by C. K. Bickford Sunset was the only time Rose understood what others meant when they said the cemetery was spooky. Shadows reached out from the tombstones like fingeres, searching for loved ones who had lost track of time. The pinks and purples of the sky clashed horribly with the grey stone, like a skeleton…
Read moreBorn Under a Bad Sign
by Lannie Pihajlic I stood there drenched to the bone in my underwear, with only a tenuous hold on reality. For some reason, I thought back to meeting Ronni. It was totally a random thing, meeting Ronni. She would say that it was Destiny, with a capital D. I didn’t believe that kind of thing….
Read moreThe Haunting of Piedras Blancas
by DC Diamondopolous There is no end to my love for Jemjasee. I pace the ragged cliffs, searching the sea for her ship. My longing will not cease until I am entwined in her marble wash of lavender and green arms. It’s dawn. The sunlight’s red varnish stretches across the Santa Lucia Mountains. The mist…
Read moreBlack-Winged Terror
by WH Ware Ondale reached down with his scarred hand and picked up the white feather that had caught his attention. “Not avian,” he said softly as he examined it. Then, at its base, the telltale hairs stood out. “Yes,” he smiled, “a pegasus.” He was certain this time. Once before—many years earlier—he had made…
Read moreThe Ethics of Elemental Servitude
by J. Scott King Hodge It was quiet beneath the great stone bridge. A light snow had been falling since early morning and the quay and river ice were blanketed in fresh powder. At the far end of the dock, stowermen huddled around a barrel fire, smoking pipes and warming their hands. An ice rigger,…
Read moreOne Last Thing Before I Go
by Eva Schultz Dear Charlie, I need to say a few things before I go. Captain Mayfield says it’s best to put our affairs in order before a trip like this. I haven’t said anything to you, because I didn’t want to upset you needlessly. But now that it’s time to leave, I realize that…
Read moreCrossing the Barrens
by Paul Stansbury Will was searching the skies over the Barrens. “Will, stop daydreaming,” Ryan called. He stood up, stretching his aching back. “If you want any supper tonight, we need to finish digging the blueroot before nightfall.” “I wasn’t daydreaming, I was looking for it.” “You won’t see it.” “Why?” “Because it landed last…
Read moreThe Greatest Emptiness
by James Moran “Good, I caught your attention.” “Here at the center of the galaxy, you stick out.” “And why’s that?” “The standard of cleanliness you observe surpasses that of the outlaws and murdererssheltering in these parts. Who referred you to me?” “No one. That’s how I was able to find you.” “Explain yourself.” “I…
Read moreFlight of the Rainbow Dragon
by Christina Moore The attack was over in seconds. But even a half a second would have been enough to destroy my entire investment. The fuel it took to get here, the food, the rum, every credit I paid my squad of hired goons– each burning bottled atmosphere at the rate of two tanks per…
Read moreChanging of the Guard
by Curtis Bass Mont Azure San Giorgio 2010 “Come,” the Grand Prince called in response to the urgent knocking on his bedroom door. It was not yet seven o’clock in the morning, when he usually arose. His personal assistant, Andre entered, a worried frown on his face. “Your Serene Highness, I apologize for awakening you…
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