CHILDREN OF THE STONE, by Ann K. Schwader, with artwork by Miguel Santos     We have not always been this planet’s masters, though humankind denies it. Other blood than ours heaped earthen barrows, raised up stones in veneration of some dark & nameless power, avatar of elder shadow slithered through the star-rifts. What survives […]

BARDIC DREAMS, by Deborah Guzzi   Bold warriors and women, shield mates, sat wrapped in the darkness, sheltered between knees warmed by their lovers and heat of kettle fire.   A bard regaled with tales and love song Bold warriors and women, shield mates, sat toasting their fallen friends with ale and tears.   Mist […]

A SEA-MONSTROUS HĂI GUÀI ATTACKS CHING SHIH’S PIRATE SHIP, by Kendall Evans, with artwork by Simon Walpole I. Hand-carved, a distinctive figurehead perched High upon the prow of Ching Shi’s Chinese junk: Proud wooden dragon, ready to breathe fire Eyes scanning for foes, teeth long as short swords Green scales like markings upon turtle’s shell […]

THE BELLS OF BEL-HAZIR, by Michelle Muenzler   Long and loud are the bells of Bel-hazir. Thunderous mad, their tolling. At first light’s crack, they ring. Seven times each across the city, every bellow louder than the last. The older towers sway at the might of those monstrous bells. Pale dust and bricks rain onto […]

BLOSSOM, by Deborah Davitt Dozing in leaf-dappled shade, I heard him whispering love, and, dreaming, I promised myself to my unseen lover. Then leaves drifted to caress me as I slumbered. His hands were bark-rough, and my hands slid low, finding what was already hard as wood; arms knotted as oak boughs lifted me up […]