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101 Words

101 Word Short Stories

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Sword to a Lord

January 4, 2026 2 Comments

By Harry Peat

I take her frail hand, smile with all the strength of a wet biscuit, and try to speak. My voice will not come. The whole congregation, my family on the East pews, hers on the West, stare at us silently, reluctant to draw breath lest the sound give me the courage to turn tail and run. The cold green eyes of my would-be bride plead for an answer. My heart pleads for the opposite.

I think to myself, You’ll no longer be a soldier. You’ll be a lord. You can actually make a difference.

If you would only say two words.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sue says

    January 6, 2026 at 3:00 pm

    Thought provoking.

    Reply
  2. David says

    January 6, 2026 at 11:48 pm

    Brought back memories.

    Reply

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