Friday, September 19, 2025

Falcon Fever: Mysterious Photograph #5


 

My fourth entry into Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine's Mysterious Photograph contest. Yes, it won nothing.  I have no idea what that bird is.  Probably not a falcon.  But it fit the story I wanted to write.  That's me - always on the edge, always taking chances.


Falcon Fever

 

My dearest Dulyngia,

            I pray this message finds you. I know that Flash has been trained primarily to hunt, but since you sent him to me, I have confidence he will return to you. Please forgive the dampness of the note. I hope it is still legible.

            No, things are not well here in Midgar. The Grim Plague is spreading faster every day. My beloved mother passed two days ago, my father last night. It’s not pleasant. The sweats, the vomits, the sloughing off of flesh; ‘tis a nightmare I wish I could forget.

            It starts with a fever and a lack of appetite. I have a fever. I no longer wish to eat. I fear you may never see me again.

            Our physicians have discovered the source, but it is too late. Once introduced into the water system, it spreads quickly. You don’t even need to drink it. Contact alone will start it. And then it carries from person to person.

            How did it get into our water system? We believe a foreign agent planted it. We recently had a visit from a delegation from your Kingdom, including your brother, Ranaldo.

            Falcons appear to be immune. That is how I can send you this special present, which I pray will spread throughout the land. If you’re reading this, it is already too late.

            I will not see you again in this world. I hope you will join me soon in another.

Your loving companion in hell,

Infortuno

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