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- The Paranoia Prize by Gregg Norman July 26, 2024
- Thorns in the Water by Mark Manifesto July 26, 2024
- Woe by Kevin Kopp July 22, 2024
- The Curse of the Ebon Maw Chapter Twelve by A.S. Raithe July 21, 2024
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Category Archives: Fantasy
The Curse of the Ebon Maw Chapter Twelve by A.S. Raithe
Read Previous Chapters. “Why are we awake again?” Norm grumbled as he staggered down the dock. Echo huffed. “For the hundredth time, we’ve a lead on the Hunger’s source.” He rolled his eyes. “Because I’m so sure a killer plague … Continue reading
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Episode 76: Gretchen: An Impromptu Ally by Jim Davies
Waffles stopped, panting heavily. The wolf was seconds away, now. Eve and I looked at each other in terror and confusion. Dichall stood on Waffles’s head and addressed the ogre that stood in the snowy street before us. “Would you … Continue reading
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The Day I Met Miss Fortune Pt. 2: In the Care of the Aeaean by Henry Young
Read Part 1 There must be a law decreed by the gods that the longer you wait to do something, the harder it is to start it. My body needed time to recover, sure. But once I had decided to … Continue reading
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The Curse of the Ebon Maw Chapter Eleven by A. S. Raithe
Mira’s feathers fluffed. Cocking her head at the curious feline, her lips moved wordlessly. Echo knelt next to her, studying the ginger tabby. “Everyone heard that, right?” Healer managed. Both zephyrni nodded. “Oh thank gods,” Norm muttered. “I was worried … Continue reading
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Frost Lily Part 2 by Andrew Johnston
The scroll was crisp and thick within her hand. Flor hadn’t noticed upon approach to receive it, but each scroll possessed several pages. She held it tight, deciding not to peer back to the recruits. They would wait. A wait … Continue reading
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The Day I Met Miss Fortune by Henry Young
When I came to, my muscles seized in pain and my head throbbed. Looking around, I couldn’t see much. The murky darkness made it difficult to see anything, but I could hear the lapping of broken waves against hard rock, … Continue reading
The Rusted Chain by Mintako Datti
Ferda had never liked the sea. She had always had a fear of the unknown, despised how helpless it made her, how much more powerful it was. How it contained vast power and infinite secrets. All these thoughts passed through … Continue reading
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The Curse of the Ebon Maw Chapter Five by A.S. Raithe
Wings tucked in the dive position, Mira sliced through the air. The air licking her face was like sandpaper, but it was the furthest thing from her mind. Her nerves were on fire from the insistent flashing of the pendant. … Continue reading
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The Curse of the Ebon Maw Chapter Four by A. S. Raithe
An ashen faced and trembling Norm kissed the ground outside Narsis’ shop. Mira tugged at her ear as she opened and closed her mouth to pop it. It was going to be a while before she’d be able to hear … Continue reading
Aisling’s Bargain: Part 4 by Mason Kennedy
It was dark now, the sun long since set. Insects flitted the remaining torch lights, two of which were lit outside of the Town Hall. “What the hell is this?” cried Ossian Flanigan, the community elder and as close … Continue reading
Aisling’s Bargain: Part 3 by Mason Kennedy
“What are you?” Aisling asked the unfurling coil of shadow, which was taking the shape of a person within her room. Aisling’s room was utilitarian and rough, but comfortable. Her bed was made of … Continue reading
Aisling’s Bargain: Part 2 by Mason Kennedy
“Aisling, girl, go meet Quinn. He should be here any time,” a mountain of a man called from the front of a roaring oven. The shop smelled of warmth, wood, and bread. The man had … Continue reading
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The Dark Flowering by Edward Ahern
Malame, a year past sprouting groin hair, was tall for his age, and thin. Old enough to work the plow horse and tend crops for his family. And to bring a sack of wheat to market to barter for other … Continue reading
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Aisling’s Bargain: Part 1 by Mason Kennedy
The early morning in Eskcot was synonymous with the rise of a pale and flickering sun, hidden behind dew-strewn hills and seaside foamy rocks. The light of the day was hazy, burning away the last … Continue reading
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Rexwood Rings
by Casey Shelley Being an only child is a complex burden to bear. As the keeper of all heirlooms, traditions and long-standing legacies, there is no room for error. Landon understood at a young age that being the youngest surviving … Continue reading
The Birds and Bees
by Ray Zacek The highland community of Ceridwen nestled beneath a V-shaped cleft in the pine-clad mountains, walled and gated and safe. Seen from afar, Ceridwen presented a beehive cluster of green tile roofs and ochre walls. An array of … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Horror
Tagged birds and the bees, fantasy, horror, Ray Zacek, short story
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Gretchen: The Evil Girlfriend
Jim Davies I peeked over Eve and Dichall’s heads and watched Josh open his door to the supposed terror that his sister Morgan was so worried about. Emerson climbed atop my head to look, too. A beautiful young woman, who looked … Continue reading
Episode 60: Eve: Boundaries
Episode 60: Eve: Boundaries Jim Davies I jumped down to my companions, the smell of cat looming. “Back on the shelf! The cat’s coming!” I shoved Dichall toward escape, grabbed Gretchen’s paw and dragged her with … Continue reading
Trial of the Wizard King by Chad Corrie
Trial of the Wizard King by Chad Corrie is the second book in the Wizard King series. I am reading the first two books back-to-back which is a privilege I have rarely enjoyed of the past 10+ years of writing … Continue reading
Posted in Book Review, Fantasy
Tagged Altered Reality Magazine, Book Review, fantasy, Trilogy
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A Nation Returns to Greatness
by Alaric DeArment The prisoners were each fastened to one of the poles, the bells rang another three times, and the crowd cheered again. The church doors opened, and a procession of 12 priests in blue cassocks emerged, led by … Continue reading
Episode 59: Gretchen: An Unlocked Smartphone
I had been using cell phones ever since my time in Hamburg with the Rat der Mäuse. From the look on Dichall’s face I could tell that using them was fairly new to him, and Eve, being not so long … Continue reading
Naivety’s Price
Sunar didn’t have to wait, his ‘ride’ appeared in the cargo hold moments after they walked in. They all exchanged the minimum of words, Sunar put his hand on the Wizard’s shoulder, and found himself standing in Master Ikthan’s private … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Serials
Tagged dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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The Message by Jennifer Walker
The Message Jennifer Walker In the great hall of the palace of Poseidon the merpeople of Atlantis waited for their Queen to speak. To her right floated her daughter Nerissa, an unusually thick mermaid the shape of a small orca. … Continue reading
Change of Heart
by Alaric DeArment I went back to sitting on the couch and staring at the ceiling for what felt like another hour before I heard the three come out of the office, not bothering to look behind me as they … Continue reading
Summer Child
Sunar sat in the medbay of the ship he’d served on for the last few months and relayed the story of his run-in with Bobby Finkle, his gang, the police chief, how that led him to her door, and rounded … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Episode 57: Eve: A Sparrow in Human Clothing
“So. Micean Council.” The crow gestured with her beak at my red bead necklace. “I see you brought some muscle with you—a Pomeranian!” She cackled with laughter. “Go lay an egg!” Waffles barked. Dichall stood up on the dog’s back … Continue reading
Oh, Those Entitled Dragon Riders by Ekaterina Pushnaya
Oh, Those Entitled Dragon Riders Ekaterina Pushnaya I still vividly remember how we first brought Ligery into the house. He was barely the size of a dog, and he immediately hid under the couch. If you ever owned a pet, … Continue reading
Dragon Parleyer by K. A. Williams
Dragon Parleyer K. A. Williams “Rumor is that a dragon is terrorizing your village,” I said. “You’re not a knight, you’re not even a man. What could you do?” The elder regarded me with a scornful expression as he turned … Continue reading
Welcome to Stagno
by Alaric DeArment From reading uncensored history books while traveling abroad, Amadeo learned that Stagno and the other merchant republics had long served as a buffer between two great powers: Lotharingia, which stretched from the Baltic Sea to the Alps … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged alric, amadeo, dearment, italy, stagno
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Episode 56: Eve: Stowaways
I opened my eyes to see the dog with a piece of pizza crust on the floor in front of him. “Thanks, Waffles!” Gretchen jumped down and ran to the crust, then began ripping pieces for our breakfast. We stuffed … Continue reading
Long Distance
Captain Pora Hairfoot looked at the half-dragon monk who had been such a lucrative – and entertaining – deck-hand for the last several months, and sighed. Yep, as soon as a monk starts acting a little strangely they end up … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Captain’s Eyes
Captain Pora Hairfoot looked up at her half-dragon deckhand and felt a frown pull at the corner of her lips as Sunar did a slow-blink when she told him that someone was going to the expense of keeping an interstellar … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Episode 55: Eve: Recruiting Waffles
Dichall, Gretchen and I leapt down from the high tower, safely landing in the snow. We found a gull picking through a discarded food container. Dichall held out his red bead necklace. “Hello there.” The gull pulled her head out … Continue reading
Piece of Eight
by Alaric DeArment A thud at the door meant the paperboy was late again. I opened it and picked up the rolled-up copy of The Seattle Times, sliding the rubber band off and unfurling it on the coffee table as … Continue reading
Episode 54: Eve: An Empty Storehouse
The growing stench of charred paper filled the air as we approached the library. We walked in to find scattered, burned pieces of paper on the floor, and a few exhausted mice trying to clean up the mess. A black … Continue reading
Once Again
Sunar suppressed a sigh as several armed people stepped into the hallway both before and behind him. He stood there and shook his head. “This seems like a lot of trouble to go to just to rob a random spacer.” … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged ambush, dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, spacer, sunar
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A Portal to Remember by Shauna Checkley
A Portal to Remember Shauna Checkley Staring into the dazzling display which was like Canada Day and Mardi Gras and Carnival all in one, the two strangers stood utterly transfixed! “What is th-that?” Sarah’s mouth was shaped like the letter … Continue reading
Eve: Something Rotten at the Council
Vivian went very still. “I don’t want to go home. I want to be a big girl.” “But Miss Magnitrude is a…” How do I say this? “Well, she’s a monster. She only looks like a woman.” Vivian fussed over … Continue reading
Amadeo’s Real Aims
by Alaric DeArment Amadeo Darsa stuck his foot in the door as I tried to slam it shut in the hope of giving myself a few seconds to run to the kitchen and grab a knife, assuming a primitive kitchen … Continue reading
Seven Year Monsoon by H.T. Grossen
Seven Year Monsoon H.T. Grossen Margot had missed the sun. She leaned her forehead miserably against one of the few above-ground windows, staring into the tumult of writhing grey plants: ever growing to be ever crushed under the torrential downpours … Continue reading
History repeats
Four worlds in as many weeks. I do think I signed on to the right ship if I want to see the Empire. Or, every Second Street in it, anyway. Sunar looked around himself at the street full of bars … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, New, Science Fiction
Tagged ambush, bar, dragon, fearadhach, fight, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Final Justice
Dogs and timber wolves howled and bayed, after the battered Ottfly’s disappeared into the wilderness. But good spirits and joyous humor soon faded… replaced with reality. Omar strode towards Shocka Din, who, with Hanna at his side, started his way. … Continue reading
Episode 52: Eve: Trapped Girl
Waffles slipped silently behind and then past Gombree until we were out of sight. Although the building consisted of a continuous spiral floor going all the way up, it had been divided into a series of room-like spaces, some separated … Continue reading
Can’t Hide
Sunar sat and looked down at the glass before him while trying to blink away a slight drink-induced haze. His buddies had already won twice, betting that he could drink someone under the table. Then, while he cleared the effects … Continue reading
Episode 51: Eve: Magnitrude
Waffles walked forward and onto the window. We all looked down (to us) which was actually sideways (to the rest of the world) at the wall of the building next door. “Well that’s disorienting.” I twisted my head to see … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged davies, eve, frog, jim, magnitrude, monster, pixiedrowner, waffles
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Terms Apply by Max Christopher
Terms Apply Max Christopher I picked up this year’s free car today, regretting my decision to walk the six blocks to the dealership. Horrible biped dogs leaned in doorways, wagging their tails listlessly when a person walked by. Seeing them … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged christopher, dog, dogman, man, max, terms
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Episode 50: Eve: The Twisted Tower
I frantically looked around for a place for us to escape to. There! I yanked on Waffle’s ear, and pointed at a set of panels barricading a storage area under a building. “Look!” I don’t know if Waffles could see … Continue reading
Episode Sixteen – The Battle
Shocka Din ambled away from King Cat Sateer in deep thought, then picked up speed to a relaxed trot. Sateer says there’s dangers I can’t imagine here. This is one creepy place, but somethin’ is keepin’ me here. Should have … Continue reading
Shore Leave
Sunar had planned to spend the day at a handful of tourist spots within the city, visit one of the local weapons shops to check out a ‘virtual target practice system’ that claimed to be an excellent way to practice … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction
Tagged bar, crawl, dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Episode 10: A Familiar Face
Fragrant smoke wafted over Cole as he sat cross-legged by the crackling brushwood fire. He warmed his palms against the flames and rested his uneasy gaze on the lip of the ravine. Above, the stars turned slowly across the darkened … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged casey, cole, elanor, pactkeeper, roawn
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The Ring Reclaimed by Jeffrey Greene
The Ring Reclaimed Jeffrey Greene On a rainy October evening more than twenty years ago, two hikers traveling in opposite directions on the Appalachian Trail in northern Georgia stopped for the night in one of those doorless log shelters provided … Continue reading
Episode 49: Eve: The Brutish Dog
Gretchen blinked up at me from out of the floof. “Do you see something?” “No, everything looks the same. But that bird was talking nonsense.” Gretchen crawled up next to me, Emerson fluttering on her shoulder. She looked up at … Continue reading
Umbrella Tree by John C. Mannone
Umbrella Tree John C. Mannone a cleave poem
Flash Party
Click, click, clickitty-clickitty-click. The keys on the antique styled keyboard made a satisfying, almost hypnotic sound as he typed. Some of Sunar’s crewmates had given him a hard time when he’d salvaged the thing, but he’d always preferred a keyboard … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged captain, dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, space, sunar
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Episode 48 Eve: Drawings from a Missing Child
As the desk fell to the floor, Gretchen leaped to the safety on the bed, Emerson briefly taking flight before landing again on her head. The pencils went everywhere, and papers from inside the drawer fluttered out all around … Continue reading
Episode 15 – Something Crueler Coming our Way
Circling the timber wolves’ camp at a slow trot, Major Diggs countered their hisses and low growls with unflinching narrowed eyes and bared teeth. Time for Omar to put an end to this. He’s being too soft on ‘em. They’ll … Continue reading
Occupational Hazards by Oliver Anderson
Occupational Hazards Oliver Anderson In a just world, archaeology would be a boring profession, but sadly Eleanor did not live in a just world. She came to this conclusion while she was on expedition several miles below the surface of … Continue reading
The Higher We Rise, The Further We Fall by Melissa R. Mendelson
The Higher We Rise, The Further We Fall Melissa R. Mendelson Kicking at the dirt and leaves in front of him, Tommy trailed behind his friends, Billy and David. He paused for a moment to look back at the town. … Continue reading
Kertmag the Terrible by Julian Grant
Kertmag the Terrible Julian Grant Kertmag the Terrible leaned back in his well-worn armchair and popped up his large, bunny-clad feet. Not real bunnies, as he was Kertmag the Terrible and not Kertmag the Cruel or Unusually Vicious Towards Small … Continue reading
Only Time Will Tell by Stanlei Bellan
Only Time Will Tell Stanlei Bellan “Sorry, your honor. I was unwillingly delayed by some matter.” “You are here now, that is all that matters. Will you state your name for the record, please?” Lord Chance requested. “Wouldn’t you agree … Continue reading
Episode 14 – Dreams and Choices
“Glad they’re gonna spend some time with the females,” Thor grumbled as he and Bennie sauntered after Seers Rasta Mama and Great Dane Granny. “Yep,” Bennie woofed. “We can use a break. Especially if they keep getting those visions in … Continue reading
Episode Six: Mountain Valley
That night, Carrie and Garrett sat at the kitchen table whispering excitedly. Joyce had gone to bed, but they didn’t want her to hear them. “I just vanished?” Carrie asked, thinking hard. “Soon as you stepped forward into that misty … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged carrie, garrett, mountain, sme, snow, sphere
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Captain’s Cabin
Sunar gave another firm yank on the cord. It cleared whatever had snagged it and jerked in his hand. He had no trouble pulling it the rest of it out of the conduit to be rewarded by the sight of … Continue reading
Episode 47: Eve: Vivian’s Room
Gretchen proudly showed me and Dichall her moth, her eyes glistening with joy and pride. I stroked the new familiar’s back gently. “Emerson…She’s beautiful, Gretchen. Congratulations.” She held the moth close and whispered to it. “I’ll never let anything happen … Continue reading
Mother by Holden Zuras
Mother Holden Zuras What are we doing on this rock?” I asked, staring at the desolate wasteland. “Do you remember your mother, child?” Papa rolled his shoulders forward as he spoke. “What do you mean?” My childish excitement overpowered my … Continue reading
Episode 46: Eve: The Fire-Breathing Fox
The beast released a jet of smoky fire from the back of its throat. My back paws scrabbled on the wet stone. At the last second, friction took over and I jumped to the side then raced behind him, slashing … Continue reading
Episode Thirteen – Shocka Takes a Walk
Shocka Din’s long easy stride brought him closer to his destination sooner than expected. Might be foolish running around here by myself knowing a big ornery branch might womp me from behind or come at me from the front, or … Continue reading
The Legend of Scott and Zelda by Max Christopher
The Legend of Scott and Zelda Max Christopher After a while he said, “My dear, I wish you’d try to make more friends. Your birthday party guestlist is deary.” “I haven’t any friends,” she said. “How can you say that?” … Continue reading
Time for Everything by Stanlei Bellan
Time for Everything Stanlei Bellan “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1 “And what about above the heavens?” Little Jack was standing on his pew, raising his hand and speaking … Continue reading
Another Time by Stanlei Bellan
Another Time Stanlei Bellan Another minute, another jump. It’s been three minutes and Ollie still hasn’t woken up. Granted, he is extremely aware of his surroundings, and doesn’t feel like he’s dreaming at all, but it would be great if … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged bellan, clock, clockmaker, escape, ollie, stanlei, time, trapped
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Small Favors
Sunar blinked rapidly at the ship’s Captain, his hand still outstretched from shaking the man’s hand. Disappointment and irritation welled up inside him: the Captain intended to turn him away after all. The Human gave him a lopsided smile, however, … Continue reading
The Healer and the Dragon by K. A. Williams
The Healer and the Dragon K. A. Williams I woke up in the crook of the tall oak tree I had climbed last night when it grew dark. From my perch, I could see across the meadow and into the … Continue reading
Episode 45: Eve: Pananima
I climbed onto the dog’s head. “Waffles, when we get a ways in, you close your eye. I will steer you by touching your ears. I’ll tell you if you have to jump or if there is a stick in … Continue reading
Episode 9: Stranger in the Wilderness
The walls of the Splinter Rock shook, the ancient gatehouse of the mountain passes shuddering under a renewed assault. Cole felt the battlements quake beneath his feet. The catapult stones were not arcing in across the alpine valley anymore. Instead, … Continue reading
Episode Twelve – The Seers Mischief
Striding along, Omar Blue advanced on Shocka Din’s camp just in time to hear him blurting out orders to his followers. I wonder what happened to get him so riled. As he looked around to get a better idea of … Continue reading
The Awakening of The Empath by Patricia Anderson
The Awakening of The Empath Patricia Anderson The Empath had been summoned. Ordinarily responsive to appeals for her services, she had tried to evade this particular assignment. She wasn’t dressed well enough. She needed to meet her daughter’s school bus. … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged anderson, baby, death, empath, funeral, patricia
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At the Pool by Fred Nolan
