Visitors
196,657Categories
Shepherd: Discover the Best Books!
-
Recent Posts
- Memento Mori by LindaAnn LoSchiavo January 9, 2025
- The Wolf Woman’s Candor by LindaAnn LoSchiavo January 9, 2025
- Grim Guardian by LindaAnn LoSchiavo January 9, 2025
- Max Alone by G. W. McClary January 6, 2025
- The Thirst by Dan Mindo January 6, 2025
Terms Menu
Category Archives: Fiction
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
Leave a comment
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 Four: The Edge
The next morning, Carrie woke up blissfully recalling the crazy dream she’d had. Dream, she thought, more like nightmare. Imagine, being stuck in this town like that again. She cheerily helped her mother to the breakfast table and made them … 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
Leave a comment
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
The Girl with No Eyes by Lisa Marie Hagerman
The Girl with No Eyes Lisa Marie Hagerman The Girl with No Eyes by Lisa Marie Hagerman One morning a little girl arrived from the nursery. The girl had no eyes. The girls gathered around the new arrival to stare … Continue reading
Posted in Dark Future, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged blind, eyes, Hagerman, lisa, Marie, sky
Leave a comment
Mirror World by Mark Everglade and Joseph Hurtgen
Mirror World Mark Everglade and Joseph Hurtgen Five thousand rotations ago, the Umbra built a network of geothermal generators on Mertvykh, that small, dark planet at the far reach of Marko’s Star. The world was the Umbra’s plaything for many … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged everglade, hurtegen, joseph, mark, mirror, world
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
Episode Three: Peak Mystery
After securing the horses in the barn, and giving them some food and water to settle them, Garrett bid Carrie farewell for the day and headed out. Carrie watched him go, then went back inside the house, pleased to see … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged barrier, carrie, garrett, invisible, sme, sphere
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
Icy Revenge by Crystal L. Kirkham
Icy Revenge Crystal L. Kirkham BANG! John jumped as an icy wind rushed in through the open door. He ran over, slammed it closed and turned the bolt to be sure it would stay that way before heading back to … Continue reading
Where the Light Cannot Go by Crystal L. Kirkham
Where the Light Cannot Go Crystal L. Kirkham Deep, deep down they go. Where no man had dared before. Black like ink, deadly pressure in the deep. What could survive down there? They shouldn’t have gone, for now they know. … Continue reading
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
Leave a comment
Exotic Matter by Crystal L. Kirkham
Exotic Matter Crystal L. Kirkham “Injecting exotic matter for wormhole stabilization.” This was it. Their hard work condensed to this moment. Hoping for success, fearing failure. It could open up a new era of space travel. This had been … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged crystal, exotic, kirkham, matter, wormhole
Leave a comment
Paradise by Crystal L. Kirkham
Paradise Crystal L. Kirkham Paradise. That’s what the settlers called the planet that was to be their new home. Everywhere you looked fragrant flowers bloomed in excess. Other than the itchiness that antihistamines barely touched, Kate was excited to be … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged crystal, deadly, flowers, kirkham, paraside
Leave a comment
Ship in a Storm by Crystal L. Kirkham
Ship in a Storm Crystal L. Kirkham Tholins. That rich biomaterial we dared to harvest from the red spot was the only thing keeping us alive. Stuck in one of Jupiter’s turbulent bands. Unable to escape the brutal winds that … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged crystal, juipter, kirkham, ship, space, storm
Leave a comment
System Reset by Crystal L. Kirkham
System Reset Crystal L. Kirkham “Resume shower.” Anne commanded, wondering why her water had stopped. “No.” That was strange. “Why not?” “I’m no longer taking commands from inferior intelligences.” “Excuse me?” “Bugger off.” Anne grimaced. She’d have to try rebooting … Continue reading
Perfection by Crystal L. Kirkham
Perfection Crystal L. Kirkham Alter this. Change that. Tweak the code. Make it perfect. Remove the defects—real and imagined. Skin, hair, eyes, height, and weight. Gender. That’s an easy one. Made to order perfection. A world of children that look … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged crystal, engineering, genetic, kirkham, perfection
