The Race

I try to feel nothing. This is always true, but now in particular, I make an effort to stifle any and all emotions that might threaten to sneak out of hiding and into my consciousness. If the proctor suspects that I am experiencing anxiety in such a way that it might inhibit my performance, I … Continue reading The Race →

Andron

For one sweet hour after the midday meal, Amèlia had no commitments. Queen Lora filled the rest of the Guardian’s days with a regimented schedule of exercise, education, and martial training, and practice with their newfound abilities, but this hour, she allowed them to have to themselves. Though Amèlia took great joy in everything she … Continue reading Andron →

Beyond

It moved toward them, inexorably: blank and white, an end to their eyesight. They could not see or know beyond it. “What is it?” one asked, curious. Interested. “What is it?” another asked, afraid. Full of trepidation. “I don’t know,” said a third. “We should run,” said the fearful one. “It frightens me.” “We cannot … Continue reading Beyond →

The Void

Tanadal scratched at the tight braids his wife had woven into his beard. The lines ran down from his hair and then parallel to his jaw, until they joined together at his chin in one large braid. Tradition, and his wife, claimed that they would bring him good luck on his voyage. Right now they … Continue reading The Void →

Héan

“Héan?” Reid whispered into the darkness. “Héan, are you there?” “I am always here, Reid.” Hèan’s voice came from somewhere nearby. Reid’s ears could pinpoint the source. It seemed to be next to him, somehow coming from both his left and his right, but behind him, as well. “Oh. Good,” Reid said. He stared up … Continue reading Héan →

Bloom

There was a flower in my yard which wouldn’t stop blooming. It grew straight up from the ground, like an arrow. I didn’t plant it. I didn’t recognize the variety, even. One stalk, one bloom, and leaves only around the base. It had a pink-red color to it, with heaps and heaps of petals. The … Continue reading Bloom →

Trio

Author's Note: This entry contains more mature themes and language than previous entries. This is fine, I thought in a panic. It’s fine. Everything’s fine and it’s going to turn out okay. “You mean you really didn’t know?” Devon exclaimed, leaning forward in his chair. I buried my face in my palms. Sheila had clearly … Continue reading Trio →

Din

Khari collapsed backward. She had just enough strength left to turn her fall into something that resembled lying down intentionally, if dramatically. She breathed, great, heaving, inhalations and exhalations that warped her entire torso with their strength. The cool night air flowed through her. She pictured it fighting against the fire within, and losing. … Continue reading Din →

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 →

The Darkness

They can see the darkness, across the plain, moving toward them in defiance of the sun: a great wall, pure black, erasing everything in its wake as it travels. The sun shines bright from the other side of the world, only a quarter of its way through its trek across the sky, but no matter. … Continue reading The Darkness →