A PARADISE OF WASTELAND, by Adrian Simmons: On the fifth day after the sandstorm, Lemyta went to look at the world she had drawn in the dirt.  She leaned over it, not yet so burdened by years that she needed to squat down to see it.  Several animal tracks crossed the design, jackal and gerbil, […]

A LONELY GRAVE ON THE HILL, by  Cesar Alcazar: Anrath yanked the reins of his horse as a piercing scream broke the silence of the night and startled the animal. After regaining control of the steed, the mercenary from Connacht examined the darkness in an attempt to find the source of the noise. Travelling at […]

TAKING THE BAIT, by Jon Byrne: Timalo glanced over his shoulder for what seemed the hundredth time, peering back through the rain-swept darkness to check they were not being followed.  And of course, like before there was no one.  His mind was playing tricks on him, just another reason why he should pack it all […]

CORINTH, by Gerald Henson: They hounded me through the streets of Corinna.  They had surrounded the crumbling barn where I slept and thought to catch me unaware, but even then I knew to listen in my sleep.  I knew not to close my eyes long enough to dream. The Antonine Empire had failed a generation […]

A WHISPER IN ASHES, by Charles Gramlich: Down from the death-lands of snow came a warrior with eyes like scars. No one knew his origins. None could foresee his end. He had no name. The barbarians called him Krieg.   I. The Black Tarn The northern wind was quiet for once. The polished surface of […]