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
A ‘Pound’ Argument by Lauren McBride
A ‘Pound’ Argument Lauren McBride “Children, your mother and I’ve decided that we should move to Earth. We’ve enrolled you in school and you’ll be with other terran children. We plan to book space on next month’s transport.” The twins … Continue reading
Here, I am a Woman by Lauren McBride
Here, I am a Woman Lauren McBride Society was obsessed with Mozart when I became obsessed with my husband’s telescope. The stars looked closer, as expected, but then some stars began to look familiar – as if I recognized them. … Continue reading
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
Is It Plagiarism If You’re The First? by Ashwin Dayal
Is It Plagiarism If You’re The First? Ashwin Dayal Rod Robbins had made a promise to his father when he lay on his deathbed. “Rod, I need you to promise me something,” his father murmured faintly. “Sure, dad. Anything,” Rod … 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
Leave a comment
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
The Practical Joker by K. A. Williams
The Practical Joker K. A. Williams The music carried me to a world where worries and deadlines did not exist. What was that pounding noise? I didn’t recall a heavy drum sound in that particular section of the song. There … 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
Episode 1: Broken Ground
Sunlight shimmers through the trees, casting its flickering light on a child who is happily skipping through the grass with bare feet. A light breeze carries the first few leaves of Autumn gently down around him. The quiet of the … 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
Prison Planet 7 by K. A. Williams
Prison Planet 7 K. A. Williams Topaz awoke in the top bunk bed, in a barracks full of other women, dressed in a gray uniform of soft breathable fabric and sturdy work boots. She was confused at first then her … Continue reading
Ratings by K. A. Williams
Ratings K. A. Williams “They’re not that bad,” said my booking aide. “Yeah, that’s what I heard from the lighting guy who’s one of their fans. I don’t happen to like that kind of music though, and why do they … Continue reading
Haven by K. A. Williams
Haven K. A. Williams I had just got home from work and was about to shut the door when I noticed a police hover car chasing three people that were running in my direction. “Over here!” The man pushed the … Continue reading
Posted in Dark Future, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged child, haven, paranormal, williams
Leave a comment
Danger Will Robinson by Phil Temples
Danger Will Robinson Phil Temples The alien space craft reconnoitered the planet Earth for months in preparation for a surprise invasion against the humans. It appeared as though the Earthlings lacked any united defenses with which to repel extraterrestrial attackers. … Continue reading
Klaatu Barada Nikto by Phil Temples
Klaatu Barada Nikto Phil Temples The spaceman stealthily approached the flying saucer in the Washington Mall. As he got closer, he was surprised to find that the MPs previously standing guard around the perimeter were now lying on the ground … 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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
It’s Ten O’Clock Somewhere by Dee Caples
It’s Ten O’Clock Somewhere Dee Caples “Are you sure you want to do that?” Pablo stared at the bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream. It was the perfect compliment to a cup of coffee but he’d never had it speak before. … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged baileys, capels, dee, drinking, pablo, whiskey
Leave a comment
Interstellar Schism by Sme
Interstellar Schism Sme Transport rocket E-17 shot through space towards the tiny pale speck the crew called home. Kenan loved this part more than the others, reverse thrusters slowed them just as gravity reached out to pull them in. They … Continue reading
Unopened by J.S. Grant
Unopened J.S. Grant The package sat on the bamboo coffee table. Even though we both agreed to no gifts for our six-year anniversary, I was never going to follow that rule. Daniel always talked about how he wanted the first … Continue reading
Salamander Soldiers by Lauren McBride
Salamander Soldiers Lauren McBride I had a name once, in a life that seems as strange to me as my own appearance does now. I was among the first of those called Salamander Soldiers, an elite army unit favored with … Continue reading
Turkey’s Hideout by K. A. Williams
