Fable: The World Tree

The world is a tree with many trunks. This, we know. How do we know? I will tell you. Look around you. See the pillars. They grow tall and strong; straight, and beautiful. They are the trunks of which I speak. Back when the world was young, and our ancestors were just babies would could … Continue reading Fable: The World Tree →

To Bring Silence

Today's story can be enjoyed on its own, but several elements will be easier to understand if Everything Has a Cost is read first. “Hivara’s breath,” Evran swore. He thrust his sheets from his body and twisted around in bed so that he could reach the window. He reopened it just so he could slam … Continue reading To Bring Silence →

Mother Earth and Father Ceiling

There was a time, they say, when Mother Earth and Father Ceiling held each other in a tight embrace. They loved each other so that they stayed pressed together, face to face, with only the smallest space between them. Times were hard, then, for our ancestors. They crawled on their bellies between Mother and Father. … Continue reading Mother Earth and Father Ceiling →

In the Glade

“Where are we going?” Ora asked. Raj detected a hint of curiosity in her voice alongside another, stronger tone, one that said, I think I know the answer to this question, but I’m not certain enough to say it out loud. “You’ll see,” Raj said. He knew she had to have guessed. They had not … Continue reading In the Glade →

Yusun and the Hunters

With a quick, twisting motion of his hands and a rapid succession of words, Yusun finally managed to bind the creature with his spell. A joyful shout burst from the mouths of his companions as the creature froze in place, its eyes wide with panic. Yusun breathed a sigh of relief. He steadied his hands … Continue reading Yusun and the Hunters →

Bedtime Story

I’m going to tell you a story. Your grandfather told it to me when I was your age, so I think it’s time you heard it. No, it’s not really like the ones Grandma used to tell. She was great at telling them, you’re right. They weren’t really her stories, though. No, your Grandma didn’t … Continue reading Bedtime Story →

Savior

I saved a merfolk, once, when I was very young. I wouldn’t say that I saved her in the traditional sense of the word. I can guess what springs into your mind when I say it. Perhaps she was hurt, and I found her bleeding on the edge of the sea. Or, somehow, she wound … Continue reading Savior →

Everything Has a Cost

Evran, self-proclaimed Master Artificer and Enchanter, Whose Works Astound All Who View Them, slipped on his breeches with haste. The mayor’s wife sprawled across the bed, one finger curling through her hair as she watched him dress. He had just finished displaying for her his other masterful set of talents. “Evran, do you really have … Continue reading Everything Has a Cost →