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 →

Trapped, Part 3

Trapped, Part 1 Trapped, Part 2 Bastian spared a glance back at Celia as he moved. Her frustration was clear, not just upon her face, but by the agitated movements of her hair. It buzzed about her head like a nest of swarming bees. He felt glad she hadn’t given up. He was grateful, … Continue reading Trapped, Part 3 →

Trapped, Part 2

Trapped, Part 1 Some of the arenas gave the illusion that they had once served other purposes. One was designed to look like an abandoned village, complete with houses full of items that made it seem as though someone had once lived there. One arena appeared to be the inside of an improbably large castle. … Continue reading Trapped, Part 2 →

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 →

Trapped, Part 1

How many times had Bastian come to this room? Did it number in the tens, or the hundreds? He didn’t know the answer. Perhaps it did not matter. It seemed, sometimes, that his memories of his life before this time were fading away, replaced by the vivid yet monotonous existence that now encompassed him. He … Continue reading Trapped, Part 1 →

Growth

Kon did not like to leave his apartment. He didn’t like to be around other people very much. He didn’t actually hate it, as long as they weren’t talking to him. The thought of having to smell and listen to other people was worrisome, but most people didn’t smell too bad, and the majority left … Continue reading Growth →

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 →

The Laws

I warned them. I told them, on the night of the birth, what would happen if they killed the child’s parents. They should have listened to me. People have gotten out of the habit, these days, of respecting their elders. I see more than they expect, given my failing vision. I hear more than they … Continue reading The Laws →