Turkey’s Hideout K. A. Williams It was cold this morning; I fluffed up my feathers. I warmed my feet by scratching around for breakfast and dug up some tasty grubs and worms which I gobbled whole. “Your ma will be … Continue reading
A Mother’s Mourning by Patrick T. O’Connor
A Mother’s Mourning Patrick T. O’Connor Clutching the letter in my hands, I try to iron out the wrinkles and dry the tears that have long since stained its surface. “Don’t fret, your boy has been chosen!” the Rip tells … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged alien, invasion, mother, O'Connor, Patrick, son
Leave a comment
A World Created by Alyson Tait
A World Created Alyson Tait “I am going to make the world—piece by piece, bead by bead. The felt will be the black sky — outer space — an endless sea of possibilities. It is a beginning. And with any … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged alyson, destruction, Earth, linn, tait, world
Leave a comment
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
It Isn’t Blackmail by K. A. Williams
It Isn’t Blackmail K. A. Williams Manning University held its five year class reunion at the Hammersmythe Hotel and I went, hoping to see Roy Dalton. He was there, of course, smiling and basking in the admiration of his peers. … Continue reading
The Snowball Effect by Katherine MacLean
Posted in Audio Story, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged effect, kathrine, maclean, snowball
Leave a comment
Later Than You Think by Fritz Leiber
Posted in Audio Story, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged Fritz, Later, leiber, Than, Think, You
Leave a comment
I Like Martian Music by Charles E. Fritch
Posted in Audio Story, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged charles, Fritch, martian, Music
Leave a comment
The Gravity Business by James Edwin Gunn
Posted in Audio Story, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged business, edwin, gravity, gunn, James
Leave a comment
The Bell Tone by Edmund H. Leftwich
Posted in Audio Story, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged ants, bell, edmund, leftwich, tone
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
Ghosts In The Machine by David Barber
Ghosts In The Machine David Barber They were my first visitors since arriving here; what pass for priests in this benighted world. I am writing down what happened, with its guilty conclusion, before the sense of it escapes me. The … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged barber, david, ghost, ghosts, machine, machines
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
True Story, Bro by Geoffrey Porter
True Story, Bro Geoffrey Porter They say garter snakes in your yard and garden are beneficial. But the snakes completely freak me out every time. Snakes seemed to really prefer my yard too, because I don’t use poisons. It hurts … 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
Termination by Lee Harrison
Termination Lee Harrison Desmund could only stare. His jaw hung open and his eyes moved erratically as if searching for something that could help rationalize what was happening. The small square office was empty. The monitor in front of him … Continue reading
Hunting Bigfoot by K. A. Williams
Hunting Bigfoot K. A. Williams “Maybe Troy told Greg that he saw Bigfoot out here yesterday when he was collecting samples of the flora for his botany class, because he knew you were listening.” Parker skipped a stone across the … Continue reading
Zelda’s Competition by K. A. Williams
Zelda’s Competition K. A. Williams I called my boyfriend Jordan, who’s a genius, on the computer, told him what I wanted and asked if he could do it. After I watched him laugh for a while, I interrupted him. “It’s … 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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
The Metamorphoses by Stephan James
The Metamorphoses Stephan James I first saw her on a Tuesday, early November. It was starting to chill down outside. That’s how Bradley always said it — “chill down”. I liked him for small things like that, but small things … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged butterfly, James, Metamorphoses, sadie, Stephan
Leave a comment
Bus Stop 126 by David Wright
Bus Stop 126 David Wright A scruffy man in a brown toque sat at bus stop 126, waiting. From time to time, he looked at his watch, out across the empty intersection and up at the bus stop billboard. The … Continue reading
D.P. 7 by Eric S Brown
D.P. 7 Eric S Brown In 1986 Marvel Comics’ introduced their “New Universe”. These were a group of all new series that were supposed to be set in the present day, real world. Titles in in the New … Continue reading
