Animation

Animation

The gnarled hands danced in and out of the shadows cast by the flickering candles. Aged and spotted, they nonetheless worked quickly and surely as they wove the straw into a crude figure of a man.

A hoarse whisper emanated from the darkness, broken only by two glittering orbs. "Erzulie Freda

a "loa" or lesser deity in Voodoo.

, I call upon you for your help. Breathe the spirit of life into this humble creation. Papa Legba

the guardian of the crossroads between death and life.

I ask that you share a soul to animate my chalimo poupe

straw doll

."

Ma-tante

Auntie or old woman

Agata leaned back into the light. "Almost finished, poupe," she crooned.

Searching the small pile of materials she had assembled, she carefully extracted a few small shells which she wove into the cheeks of the effigy. Almost without looking, she pulled a sliver of bull's horn and, with a small smile, completed her work.

"There you are, petite Misiye

little Mister

," she said with a gap-toothed smile.

A knock on the hut's door broke her reverie.

"Ma-tante?" a soft voice called.

"Come in, come in. I've just finished."

A well-dressed lady entered, her eyes scanning the room before alighting on the straw figure that lay upon the table. Reaching into her purse, she produced several gold coins.

"Are you sure it will do my bidding?" she asked, handing over the money.

"Oh yes, my dear. Don't let its appearance fool you. It is human in its abilities. But be forewarned – the loa do not have patience. The spell will only last for 24 hours."

With utmost care, she handed over the doll. As it lay in the woman's hand, a small burst of air caused it to jump, followed by a fetid odor.

"Did it just ...?" the woman began.

With a cackle, Agata said, "Why of course. To air is human, nes pas?"


Notes:
An entry for the 2/26/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: straw, shell, horn

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 294

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken