Monthly Writing Prompt Challenge #10 – Sword

Okay, things got a little out of control with Dragonslumber spanning two (okay, almost three) months, but we are now back to one short story a month. My October prompt word is ‘Sword’. My husband gave me the word so I’d be doing my own version of Swordtember, a challenge where people draw themed swords. I ended up expanding the title to ‘The Ethical Sword’, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.

Well, maybe happy is a bit of a strong word. It is another pretty disturbing story, where I’ve taken the idea of a magical talking sword and given it a science fiction twist. Basically, instead of being cursed, my ethical sword is a fascist. Despite the horrific nature of the story, this one doesn’t have the same hopelessness as some of my others. This type of propaganda can be defeated. First though, we need to learn to recognise it.

Also, I think this is the best cover I’ve done so far.

The Cover of 'The Ethical Sword' by Jayde Holmes. A hand-drawn picture of a double-edged sword with en elaborate handle covered in red crystals. There is a skull emblem near the top of the handguard. There is also a speaker on the pommel. Red veins run up the blade.
In the background is the planet Pluto done in watercolour pencils. The title and author's name are written in glowing red letters above and below the planet.

2026 Monthly Story Challenge #10 (Sword)

The Ethical Sword (Wordcount 2949)

By Jayde Holmes

cw: Suicide, child death, propaganda, brainwashing, war crimes, implied ableism and queerphobia, very offensive language

I am an ethical sword.

My double-edged blade slices through flesh both living and dead, unimpeded by my inbuilt nano-emitters. The nanites I inject release a lethal poison and fully scan the target’s DNA and brain in seconds then transmit a digital copy to my server. That’s what all the red crystalline structures around the hilt and handguard are; super-fast processing, and unbelievable storage.

Look, there’s even crystalline veins running up my blade to connect with my nano-emitters. Doesn’t that look awesome? And what the spikes around the handguard emblem? I’m not just here to keep you sane while you defend our planet; we’re gonna look cool while we fight.

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I’ve been dealing with some heavy topics lately. Next month’s prompt is ‘Compassion’, and I’m once again hoping to write something a little happier.

I’m so happy to have made it to October with this challenge. It has taken over, but I feel so good about how much I’ve been writing. I’ll miss the monthly stories next year, and I hope I can do something special for the last two.

~ Jayde