The Value of a Life – Part 3

“Well, Mouse, you need more than 5 lives if you want to last long out here. You’ve got to find a way to earn more,” Zeno looked at him reproachfully. “And you’re not to play Russian Roulette again.” Mouse just nodded, staring at the ground. “Do you have any skills?” The boy looked left, then right. He whispered, “I can […]

Call a Professional

Drip, drip, drip I could hear the droplets of water falling from the kitchen sink even laying in my bed. Well, maybe I couldn’t actually hear it, but I knew it was dripping so in my brain the sound echoed.

The Value of a Life – Part 2

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 […]

Do Thrones Lie – Part 2

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.

Do Thrones Lie

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.

The Kiosks

The hiss of air releasing momentarily filled the air as I stepped through the open doorway. Once through, the door quickly re-sealed behind me. There were nine kiosks, eight already occupied, so I made my way towards the open one. They were made up of a neon orange transparent material, that way you could see the inner workings of the […]

Lantern

The flames in my lantern flickered, casting dancing shadows on the stone wall. The tap tap of my feet smacking the stone was the only sound. The stone staircase wound downwards in a seemingly endless spiral. Finally, it opened up into a long corridor.

The Gallows – Epilogue

I strolled through the streets of Vrezar with Brayden at my side. In place of the gallows, vendors had set up stalls of fragrant foods, produce, and flowers. Some sold or traded their crafted furniture or woven rugs, as everyone was rebuilding their homes. Neighbors lingered in the streets, chatting and laughing. I shook my head, a grin on my […]