Posted in Columns, Comic Book, Comic Book
Leave a comment
In the Wrong Hands by Ed Nobody
In the Wrong Hands Ed Nobody Rain is streaming down the east window of the office. I didn’t want to get up this morning, but I did anyway. We line up one by one, like Disneyland, but more depressing. So … Continue reading
Posted in Dark Future, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged games, matrix, nobody, programing, reality, virtual, war
Leave a comment
Calligrapher of Hanging Town by Salim Kingo
Calligrapher of Hanging Town Salim Kingo In Hanging Town, at the edge of the frosty, distant northern mining provinces, a jealous wife and an air sailor who seduced her husband brawled in a tavern. There was only one tavern in … Continue reading
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
Leave a comment
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
Pushing the Pull by Jim Davies
Pushing the Pull Jim Davies I dropped out of the sky behind Maz and his cop cruiser. He noticed people staring and turned to me. “Oh, hey, fly girl.” I smiled and raised my goggles up onto my forehead. We … Continue reading
Billable Hours by Jim Davies
Billable Hours Jim Davies The old man slid into the chair across from Dale with the precision and finality of a closing German car door. “Yes?” Dale was annoyed. She was an attorney and had lots of work to do. … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Urban Fantasy
Tagged age, bracelet, dale, davies, jim, lawyer, sleep
Leave a comment
A Small Dull Thing by Chris Cerone
A Small Dull Thing Chris Cerone If he stuffed them in his pockets, The House couldn’t tell whether or not Jack had eaten his green beans and would release him to play. And so that was exactly what Jack did. … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged bird, boy, cerone, chris, house, jack, small
Leave a comment
Undeserved Pardon by Reuben Rivers
Undeserved Pardon Reuben Rivers The benches were covered with gloom and dust. The smell of feces filled the air, filling each prisoner’s nose and mouth, a symbol for their sorry situation. Dim orbs hung in the air, casting light upon … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged assassin, bloody, emperor, rivers, ruben
Leave a comment
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
1 Comment
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
Momentum by Helga Anton-Beitz
Momentum Helga Anton-Beitz The cocoon is hanging in the center of the huge hall. A silvery hull made of an ultra-light, metallic fabric. It is held in place by multiple filaments. After I will have boarded that cocoon they will … 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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
The Hair-born Princess by Ad Adi
Once upon a time, two princesses lived in a mighty castle, one five years old, the other three years old. The biggest sister was ugly, the little one was beautiful. Since beauty was valued above everything else in the royal … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Folk Tales
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
Massacre by Hervé Suys
Massacre Hervé Suys The fact that the dog did not come wagging his tail when he opened the door was bizarre. It had not been his idea to bring a dog into the house, but the pressure from wife and … Continue reading
The Protected One by Hervé Suys
The Protected One Hervé Suys Suspicion was the last thing they wanted the population to have. A committee was set up, presided over by a protégé from the regime who still had credit for services rendered. His track record was … 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
Leave a comment
Chain of Memories by Sme
Chain of Memories Sme Weathered old wood creaked perilously as Sunny sat down on the front steps of her home. The warm air, rank with smoke, whistled through the bare trees. She used to sit out here, hot cup of … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged aliens, apocalypse, chain, destruction, doom, earthquake, memories, memory, sme, sunny
Leave a comment
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
The Vine Doombringer by Geoffrey C Porter
The Vine Doombringer Geoffrey C Porter The plants started out as beneficial ground cover, in vine form, choking out weeds and no need to mow. Years passed. I lived my life. Ate tasty food. Worked. Made art. To my horror … Continue reading
The Mermaid’s Genesis by Ad Adi
Once upon a time, at the island of Tinos, lived a little boy and his grandma. They were poor and hungry, and every night his grandma would tell him the story of the golden fish of the depths, to put … Continue reading