At the Pool Fred Nolan Julian does not care for the men’s natatorium at Camden. Yet he paid for a membership and he is going to use it. He dislikes how boys chuckle about his swimwear, which runs from ankle … Continue reading
Episode Eleven – The Perils
“Kind of nice hanging around here like this, right Shocka? So peaceful.” “Never been no place like this, Hanna,” he snorted. Hanna watched as Shocka’s eyes darted from tree to tree. His eyes fell on a small creature that she … Continue reading
Episode 44: Eve: An Uneasy Alliance
My stomach sank. “What?!” Gregory nodded. “Ribeye had some deal with a faerie, looks like. was punished for his involvement. That’s how he lost his eye. Says here you can probably trust him.” He shrugged. I looked at Dichall, who … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged davies, dog, eve, fae, faerie, geopattern, jim, pixiedrowner, waffles, woods
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Space Bound
Sunar sat in the back of the unmarked police car and watched the city pass by. A heavy silence had descended as soon as they entered, and he felt no reason to break it. These two men seem to resent … Continue reading
Sadko by Edward Ahern
Sadko Edward Ahern This is a retelling of “Sadko” from Old Peter’s Russian Tales by Arthur Ransome, printed in the U.S. in the 1800’s. In the old days in Novgorod there was a boy named Sadko, strong, blue eyed and … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Folk Tales
Tagged ahern, arthur, ed, edward, ransome, sadko
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Witness Ejection
Sunar crossed his arms and quirked an eyebrow at the Chief of Police. “I am sure that your help in keeping me alive will come with a cost of some sort.” He drew his eyebrows together and leaned forward slightly. … Continue reading
The Wendigo by D.F. Heller
The Wendigo D.F. Heller Cassie sighed as she closed the book and scrubbed a hand across her face. Midnight had come, and it was past time to turn in. But she had not wanted to stop reading until she finished … Continue reading
43: Eve: A Visit to Gregory Bookkeeper
Gretchen turned back to Waffles Ribeye. “We are going to help you. We need to do some research, first, though. Where is your house?” “In Gatineau, 1210 Chemin de la Montagne. Near Pink Lake.” I knew roughly where that was. … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged bookkeeper, davies, Dichall, dog, eve, gregory, jim, pixiedrowner, ribeye, rules, waffles
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Episode 8: Yesteryear
When Cole opened his eyes, he was alone in the gorge. Getting to his feet, he steadied himself against the granite wall, then gasped. Thrace was missing from the spot where he had been pinned. It seemed like it had … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged casey, keeper, pact, rowan
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Death and Taxes by Crystal L. Kirkham
Death and Taxes Crystal L. Kirkham “Mr. Petrokovich?” “Who’s asking?” The old man grumbled as he glared through his coke bottle glasses at the dark hooded figure. “A friend.” “Somehow I doubt that.” Petrokovich waved his hand at the figure. … Continue reading
Neighborhood Watch by Crystal L. Kirkham
Neighborhood Watch Crystal L. Kirkham Marjorie was the neighborhood watch – that was the joke. She stuck her nose in everyone’s business. When Dave moved into town, she did her usual spying, but he remained a mystery. Desperate to know … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Horror
Tagged crystal, kirkham, monster, neighborhood, watch
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The Suspicious Widower by K. A. Williams
The Suspicious Widower K. A. Williams I awoke with a headache and soon discovered that I didn’t have any more chamomile to make a soothing tea. When I went outside to my garden, the plants were starting to wither from … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction
Tagged berry, black, blackberry, cliff, died, pushed, suspicious, widower, williams, woman
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Little and Clever by Ed Ahern
Little and Clever (A blending of Thumbling and The Robber Bridegroom from Grimm) Ed Ahern Once, really long ago, a farmer and his wife wanted to have a child. But no matter how they tried they remained childless. “A child, … Continue reading
Episode 42: Eve: Waffles Ribeye
Beatrice looked from me to Dichall. “There’s a Pomeranian you can talk to outside.” “Beatrice!” I felt like my grin was going to push my whiskers out. “I’m going to have a litter!” Beatrice’s single, brown eyebrow rose. “That’s wonderful! … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction
Tagged davies, dog, eve, jim, pixiedrowner, pomeranian, ribeye, waffles
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Episode Ten – The Seers Plan
“Wonder what they’re up to?” Bennie Ba yelped, ambling along. “Don’t know. Guess we’ll find out soon enough, though… Stay back, or they’ll see us!” Thor grunted. “We gotta be careful how we put it to him, Granny. You know … Continue reading
Episode 2: Icy Breeze
As Carrie pulled into the dirt driveway in front of the house, she glanced towards the horse barn. Off to the side she noticed a few fence posts down and cursed. She parked under the trees and quickly hauled her … Continue reading
Episode 7: The Duel
A bolt of raw brightness flashed across the permanent dusk of the drainage tunnel junction, illuminating Eleanor in its stark glow before silhouetting Thrace against the far wall. The renegade shielded his face against a spray of shattered masonry with … Continue reading
Existential by Mike Ball
Existential Mike Ball Evil casts its dark shadow everywhere. Don’t look behind you, you might bump into it. And so I did. ∞∞∞ It wasn’t a good time to be out: Two-forty in the morning. But here we get to … Continue reading
Arresting Development
Spring: six months after leaving the Monastery, half a world away. Sunar plugged his phone into the Bar’s recording equipment, made a quick copy of the files he needed, and then slipped out the back door. Dumping the thug on … Continue reading
Episode Nine – Contemplation
Omar sprawled out with his pack, recalling how they had dealt with the timber wolves. “Any of you notice, that Shocka didn’t have any females with ‘em? They split up! Sent his females to handle ours. Wish we were there … Continue reading
Episode 41: Eve: Evelyn Farseer
Evelyn Farseer looked at me levelly. The bee on her shoulder did, too. “Just checking in on a wounded colleague.” My gaze flicked into the room, but Dichall was not visible from my vantage point. “I think I can take … Continue reading
Waiting for Greatness by Emily E. Jones
Waiting for Greatness Emily E. Jones Haman scratched at his shaggy red beard, wincing as he stretched his legs under the desk. His knees were swollen and warm every morning. It used to only take one shot of rum to … Continue reading
Episode 6: To Stand Against the Throne
Under the blaze of the noon-time sun, they mingled with the throngs filling the road to Duke Henry’s castle, the Splinter Rock. Cole soaked in the sights and sounds of the busy route. All sorts crowded the winding mountain track … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged casey, cole, duke, eleanor, henry, keeper, pact, pactkeeper, rowan, thrace
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Episode Eight – The Arrival
The K-9 Town females were busy planning for the upcoming ceremony. The pairing of Wolf Bennie Ba and Wolfhound Winnie. Chihuahua Conchita frowned, feigning anger. “You’d think they’d be more interested. Paco says, they’ll be there when the time comes… … Continue reading
First Action
Spring: six months after leaving the Monastery, half a world away. Sunar leaned against the wall next to the door and watched a drunk stumble his way up to the bar. The human, one of the biggest he’d ever seen, … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged bar, bouncer, dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Episode 40: Eve: Coffee at Dawn
I woke from a haunted dream. Dichall and I were in the Insterstitium again, and the weir we’d used to get there turned out to be one-way. We were stuck there – scared, and hounded by faeries. We’d found a … Continue reading
Ikiryō by Jeremy Akel
Ikiryō Jeremy Akel She almost had the shape of it. The world, she knew, was a cruel and inhospitable place. She had never known anyone to offer her a kindness unbidden, and even when the formalities were met, and the … Continue reading
The Toymaker by Jeremy Akel
The Toymaker Jeremy Akel Once, long ago in an antique land, a toymaker, by nature a practical man, took it upon himself to fashion a doll, for his beloved daughter Anna. But not just any doll; for this was to … Continue reading
Means of Escape by J. David Harper
Means of Escape J. David Harper Margie found the bottle in the wall of an old house when she hammered through the drywall to make room for a new door. She looked around for her brother, but he was sawing … Continue reading
The Jezinkas – a Bohemian fairy tale
The Jezinkas A Bohemian fairy tale There was a poor orphan lad who had neither father nor mother, and was compelled to go out to service to get his living. He travelled a long way without being able to obtain … Continue reading
Long, Broad, and Sharpsight – a Bohemian fairy tale
Long, Broad, and Sharpsight A Bohemian fairy tale There once was a king, who was already old and had but one son. Once upon a time he called this son to him, and said to him, “My dear son! You … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Folk Tales
Tagged broad, fairy, king, long, prince, princess, rave, sharpsight, tale, wizard
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Long Walk
Fall: 18 years at the Monastery, One year after building the Range Sunar woke to a change in Meesha’s breathing as the first rays of dawn glistened off the mountain tops and the reflected false-dawn lit his eyelids. He lay … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged ikthan, leaving, meesha, monestarydragon, monk, sunar
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Episode Seven – The Powers Within
Howls ignited the wilderness. “Look who’s here! Thor and Eagle McZen!” Twirls, hugs and other welcoming embraces ensued, leading to a full-blown celebration. “Hey! Howya doin,” Thor woofed, as he shuffled through pats and friendly bumps. “Been a while… Away … Continue reading
Episode 39: The Daughter
You never really believe your mother will die. But when I woke, and saw a small, spinning bit of matter, no bigger than a human’s cerebellum, floating in the air in front of me, I could feel it. My mother, … Continue reading
Bus Stop by Jasmine Arch
Bus Stop Jasmine Arch “Vampires? No such thing.” The stranger leaned in close as I scooted to the edge of the bench. “Biggest danger round here’s the bus being late.” With a chuckle, he stretched his long legs, twining his … Continue reading
The Crop by Jasmine Arch
The Crop Jasmine Arch Hayley’s eyes shone in the light of a crayon candle. “But Mummy, I don’t want my hair cut. You always say it’s pretty.” I kissed her sticky cheeks and hugged her before turning to my deadbeat … Continue reading
A Blade Remembers by Jasmine Arch
A Blade Remembers Jasmine Arch The dagger slipped from my numb fingers, clattering to the floor. It should have recognized my neurological sequences. Instead, it rejected me, the sting of shame cutting more deeply than any pain the weapon could … Continue reading
Still Waters by Jasmine Arch
Still Waters Jasmine Arch I held my breath and drew back my arm, a wooden fishing spear balanced in the palm of my hand. Next to me, Toura’s whispers faded as the mudhopper swam closer. “Wait for it.” She raised … Continue reading
Episode 5: The Scarred Hamlet
The thatch roofs of Kedenburg rose around the traveling companions. A wicker fence, trampled in places, ringed the village, and on the high ground near the edge of the settlement, a wooden stockade prodded at the sky with its timber … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged coal, eleanor, inn, keeper, pact
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Episode 38: Rules are Rules
Back at headquarters, I sat next to Dichall’s bedding and held his hand. He was bandaged and unconscious. I’d left him behind, and felt terrible about it, but it looked like he might survive. Gretchen was there too. With her … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged councilmice, davies, dichael, eve, grassblade, jim, pixiedrowner
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Episode 4: By Force if Necessary
From across the meadow, a column of horsemen approached in two neat lines. At least fifteen in all, they were armored neck to boot-cuff in glittering chainmail. The tabards draped over their armor bore a black and yellow striped pattern … Continue reading
Episode Six – The Timber Wolves Cometh
“He hasn’t changed a bit!” Shocka Din’s hackles raised, hair standing up straight along the back of his neck. His upper lip curled into a snarl. “Follow him!” Whines, groans, and soft growls fortified their bond. Head lowered, crouching to … Continue reading
Request Day
Fall: 18 years at the Monastery, One year after building the Range Music, chanting, drinking, food, celebration, and dance. That’s what Sunar had asked for, and everyone in the Monestary had turned out to oblige him at one point or … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged dragon, fearadhach, kata, mecraudri, meesha, monk, sunar
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Episode 37: The Forces of Good
Bracey the Talonted twisted in the air like a Snowbird fighter jet, avoiding the fae’s swirling, pointed limbs, and I held myself close to her feathers with four paws. We watched Yonya tear through my beloved woods. What have we … Continue reading
Episode 3: The Sellsword’s Prize
From the shade of a canvas tarpaulin stretched between two spears a warrior stumbled to her feet, groggy and sweating under the weight of her padded gambeson. She strained her eyes against the noon-time sun as two strangers crossed the … Continue reading
Family Ties
Fall: 17 years at the Monastery, three months after the duel, Day of the Range Sunar sat with his sake, enjoying the presence of his family and friends as the sun set over the far saddle between peaks. No, scratch … Continue reading
Episode 36: Riding the Bear
I ran through the brush, careful not to clothesline the poor kid on my back with low-hanging branches. I’d never touched a human before today, let alone had one ride me, and it took me a few seconds to get … Continue reading
Unhinged by S. Mukherjee
Unhinged S. Mukherjee ‘It’s locked! That cretin,’ Addvid swore. The steel tip of his boot connected with a thud, flinging chips of wood into the air. The door rattled in its hinges. ‘Calm down, Addvid,’ Mera said, frowning. ‘Calm down?’ … Continue reading
Friendly Hands
Fall: 17 years at the Monastery, three months after the duel Sunar found that he preferred training with laser and plasma pistols over the powder guns for one simple reason: With the slug-throwers he had to choose between hearing protection … Continue reading
Episode 35: Hunter is Hunted
I was staring, agape, sword out, but Dichall put his hand on my shoulder. “Eve! On the owl! Now!” I slipped my sword in my belt and leapt atop Bracey. Gretchen followed as snow erupted with the impact of Yonya’s … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged bracy, councilmouse, davies, Dichall, eve, fae, grassblade, gretchen, jim, pixiedrowner, yonya
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Episode Five: Ready or Not, Here We Come
Arooooo! Saifon Blue vaulted from a disturbing sleep. Teeth bared, her grief-stricken snarl and aggressive stance enough to bring all around her into submission. All but her mate, King of Iron Dog Land, Nitro Blue, and they were alone. “Omar!” … Continue reading
Episode 2: The Monster’s Trail
The sparse oaks of the foothills gave way to thick stands of highland cedar. The air was tinged with the fragrant scent of the conifer forest, and Cole stopped to take in the high-country air. He and Eleanor had gone … Continue reading
The Curse-Wrought Beast
Episode 1: The Curse-Wrought Beast Burnt grass crumpled under the tracker’s boot sole as he picked his way past the stockade. He brushed a hand against the charred cedar stakes, and it came away covered in soot. The sights, the … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged casey, cole, eleanor, keeper, pact, pactkeeper, rowan
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Episode Four – King Cat Sateer – A friend indeed
Meowww! (Crunch, crackle, crunch, crunch) The leaves under my paws boost my spirits, but I need to take to the trees if I’m to proceed. (Whooosh! leap) Yes, much better. (Chirp, chirp, chirp) “Don’t worry little birds, I’m only passing … Continue reading
Troubling Experience
Summer: 17 years at the Monastery, one month after the duel Sunar lay in the meadow at the top of the temple. He had wrapped his wings around himself and Meesha so that they could enjoy the cool summer winds … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction
Tagged dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, meesha, monk, sunar
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Episode 34: Scuttle and Scuffle
Nathan froze, halfway in and halfway out of the truck, staring at the black bear. I turned and whispered into Nathan’s ear from his shoulder. “She’s a good bear; she won’t hurt you.” She better not. Nathan turned and looked … Continue reading
A Kind of Godhood by Russ Bickerstaff
A Kind of Godhood Russ Bickerstaff 7:15 am The world dissolved into him. Norm Jones. The name came to him It was his own. There was no doubt about it. Why then was it that the words sounded so very, … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction
Tagged author, bickerstaff, gannon, god, godhood, norm, russ
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The Minstrel’s Secret by Dee Caples
The Minstrel’s Secret Dee Caples Once upon a time there was a kingdom ruled by a man that was just and fair, until the day a wandering minstrel arrived. There was nothing outwardly extraordinary about the man. He was as … Continue reading
The Vine Doombringer, Part II by Geoffrey C Porter
The Vine Doombringer, Part II Geoffrey C Porter The first night I surgically pulled five short two to three inch sprouts. I wore a headlamp with a bright LED light. The same knife that pulled the sprouts planted them in … Continue reading
Just One by Susan Cornford
Just One Susan Cornford I blame it on the award. If I hadn’t won that award, none of this would have happened. Well, some of it was beyond my control, but the final part, the saddest part, was all my … Continue reading
Episode Three – Potbellies to the Rescue
“Let’s pick up the pace. We’ll be there in no time, if we do,” Pitbull Sammy shouted out to the others, exhilarated by the wind beating against his agile, forceful body. “Sure thing! Omar wants us there and back as … Continue reading
Episode 33: Meeting the Bear
The next night we snuck into Nathan’s room for the last time. Guy had arranged for a visit with him, and we were going to accompany him. I invoked my veilring. “Nathan, it’s time to go. Your dad’s outside.” “I’m … Continue reading
Heading Home
Summer: 17 years at the Monastery, one week after the duel Several loudspeakers blared over the general noise of the Space Port. “Boarding call for Passenger Liner Excelsior. All Excelsior passengers holding blue passes, please report to boarding gate three.” … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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An Incident from the Childhood of Plato by Grove Koger
An Incident from the Childhood of Plato Grove Koger “But afterwards [claimed Solon] there occurred violent earthquakes and floods; and in a single day and night of misfortune all your warlike men in a body sank into the earth, and … Continue reading
Heads Up by Fraser Sherman
Heads Up Fraser Sherman When I opened my brother’s new front-loading washing machine, I didn’t expect to find a shaggy bearded head inside. I suppose I should have noticed it sooner — the door is glass — but hey, I … Continue reading
Episode 32: A plan in motion
Bracey flew us to the Ottawa General Hospital where we tracked down Musk Muskmusk in the burn ward, eating pain from patients from beneath their beds. I clicked Grassblade on the tile floor. “Hi there, buddy.” Musk turned his heavy … Continue reading
Episode Two – Pack Love
Wolf Bennie Ba hadn’t gone far when he came across the search party. A few of his buddies from K-9 Town were out looking for him. It was Rottweiler Brady who spoke first, his uncanny intuition triggering concern at first … Continue reading
Gaudy Pistols
Summer: 17 years at the Monastery, a few hours after meeting Thalon A few hours in an air car took Sunar, Master Ikthan, and Thalon to the Ratharin estate. Sunar found himself approaching the largest, most ostentatious doors he’d ever … Continue reading
The Chimes by Charles Dickens
The Chimes by Charles Dickens Abridged by Lee A. Hart First Quarter There are not, I say, many people who would dare to sleep in a church. I don’t mean at sermon-time on a warm Sunday; but in the dead … Continue reading
Episode One – The Takeover – Wolf Bennie Ba’s surprise
Wolf Bennie Ba’s heart rate accelerated as he stood alone in the forest, stunned by what he saw below. He was looking down on a pack of timber wolves led by his old enemy, Shocka Din. The same pack that … Continue reading
Episode 31: Man Against
The man stood, backlit from the door of his cabin, holding a shotgun and staring slack-jawed at four talking animals on his stoop. Finally, he waved us in. We went right to the fire. Bracey shook snowflakes from her head. … Continue reading
New Second
Summer: 17 years at the Monastery, twelve weeks after second assassination attempt “It’s time.” Master Ikthan’s voice brought Sunar out of his meditation. He’d elected not to keep the scar on his arm, and divided his meditation time between seamlessly … Continue reading
Sunny Afternoon
Summer: 17 years at the Monastery, twelve weeks after second assassination attempt “What surprised me was that Sierra pulled it off. I mean, hummingbird to meet against crane-in-the-rushes? I expected to see her head pile into the mat!” Gorshun motioned … Continue reading
Episode 30: The Crazy Man in the Woods
At our request, Nathan gave us a cracker and I told him goodbye, we’ll be in touch, don’t trust faeries, etc. Out in the cold, I turned to my fellow Councilmice. “I think we should get in touch with an … Continue reading
Casual Response
Summer: 17 years at the Monastery, eight weeks after second assassination attempt Twist, curl, circle, thrust. Turn, bring the staff around, strike, circle it, stop, reverse, circle, strike. The fifty pound staff in Sunar’s hands whirled almost as if it … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Serials
Tagged dragon, fearadhach, mecraudri, monk, sunar
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Episode 29: Children Can Be Frightened
A hideous claw snatched a single feather from Bracey’s tail as she hopped through the weir, carrying us on her back. She spread her wings and flew a short distance away, shouting “Get back! Get back!” Eventua reached through the … Continue reading
