Author D.L. Finn offers a creative writing prompt each month and I’m happy to be able to participate this month! I fell in love with this magical image. I hope you like my offering!

SILENT SENTINEL
He sits, never moving, this ancient sentinel who keeps watch over the magical forest and the fairies who make it their home. Many centuries past, a wizard cursed him, transforming him into a grotesque tree stump and sentencing him to life of imprisonment. The wizard departed with a final warning to guard the rare treasure beneath his roots.
Nothing can break the curse and moss grows around the stump’s forehead giving him an even more ominous appearance. But the fairies know his true heart and that he will not harm them. So, they make their beds in the shelter of his ever watchful gaze each night.
On special occasions, they light candles and fly in circles around him, caressing him with their lighted wings. And when intruders with evil intentions dare to enter into the realm, the sentinel lets out a magnificent roar that sends them scrambling.
Protecting the magical forest fairy friends is his mission, his purpose for existing. And no one will destroy it. Oh, and he mustn’t forget the treasure he is bound to keep safe.
One bright day on the eve of the Summer Solstice, the matriarch queen of the fairies pays her charges an unprecedented visit. When she alights atop the silent sentinel, he quivers in response to her powerful magic.
“What is it, my dear and trusted friend?” She listens with her inner knowing for his reply. “You want to live as a human again but are bound by duty to protect the forest fairy tribe?”
She waits for his silent reply. “You doubt there is any magic strong enough to reverse the wizard’s spell?” She flutters her wings and bows her regal head. “Do you trust me?”
Again, she listens with her inner ears for his reply and when it comes, she raises her tiny wand, sprinkling rare and magic infused fairy dust over him. Slowly, with labored movement and grunts and groans, he sheds his grotesque prison and morphs into human form. Tears stream down his wrinkled face and he struggles to stand on wobbly legs that have been dormant for centuries. The tiny fairies join hands and dance around him.
“I will not abandon my post,” he finally says in a gravelly voice.
“If you wish to remain here, and continue watching over my fairy tribe, I will provide you with all you need.”
He stammers. “What about the treasure I was ordered to guard?”
She lets out a melodious laugh. “Oh, my dear friend. There was never any treasure. It was a trick to keep you rooted.”
**Thank you for reading. I think sometimes in life, we get rooted in beliefs that keep us from really experiencing the wonders around us. Here’s to breaking free**
If you wish to participate in Denise’s challenge or just read all the contributions, follow this link: https://dlfinnauthor.com/2025/06/10/creativeperspectivechallenge-six-writingcommunity-poetry-flashfiction/
What a marvellous take on this prompt. I love it and the lesson it relays.
Thank you so much, Darlene!
I love it. There is a stump character in my space trilogy, but I can’t seem to finish it.
Hmm, it will come to you, I’m sure. Thanks so much for stopping by, Craig.
Hi Jan, this is a lovely story. A bit like a fable with its moral.
Thank you, Robbie. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Denise’s story is fascinating, Jan, and it’s great that you shared it.
Thanks, Tim. This was my story, but Denise has one on her blog site that is fabulous!
Somehow I missed that it was Denise’s writing prompt.
Oh. Sorry for the misunderstanding, Jan.
Your words fit him perfectly. I saw a few other entries into this prompt. It’s a good one.
Thank you SO much, Jacqui! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
A terrific story, Jan. You are so right about being rooted in our own beliefs and missing other wonders.
Thank you, John. We all get so much wiser as we age, don’t we? I appreciate your comment!
Great response to the prompt, Jan. That was a fun read!
Thanks so much, Priscilla! I’m happy you enjoyed it!
Love this, Jan! It had so many layers and so happy he was freed! Fantastic take on this and thank you for participating. Will add you to the post. Xo
Thank you, Denise. Again, my apologies for missing the deadline. 🙂
No worries, just happy you were able to participate! Xo
Love the photo, an the story fits it perfectly, Jan. Yay for his freedom at the end!
Thanks, Teri! I’m happy you stopped by!
Lovely. I’m glad the queen freed him:)
Sandra
Me too, Sandra! Thanks for visiting!
A wonderful story with a valuable message at the end, Jan. Great take on the image, and I’m glad he was freed at last. 💞
A lovely story, Jan. It reads like a magical bedtime story for little ones who believe in fairies. A great image from Denise too!