THE FIRST GRAVE

by Jack Dowden

Venom could break your mind, but Darryl could control it.

~*~

“Over a million worlds.” Selene swept her hand slowly across the glass. She regarded Darryl and he felt his cheeks burn. Twelve years together yet still he faltered under her gaze. She smiled as she turned back. “I’d like to see them all.”

He moved close, wrapping his arms around her waist, putting his lips to her exposed neck. “I can’t promise you will,” he whispered, “but I promise we can try.”

Continue reading THE FIRST GRAVE

RECESS HAIBUN

by Francis W. Alexander

A story, a poem, and a bit of fright on a special night.

~*~

Trebor uses the ground to help him click the left shoulder blade into his left arm socket. With bony fingers clinking and clattering, he scours the ground for his left eye. He releases a sigh like the rustle of reeds and plunks the eyeball into its cavity. After plucking the dangling worms and centipedes from his optics he looks at the calendar hanging on the stone wall.

Continue reading RECESS HAIBUN

ANGROK THE DESTROYER

by A. J. Cooper

An Avenger or Destroyer? Sometimes it’s hard to discern the difference.

~*~

Angrok pitched back his warhammer, swung it hard at the Spider Priest, and sent Yama’s head – separated now from his body – hurtling into the wall. The Destroyer strode over and grabbed the grisly trophy by its greasy hair. I stood behind him and nodded in approval.

“Satisfactory, my lord?” I asked the hero of the tale who had listened in silence as I’d read to him my latest entry.

Continue reading ANGROK THE DESTROYER