Tuesday Fiction

The Jackal and the Tickbalang

Calendula and Cats

An oppressive feeling had fallen over the forest. The uneasiness could have been easy to brush away to someone going about their busy day. But that underlying anxiety made daily tasks harder. Something pulled from the corners, stoking need in everything.

A Visit to the Wildlands

A battle swirled above the trees. Dark creatures flapped their wings and slashed with long claws as they spiraled around my cousin. Her disheveled hair tangled tighter as she dodged and spun. Her notes about the fortress layout were crisp in my hands.

Appointment with an Old Enemy

Sanem's heart raced as she hurried down the ladder to her grandmother's bed. She had never heard her call out like that at night before. Her grandmother's resolve and resilience seemed limitless. But her call shook Sanem.

A Very Ancient Colossus

The winds whipped up the sand. Each grain ground until there was no moisture left. The sandy hordes lifted up into the air blocked the fire of the sun and constantly shifted the earth under foot.

Person Followed by an Invisible Thing

Etched into the leg of the prep table in the kitchen was the most beautiful symbol. It wouldn't peal off. It couldn't be copied. However, the saw could go through the wood above and below the rune.

The Daughter of Death

The hum of the village carried the Mayor through the morning. When it all went silent, the Mayor ran out into the street.

Determinism and Prophecy

Fallen Leif felt the nervousness of the breeze. The trees, once quiet and dormant, stirred and quaked. Thunder crackled in the sky.

Garden Harmonies

Lavani arranged the garden in a harmonious flow of colors with the green foliage of parsley followed by the golden yellow of the calendula. The growing patch of catnip with purple flowers was next—the sage at the end with very periwinkle-colored flowers.

Dream of Ancient Castle Stairs

The odious smell of the king wafted down the hall. His voice reminded Clara of every rejection and loss her family suffered. She moved to close the door. Her dread heightened as the Cardinal's gaze settled on her as he and the king walked past.

Dreams of Flying over City

Signal slipped under her sister's arm. Tell me the story again. I want to have dreams tonight of flying over the city.

Powers of Darkness

Had to be madness, a demon breaking our bonds, reaching out to all. The great wrym saw it, a tenacious desire, consuming nature. Lift your feet above, mists that take apart your will, let its hunger fade.

Return of Spirit

Hold my hand, Gift. Reach out together. The ethereal weight on your shoulders is not your burden to shoulder. The world no longer seems real but I am here, a part of you, and I am real.

Travel

Yvette and Jacques worked at their father's bakery. Yvette was a writer. Jacques was a painter. Their father had them work their talents as much as baking. They weren't from this region and father's stories of other places made them dream of travel.

Food

Slice of Life Micro Fiction in Montsilt - Artie sat on a stool at the bar where his dad was serving drinks. Hey Pop. It's another busy night.

New

The fifty-foot tall oak tree blocked the front door to the town hall. The tree had a five foot diameter and had claimed its place several weeks ago. A new mayor came with the tree.

Magic

Wil and Airy sat at their desks writing words over and over. The ink dripped from their quills and followed the indents they made on the page with their thoughts.

Space

Clop, clop, clop. The cane made that noise relentlessly as Hanna walked down the street. It was sharp and loud compared to the sound it had made on the farm.

River Bend's Lost

In brazen dark pine I absolve the dsypathy, malignant, and craven forces that took my Gift. I'm ready to explode but the strategic path fits the equation. Weird fireflies escape boundaries along a threadbare spine, they tell me my prey is baked into time

River Bend's Storm

A shiver rippled up the Shaman's spine as he released the energy of the land. The thorned vines he called from the ground withered around him.

River Bend's Book

The Shaman pulled a book from his satchel. The holes in the worn leather cover exposed birch bark pages marked with patterns .

Peace

"Grandma, let's keep moving. We need to check on Grandma Fusun and Grandma Hazan. Plus get to market and then pick up your herbs." Sanem hurried her grandmother down the street.