This is part 2 of Clever’s short story. Click here to read from the beginning. … “Thank you, Mister,” the boy said shyly as he stared up at Zeno. “Zeno, you can call me Zeno,” he replied. “What’s your name, boy?” “Mouse.” Zeno stopped walking and turned to the boy. “I’ll not be calling you…” He had planned to ask […]
As the Elder finalized the cleansing, he began to approach as I knelt before the throne. I glanced up at the heads one final time before making my choice. Their eyes bore into me, but the voices ceased as if they were all holding their breath, even though they had no lungs to take in air. The Elder stepped in front of me and raised the crown above my head, chanting the final sentences to complete the ritual.
The man slapped the revolver onto the table in front of Zeno with a rough chuckle. Zeno stared at the gun, waiting another minute for people to get extra bets in. He’d already placed a bet on himself. He grasped the revolver and placed it to his temple. His hand was steady and breathing even. This would be the fourth […]
The throne was glistening, and the stench of ichor and blood filled my nostrils as I drew nearer. Daunting in not only size, but the eyes of each head that made up the throne followed me with their haunting gaze.
After my morning reading, I decide it’s time to tackle some larger projects. The backyard has been overtaken by weeds, so I start there. I trim back the worst areas with a weed-eater, then yank the rest out from around my flowers with rapid intensity. I marvel at the garbage bags full of trimmings as I race them to the […]
I frown at the sink full of dishes. If only there were more hours in a day, I wish for the hundredth time with a sigh as I pick up a cup. “Well that wish won’t do,” a voice calls out from behind me. I spin, nearly dropping the glass. Before me hovers a wisp of a man clothed in […]
As I plopped each mushroom into the boiling water, I somehow managed to create a perfect circle. I giggled to myself. There was always joy in the small things. Just as I moved my wooden spoon to disrupt and stir all the vegetables, suddenly, a splashing sound erupted, and something flew up out of the soup.
I make sure I arrive early for our departure, settled atop Diago’s saddle. My brother only glances at me with pursed lips, but doesn’t comment on my riding horseback instead of being safely tucked away in a carriage. I’ve invited two of my Ladies-in-Waiting to join us, ones who I know are proficient riders. It will benefit my brother’s cause […]
Queen Amaria arrived with much fanfare, but not that of a Queen of Rezia. No, her entrance was more fitting of a King. Instead of being helped out of a glamorous carriage, she rode in at the head of her retinue on a gorgeous white horse. Trumpets announced her approach, and flags in the sapphire and silver colors of Movalon […]
“I don’t want that,” I told my brother as he held out my birthday gift. He blinked at me and then exclaimed, “Evelyn, that’s no way for a Princess to behave!” “Well, that’s no riding cloak.” I crossed my arms and stared him down. “This is a very fine cloak made by the best seamstress in the Kingdom.” He held […]
