This was originally posted on blackanddarknight.wordpress.com on September 9, 2011.

This was written for one of the rounds of (sadly now defunct) Writer’s Platform Building Campaign. There were challenges issued throughout the campaign, and the prompts for this particular one were to begin the story with “The door swung open” and to end with “The door swung shut” while keeping it under 200 words.

The door swung open.  Seth concentrated, focusing on the energy around him and in him.  The door flickered as his grasp on it wavered.  A hand landed on his shoulder.  Seth jumped, and the door almost vanished, but not quite.

“You’re trying too hard,” the voice was deep and almost ominous.

“I’m sorry, Father Time,” Seth was finally able to speak and at least maintain the connection at the same time.  Constructing gateways was not easy at all.

“Trust me,” Father Time instructed, “Trust that I control the energy.  I have given you the ability, but trust that I manage it for you.”

Seth took a deep breath.  With the air came energy, filling his lungs, then his blood, and then traveling to his hands.  Holding them palm side up, he saw the door frame resting on them.  Father Time’s hand was still on his shoulder, and the energy flowed between them and the gateway.

The doorway solidified, and for just a brief moment in time, Seth saw his ancestral home, bathed in the midnight moon.

“Now close it,” Father Time commanded.

Seth took a deep breath.  Air became energy, and became a solid door.  It shimmered.  The door swung shut.

Hope you enjoyed it!