Twisty Tales

Featured Tale

Happy New Year, Lovey!

“Four, three, two, one…” chanted the crowd in Times Square. The ball dropped, fireworks exploded, and everyone cheered. Lilly raised her flute to toast the New Year—relieved to leave last year—and her miserable old life behind. Ready to embrace a new life, new opportunities, and new romance ahead. Especially romance.…

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…

All You Can’t Eat

Mr. and Mrs. Termite tucked themselves into their little bed. Mr. Termite’s tummy growled. “That was a long trip, honey. I’m really hungry.” “Me too,” said Mrs. Termite, “let’s eat. There’s a lot of food here.” “Yes, it is a…

The Royal Mosquito Defense Initiative

King Bartholomew smacked his arm. “Drat! The mosquitoes have invaded the kingdom!” “Prime Minister: Prepare the Declaration of War on Mosquitoes.” “Minister of War: Prepare the armies to repel the invasion. Provide every soldier with fly swatters.” “Your Majesty, may…

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