Featured Tale
The Perfect Shot
He crouches behind the bush and looks through the eyepiece at the majestic lion resting fifty feet away. After tracking this regal beast for hours across the savannah, he finally has a good position and clear line of sight. He focuses on his target, his eye laser-sharp, his finger poised…
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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…
Open Another Door
By His Own Hand
Jayal knew the only way he could ever escape the oppressive totalitarian state was by his own hand. For a month, he pretended to take the sleeping pills they allotted him each night, saving them for the night he would…
My Laptop Surprise
The doorbell rings. It’s here! The new laptop I bought online a few days ago. I am so excited. It’s the latest model, with all the bells and whistles I need, and I got it for a song. I retrieve…
The Price of a Wish
I let out a whoop. “Whoa, look at this!” With my hand, I brushed the dust off the ornate purple bottle I found in a pile of debris in the attic. Larry tiptoed gingerly through the clutter towards me. He…
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