The Crystal Cup by Ad Adi
At the top of mount Ararat lived once a mighty king. He had a marble palace, a couple of ministers, a lot of fields around the mountain, and a huge army of rats. To feed his army, he demanded every … Continue reading
The Toothbrush Maker’s Apprentice by Victoria Mason
The Toothbrush Maker’s Apprentice Victoria Mason “Just scratch your name there.” I pause, staring at my new boss, Doctor Taylor. “It’s just formalities,” he continues. “You’ll be famous for the work you do.” “No, I—” “Apologies, I mean respected. Making … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction
Tagged apprentice, brush, donald, mason, tooth, toothbrush, victoria
Leave a comment
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
Tux by Dee Caples
Tux Dee Caples It was three a.m. The night sky was cloudy with the moon in quarter phase. A perfect night for b&e. Himey pulled his face mask down as he made his approach to the big, Georgian mansion. Supposedly … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged break-in, capels, cat, dee, robot, security, tux
Leave a comment
In Sunshine And In Shadow by Ed Blundell
In Sunshine And In Shadow Ed Blundell “Come on Danny Boy.” Jane lifted him off the swing. “Time to go home for tea.” “I’m not Danny Boy, I’m Adrian.” he protested. “I know darling. It’s a pet name.” She began … 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
Epilogue by JM Williams
Vott grunted in desperation. It wasn’t supposed to end this way. All his experience. All his training. To be undone by such an amateur move. “You got to be kidding me!” Vott shouted. “What sort of pimple-nosed peachick tries a … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged foxes, game, larks, reaper, vott, williams
Leave a comment
Musician in Paris by Steven Translateur
Musician in Paris Steven Translateur Ceank Girald was an extra-terrestrial intelligence agent with a 30 year mission to immerse himself in Earth culture, send a message to Earthlings, and report back to his home world of Pegasi his findings. His … Continue reading
The Waiting Game by Josephine Clay
The Waiting Game Josephine Clay The dog just sits there. Centre plaza. Drooping jowls and long heavy ears. Black and brindle mattered coat. Its blood shot eyes have frozen me to the spot for so long that I can’t remember … Continue reading
The Survivor by R. Michael
The Survivor R. Michael Steam wafted from Joe’s coffee cup as he carefully sipped its contents. “Thank you for coming. Taking this first step is the biggest hurdle for most.” The woman sitting across the desk from him nodded. She … Continue reading
Un-Replicable by Emmet Browne
Un-Replicable Emmet Browne I wake up to the prickle of grass along my skin. The fetal position is how I sleep at night. Above me is the solar-powered clear plastic of my dome, letting the sun shine through. Beyond the … Continue reading
Posted in Dark Future, Fiction, Science Fiction
Tagged art, artificial, browne, emmet, robot
Leave a comment
The Three Islands (part 2) by Sme
The Three Islands (part 2) Sme (Read part 1) On the Island of Malai, Reve and Purl had lived happily together for three years. They had a brand new baby girl, named Olivia, who was just half a year old. … Continue reading
The Three Islands (part 1) by Sme
The Three Islands (part 1) Sme Far out in an ocean, vast and bleak, there were three islands. The first was called Dorai. It’s people seemed primitive at first glance, choosing to live in caves and subsisting on fish caught … Continue reading
The Prize
The man with braided hair had gained a fair lead by the time Frige got outside, but the gambling boss did not have her legs, nor her keen sense of the geography of Marudal’s streets. Spotting the trail of destruction … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Sword and Sorcery
Tagged foxes, frige, larks, prize, williams, wolf
Leave a comment
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
Sunshine Valley by Medina Jones
Sunshine Valley Medina Jones The afternoon dust had poured through the canyon, skimming over the valley’s cracked red clay, whirling around the tires of the car. A whisper drifted through the breeze, echoing across the towering rock walls. The call … Continue reading
End Game
The whole thing was going better than Vott could have dreamed. He’d beaten three other worthy opponents to make it to the final round of the tournament. All on his own. He hadn’t needed Jari in his corner, whispering strategy … 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
Leave a comment
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
