I looked at the flotilla surrounding me with insouciance. They had come from across the globe to capture me, and had taken me by surprise.
The mistake was mine, of course. I should not have saved that shipwrecked mariner’s life. I had made him promise that he would not reveal my existence or location to anyone, but the promises of humans are notoriously fickle.
I looked around for any avenues of escape. But there were none. Every inch of the lake was blocked. The decks of their ships were lined with mercenaries armed with tranquilizer guns and nets. They knew I was dangerous, but they also knew that I couldn’t fly.
But what they did not know was that I did not need to fly, for I had my trusted carrier Jonko with me. And just a few seconds later, all those humans could do was to fret and fume, as they saw their prey, the mythical Loch Ness Monster, escaping their dragnet once again, this time on the back of a common crane.
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174 words.
Written as a part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, hosted by Priceless Joy. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story in 175 words or less, based on the weekly photo prompt. For more information visit HERE.
To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
jagahdilmein 
Seeing the picture, I figured the crane had to do something in the story. Carry off the Loch Ness monster, though . . . wow, strong crane!
Much underestimated, and underappreciated, these cranes 🙂
Nice mythological mash-up!
Thanks Iain
Hahahaha! So glad they didn’t capture the Loch Ness Monster. I like having him as a myth. Great story!
Thank you so much Priceless Joy.
Once ‘I believe’ I saw the shadow of the Lock Ness Monster. Your story has reminded me of that starlit night. Now I have a need to pick up a pen and put it to paper.
Please do. We’ve been to the Loch Ness, but all we have to show for it is a Nessie soft toy.
A powerful bird with much ability. He reminds me much of the poem/story “The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner.” I think that’s what you were spired by but I also like the introduction of the Loch Ness monster. Interesting piece for sure 🙂
Thank you so much Mandibelle.
You’re welcome!
Fascinating premise! Love the humor of Nessie escaping on the back of the bird!
Thank you so much.