It’s that time of the week again. Words. New words. And new prompts that will hopefully get you writers in the mood and will entertain the readers. Once again, I doubled up. Two birds and all that. #1lineWed theme is **ATTEMPT** and the #ThursdayThreads prompt was “By the end of the week.” I’ managing to sort of work in a semi-linear way with the current crop of prompts. While the scenes might not be “conjoined,” they are connected and in sequence. So that’s something, right? Anyway, I think this scene is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a follow-on to some previous snippets.
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The Barbary falcon circled overhead. Duke snapped to attention before Golda’s sharp cry faded into the normal forest sounds. He motioned with his hand. The older kids, Meg, and Petro herded the younger ones toward the edge of the clearing. Uri and his dog, Moshe, slipped into the clearing to stand guard in front of the kids.

Branches snapped then a whistle wafted on the breeze. Yeva, the young Ukrainian soldier stood. “It is okay,” he said. “That’s one of our signals.”

No one moved. Three men paused on the far side of the clearing. The one in the center surveyed the rough encampment. Yeva spoke rapidly in his native language and even Petro came to attention.
Before anyone could attempt to grab her, Galyna popped up and dashed toward the man. Her round face and almond-shaped eyes were alight with joy. The Ukrainian commander seemed as shocked as everyone else when she slammed into his legs and wrapped her arms around him.

“Vadim!” The little girl shouted his name, her joy boundless.

“Vadim,” several of the children whispered, their expressions full of surprise, awe, and total delight.

Meg glanced to Petro for clarification.

“Vadim Skrypka,” Petro said, his voice reverent. “He is a big star. A rock star. He sings. He acts. And now he commands, like our president.”

Vadim, still a bit bemused but recognizing her condition, ruffled Galyna’s hair. Then he dropped to one knee and hugged her. “You will be safe by the end of the week.” He looked at Duke, who nodded.
“They’ll all be safe,” Duke promised. “And they’ll be joining the little ones we were able to fly out.”
“We will talk before I go.” Vadim’s tone offered quiet command but also respect.

Duke nodded and backed away as the kids swarmed the man. Meg appeared with a black Sharpie and for the next ten minutes, the rock star acted like what he’d been before the horrors the war rained down on Ukraine. He signed shirts, backpacks, bandannas, whatever the kids handed him. He spoke to each one, learned their names and their stories. He shook Petro’s hand then hugged him tightly, whispering something in the other man’s ear. He kissed Meg on both cheeks and hugged her so hard, he lifted her off the ground.

The Hard Target team exchanged amused glances at the very wolfish growl rumbling in Kin’s chest. Dalton laughed out loud when Loch swiped a slap across the back of Kin’s head, muttering, “Sit. Stay.” Which earned him a growl.
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And there you have today’s addition to the edition. Writers, will you attempt to share what you hope to write by the end of the week? Readers, what are you attempting to do by the same “deadline?” 😉