Finish the story begins with: “The house of Don Francisco sat in a remote part of the desert.”
It was a place that when you saw it you knew where his allegiances lay. The fortifications stood out as a long time reminder of his disputes with neighbours, the government and anyone else he didn’t see eye to eye with.
Underneath the gruff exterior there did lay a kind and gentle man, stubborn when pushed but a man of principles and at time breathtaking benevolence.
Many a lost desert traveller had found sanctuary at his home.
Now some twenty years after his passing I looked at the rundown state of this once majestic home and wondered what Dom Francisco might say of its present state. Where once music and joy had filled the air, now the hot biting wind and creeping vegetation were the only evidence of life.
Written for: http://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/2014/12/29/mondays-finish-the-story-december-29th-2014/
Morpethroad 
I like the way you developed such a distinct mood in this piece. The reader gets a feel for the Don despite the sketchy nature of a 150 word Flash. Well done.
Thank you so much Mara. I bought one of your novels to read.
Oh! That makes me feel so good–I hope you enjoy it. I’m working hard to get my third one out, but the holidays has slowed me down. I think there’s something about too much candy and eggnog that dulls my senses and slows my fingers. You?
Well it is that time of year though in my part of the world is a hot summers day. I am being lazy and trying to keep cool. I look forward to reading your novel. I do admire people who can write them, I seem to have such a short attention span when it comes to lengthy writing. Best wishes for your new novel and for 2015.
Looks like a fortress that Al would have hidden in. Nice interpretation of his life my friend.
Thank you Jenny, hope you have a good new years eve.
Thank you my friend tis a quiet one expected. 😊
Same here.
We are getting ‘old’ remember 😛
Speak for yourself old friend.
Wonderful description of a person Michael, I wonder what the world would look like with more persons like him.. Many wishes for a happy new year.
Thanks so much Bjorn, hope yours is a good one too.
Summer, Marvelous descriptions that placed me on the scene. I felt almost as if I’d known the Don of your story. This was a lot to include in just 100 words. So well written. Happy Holidays! 🙂 — Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne I appreciate your lovely comment. Best wishes for 2015. Michael
A great description of the man, and a wonderful finish to the story! Thank you for taking part again, and stay tuned for next week’s challenge! Happy new year to you and may it be a year filled with good health and happiness! ^..^
Thanks Barb, my best wishes to you for 2015. Michael
A gentleman in every sense of the word ~I was very impressed with the wonderful descriptive background to this ~ 🙂
Thanks so much John, best wishes for 2015.
It doesn’t take long for the desert to reclaim the land. I love your description of Francisco – angry and confrontational, yet caring too.