Twisty Tales

Featured Tale

But I’m Glad It’s You

A lone silhouette approaches in the flickering lamplight, a petite, feminine form, skirts flowing in the breeze and high heels echoing across the cobblestone street — click-clack, click-clack. I step out of the shadows into her path. “Oh, my!” she gasps, clutching her hands over her heart. Her eyes widen…

The Royal Herald

The Prime Minister stood before King Bartholomew’s throne. “Today I am appointing Lord Barnaby Bragglesworth as Royal Herald,” said the king. “As a lawyer, he is exceptionally qualified to speak on my behalf and deliver proclamations and royal decisions to…

The Royal Ceasefire

King Bartholomew summoned the ambassadors of Ukravia and Ruzkovia to the palace. “Ambassadors, thanks for coming today. I am pleased to hear of the ceasefire between your countries.” The ambassadors looked at each other, then at the king. “Your Majesty,…

The King’s Royalties

King Bartholomew summoned the royal scribes and bookmakers into his palace. They bowed before his throne as he ate his noon meal. He motioned with his hands. “Scribes! Bookmakers! Rise! I have learned you are accepting royalties. Give an account…

The King’s Alchemists

King Bartholomew summoned the Royal Alchemists to the throne room. They bowed before the king. “Alchemists! You have failed to turn lead into gold.” “From this day forward, I declare you shall no longer be alchemists. You are henceforth magicians!”…

Another Path

The waitress tops off my coffee cup; the cup across from me is full. I’m happy. Today is the day. The first time I will see her, in person, face to face. No profile photo or video call could do…

A Small Price to Pay

King Bartholomew’s armies attacked the distant land of Iranizbad. For months, the war dragged on. He assured his subjects that victory was near. Farmers couldn’t afford feed for livestock, or fertilizer for crops. People couldn’t afford food to eat, or…

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