Emran watched the shadow of the great Blackfish crawl over the parched earth towards him. “Finally. This is it…” Emran muttered, shifting from one foot to the other in unbearable anticipation. The watching crowd behind him echoed his agitation, and… Continue Reading
They shot the tiger on his chain in a field behind the cages. A giant Bengal, with paws the size of tree stumps. Even lifeless, his body rippled with muscle and sinew. Flecks of gray tarnished his orange and black… Continue Reading
Liji gulped as she approached the Eastern River’s sandy shores where the Dragon resided. Taking small steps, a numbing pain radiated from her bound feet, cramped inside her silk lotus shoes. Her mother adjusted the flower pinned to Liji’s hair… Continue Reading
“Can I ask you a question?” his little voice echoed through the darkened corridor while they inched their way forward. “What is it, buddy?” the man asked the boy, more afraid of his inability to answer the boy’s questions than… Continue Reading
The snap of the twig was always the best part. The scent of the dried wood, dead for months now, would rise to her nose. She would inhale its scent, drinking in lost memories of seasons long since passed. The… Continue Reading
I was six years old the first time I saw a man disappear. My parents were arguing in the kitchen that morning. I pretended not to hear it. A little later my father came into my room wearing a suit.… Continue Reading
They were right, it all passes too quickly. Demetria both regretted and cherished every extra minute it took to get little Anton into the bath. She wanted to get him into bed early, but he was so happy playing with… Continue Reading
When I was almost five, my Aunt Evelyn discovered that my birthday falls on International Talk like a Pirate Day. “ARRRRRRH,” Aunt Ev brandished a hooked hand and waited until I looked up from my cupcake. “This be the tale… Continue Reading
The plan suddenly made sense. “So… I’m bait?” I asked. I stood, shoulders slouched, hands in pockets, engulfed by the shadows of five colossal warriors in our lantern-lit war-tent. “No, you’re not bait,” Alruc said. “You’re our vanguard!” He threw… Continue Reading
Of the thousands rushing down Riwdin’s streets, I was the only one headed for the city center. I pressed close to shuddering walls and waited for lulls to ease forward. Necessity propelled me; I clung to patience. Dust from shattered… Continue Reading