Tag: October
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Death Rides a North Wind
by Robert Mammone in Issue 129, October 2022 When Colcothar staggered into the clearing, he had been hunted for three days. His grimy furs were black with blood and his beard matted and filthy. A bruise purpled one eye, and fire had reduced most of the hair on his head to blackened stubble. Blood pulsed…
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The Watchtower Bell
by Alcuin Fromm in Issue 117, October 2021 The final drop of liquid fell into the reservoir of a water clock, setting in motion a series of mechanical movements which culminated with the bright chime of a small bell. Nodd’s eyes popped open. Consciousness seemed to crush in around him from all sides. Shivering, he…
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Bladesong
by Freya Pickard in Issue 117, October 2021 Nareya stood firm, holding the sword with both hands. Her lungs burned, and her muscles screamed with exhaustion. All she wanted to do was lie down and sleep. But she could not. Behind her, at the top of the rise, Star shrieked in agony. I will protect…
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King, Queen, Knave: The Eternal Love Triangle in Fantasy Fiction and Film
by John C. Adams in Issue 117, October 2021 Readers of Medieval tales were fascinated by the notion of a young queen married to a much older kingly husband who was often a total stranger, generally without her wishes on the subject being taken into account and with the marriage arranged to bolster international alliances…
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The Emperor’s Encounter
by Samuel Kennedy in Issue 105, October 2020 It’s never easy waiting for a coronation. Especially when it’s your own. I sigh heavily. My breath and the soft tread of my feet are the only sounds to be heard here. At this depth, I can’t hear the celebrations taking place in the city above me.…