The Overlord laughed, "I shall look forward to meeting your candidates Lady Sophia and look forward even more to watching them strike terror into the hearts of my advisors." The deity sniffed, "It serves them right. Don't be afraid to deviate a little from their list, Sophia. Remain aware of the political implications but know …
Lydia patted Lorsan on the back, probably the only one to have any understanding of how uncomfortable this comfortably forgotten god was with this sudden attention and expectation. While he was still goggling at her casual comfort, she opened the back door and stepped outside. Lorsan hurried to catch up so he could perform the …
Solvek held up a hand, halting the entire group before any member set foot between the stones. In that moment they all felt the presence. Something ancient and unfriendly, silently circling to prevent invasion of the sacred space. They stepped back from the stones, straining all senses to understand more. Figures appeared in the spaces, …
The wagon pulled up in front of what used to be an impressive set of stairs, sweeping down to the carriage turn from an imposingly arched front door. Now, it looked sad, and a little apologetic, as it did its best to hold onto the crumbling stone with overgrowing tendrils of ivy and to fill …
This story is (very) loosely based on the Greek legend of Calypso (of Odyssey fame), the setting inspired by a group exercise at a Mythology course at CityLit. The course itself wasn't quite what I was expecting, but it got a new story going and that was the point of the exercise. Calypso sat at …
Door 1 - Beach Conference They took seats at a table in the beach bar and ordered - cool refreshing drinks and simple food to nibble as the world went by and plans were made. The stories of how they'd each found themselves roving the corridor, finding and leaving places, were set aside for another …
Sariya looked up from the study of Mt St Helens on her laptop as the bookcase opened to a frazzled and fuming Marcus. "Oh dear, what now?" "A royal ball if you please. Attendance compulsory for all dragon-tied, the night after we were supposed to leave for Drakkenspire." "We could still leave as planned, or …
A week passed with little to remark. Kid improved, although Nora reported nightmares. Alec managed to avoid private conversation with Lady Mellisande, although he was part of the bodyguard squad accompanying her on visits to the local villages to check on the well-being of local residents. He was amused and impressed by Her Ladyship's choice …
New story starting today. I did a CityLit course on telling and retelling fairy tales and thought I'd give the less-well-known story of King Thrushbeard a go. I would also like to make very clear that the opening of this story (in italics) is lifted directly from one of my all-time favourite 'new' fairy stories, …
Connor sat, stiffly awkward, holding Sophie as she sobbed. Soon, though, concern won over terror and he hauled her in closer and ducked in to try and see her face. "Don't, I'm red and puffy and blotchy." "Seen it before." "Not since I was eight." "Ten." He managed to win a watery smile, a deep …
The DNA of Stories 