do read this, please do leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers.

144/366

thrillerShort StoryPsychologicalMysteryMicrofictionHorrorHistoricalAdventure

About the Creator

Rachel Deeming

Storyteller. Poet. Reviewer. Traveller.

I love to write. Check me out in the many places where I pop up:

Medium

My blog

Reedsy

Linkedin

Goodreads

X

Facebook

Beware of imitators.

Enjoyed the story?
Support the Creator.

Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.

Subscribe For FreePledge Your Support

Reader insights

Nice work

Very well written. Keep up the good work!

Add your insights

Comments (12)

  • Sweileh 88825 days ago

    Interesting and delicious content. Keep posting more

  • John Cox30 days ago

    They forgot to recon, the poor dead lubbers. Excellent sea faring tale, Rachel! Makes we want to sing a sea shanty!

  • Shirley Belkabout a month ago

    Somebody is eating well, it seems :)

  • Caroline Cravenabout a month ago

    Yikes! I’m guessing the message here is to stick with rum and biscuits! Great story Rachel!

  • Donna Fox (HKB)about a month ago

    Well that was certainly unexpected!! Great work here Rachel!!

  • Andy Pottsabout a month ago

    Not-fast-enough food.

  • Gerard DiLeoabout a month ago

    Tabasco, anyone?

  • D.K. Shepardabout a month ago

    Well, something had a very successful hunt. Poor Bones!

  • Hannah Mooreabout a month ago

    We all knew it couldnt end well!

  • Cathy holmesabout a month ago

    And the tables turned. Oops.

  • Dharrsheena Raja Segarranabout a month ago

    Mmmm, that sure sounds like a delicious meal hehehehehehe

  • Katarzyna Popielabout a month ago

    Ooops...

Rachel DeemingWritten by Rachel Deeming

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.