“Woah,” the rider said, pulling alongside the carriage, aiming a blunderbuss. The driver took the highwayman’s meaning and slowed. “You don’t know. You don’t know…” “What’s that?” the rider asked. More men came from behind. He peeked into the carriage. Behind the curtain, a sultry face and long fangs stared back. If you like the […]
Charlotte looked up at her childhood village. “This isn’t a maze,” she said, her voice suddenly higher pitched and her hands much smaller than moments before. “Yes it is,” the devious satyr whispered. “It’s different than you remember. Cobblestones and years for walls. Just wait ‘till you see the minotaur.” If you like the vibe […]
At first snowfall, young Pestil took wreaths to her neighbors. Last was old Mr. Wormwood. He answered, smiled thanks, and ignored her questions of strange smells and hisses. Then shut the door. And Pestil tried not to think about the severed blue hand she’d seen reaching up from his alchemy table. If you like the […]
The wizard, Rengrant, sighed. He made such a tiny thing: A glass vial, concealable in a pocket or hand. Enough arcane explosive to clear a room… Enough vials could clear a battlefield. Bottled death. Easy and cheap. This would be the end of it. War would never be the same. If you like the vibe […]
Reynolds spat on the tavern floor. “Tis cursed!” “I don’t care,” the pirate snarled. “Can ye’ take us there!” “Ain’t a matter o’ can. I won’t—” A coin purse hit the floor with a heavy clank. Reynolds twirled his moustache. “Ay, that be the sound o’ my mind changing.” If you like the vibe of […]
“The woods are lovely dark, and deep,” the fey whispers. “And you have promises to keep.” “Miles to go before I sleep,” I reply, already under its spell. “Miles to go before I sleep.” As I walk off into the gloom, I think the woods aren’t so scary anymore. If you like the vibe of […]
The new King Herez sat before the justicars. “Have you no mercy?” the prisoner asked—Herez’s mortal enemy. A pitiful shadow of a man. The King replied, “Even the gods’ mercy is finite. Only the mercy of fools is limitless. I strive for divinity. The penalty is death!” If you like the vibe of these stories, […]
“Look out there,” Bast said, pulling his boy close. Dentin squinted. “All I see is waves.” “Do you see fish? Pearls? Monsters?” “No.” “Men are like the waves. Hide our feelings beneath the surface.” “Like you?” “Yes.” “When I grow—” “No. Remember the clear shoals? Don’t hide. Talk to me.” If you like the vibe […]
“You seen her before?” John asked, picking his teeth. I looked upon the haggard performer in the market and found I could not look away. “Maybe, but begs the question, from where?” “Ain’t been on this side of the world. Maybe she’s a ghost.” “Ghosts don’t follow people.” This is the first post of a […]
Samuel Fleming Books 