It’s time for this week’s Song Title Challenge.

Write a short piece of fiction, around 300 words, using the song title as your story title but don’t listen to the song. You can pick your own genre or use the one suggested to me. Remember to link back to this post so I can find yours.

If you would like to suggest a song title for a future post, you can do so from the challenge page. You can also leave a suggestion on the Facebook page.

This week’s song is Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips and was suggested by bumblepuppies. Genre is Sci-Fi/Fantasy.

Midnight Train to Georgia

“Ticket, please, madam.”

I gestured to the opposite berth without looking around – the moonlit landscape outside the window was much more pleasing to look at than what was behind me. I heard the snip of the ticket punch.

“Would Madam be requiring any refreshment for the journey?”

I smiled out the window. “I had a snack before boarding. All I require is privacy.”

“Very well, Madam. Another passenger had been enquiring after Madam…”

At this I did look around. The creature stepped back and bumped his head on the door frame. “Passenger?” I said.

He avoided my gaze. “A human, Madam.”

“I trust you said nothing?”

“Of course, Madam.”

I nodded and turned my back on him. I opened the window and took a deep breath as the fresh air blew the ghoul’s stench from the compartment.

A human passenger asking after me. It could only be the wizard – I knew no other mortal foolish enough to knowingly board the midnight train to Georgia. It seemed he was more resourceful than I gave him credit for.

The rhythmic click-clack of the wheels on the rails must have lulled me to sleep, for the next moment he was seated across from me.

“Evening, Lucretia,” he said.

It took all my control not to leap for his throat. “Wizard. But for the rules of safe passage you would be dead now. This is a private compartment.”

“I know.” He rose from his seat. “I just wanted you to know I’m here.” He left.

I waited until I was sure he had left the carriage, then tugged on the bell-pull by the door. The ghoul appeared moments later.

“I think I’ll have some refreshment after all,” I said.

“Very well, Madam.”

I hoped it would come quickly. My fangs were itching to bite something.