I feel sorry for this trail horse. The bridle is rusty. That can’t taste good. The leathers are worn and cracked. I’m afraid I’ll tear them if I pull too
Month: October 2023
Sides of the CoinSides of the Coin
“Of course, you have a choice, Mister Stephens, just like everyone who dies.” Stephens sat, or rather hovered, over a thickly padded and upholstered Queen Ann chair. Slender ball-and-claw foot
Mouthing Off Into the Void Turns Five!Mouthing Off Into the Void Turns Five!
Five years doesn’t seem like a long time. If your kid just turned five, he probably hasn’t even started kindergarten yet. And if he has, it was probably just last
Bargain Bin DaggerBargain Bin Dagger
“The Dagger of al-Shaytān!” Jemisha jumped up and pointed. We had been enjoying a quiet evening and a glass of merlot. Maybe two glasses. The bottle was nearly empty. Now
Siege of the CastleSiege of the Castle
The battlement walls have crumbled. The moat has been filled in and paved over. The flags, brightly colored and snapping in the wind, only modern reproductions. The really interesting places
Pink Light RisingPink Light Rising
He gripped the steering wheel and drove along the dark two-lane, headlights on, his cruise control switched off. Ahead of him, single and double headlights approached, some with their high
Spicy SecretSpicy Secret
Sweat dripped off Malcolm’s forehead. Tears blurred his vision. Saliva coated his throat like hot tar. “You like that, Agent Kinnison?” The man was right in Malcolm’s face, but the
WanderlustWanderlust
Jamari was soaked. The mossy rock hadn’t felt slick when he tested it before crossing. But like everything else in this forest, the stone had deceived him. It had waited
Fortune Favors The …Fortune Favors The …
Signs were everywhere as he coasted into the gas station. On his dashboard, a yellow Low Fuel light next to the orange Check Engine one. On his cell phone, pop-up
ToadToad
“I don’t want you to kiss me,” the toad said, and gave a little croak. Despite his insistence, the princess held onto him, cupping him in her slender but chilly
Things That DripThings That Drip
Listen to the sound ofThe dripping of water,Etching the face of the rock.Changes through time and Eons of history,Spinning the hands of the clock. Smell the tang ofThe blood of