March 26, 2017 · 9:18 am
There was certainly an impressive audience for whatever was to happen. No one knew what the two men in the middle of the square were trying to do. Some people said it was magic, certainly the way the two men were carefully tending a fire under a huge paper bag looked diabolical.
The bag was filling with smoke, and it was moving!, perhaps there was a demon in the bag.
One of the men called to the other, a rope was cut – somebody screamed and fainted as bag rose above the crowd!
The conquest of the air had begun.
In 1783 the Montgolfier brothers launched their first balloon from a square in Paris.
This is in response to Charlie Mills flash fiction challenge, in 99 words (no more, no less) write a story including an audience. Hope you enjoy it.
The Curious Archaeologist 
I certainly did sir 🤗
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For some reason I cannot link from this page to Charli Mills site, who created the challenge. Here is the link https://carrotranch.com/2017/03/24/march-23-flash-fiction-challenge-2/
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Loved this one Gordon. Imagine the thrill of the audience! Also made me think of Richard Holmes magnificent history of science in the Romantic Age, The Age of Wonder. He gives over an entire section of the book to the conquest of the air with the first air balloons.
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a blog full of hot air – who would have thought it?
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This is great, Gordon. A fabulous take on the prompt. 🙂
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What a great description, Gordon! It must have looked like a paper bag carrying away two men. Demon’s breath! You have such a gift for bringing historical moments to the present.
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Loved it! You captured an important moment in the history of science. Glad to find another historical flash fiction writer:)
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