BEFORE THE BATTLE, by Vonnie Winslow Crist: On this witch-kissed morning, as I trudge northward, dampness frizzes my hair, worms its way into my joints. Beneath winter clouds draped like dark cloth above the trees, an unkindness of ravens descends, bickers over a half-eaten carcass. At my approach, the feathered trio complain, rise to an [...]

WHAT SIEGLINDE SERPENTSLAYER SAID TO THE KING, by Megan Arkenberg: The truth, my lord, is that I am sick of monsters. I am sick of the smell of mountain aeries and brood caves, cool and salty-wet. I am tired of dragons’ riddles, feats of strength, game pieces carved of human bone, the musty whispering of [...]

THE FOOTMAN, by W. E. Couvillier: He’s too weak to move, lying amongst the fallen dying from his wounds. What a fool am I, he thinks while waiting for the last dregs of life to ooze from the gape in his gut. Will a fierce Valkyrie settle from the heavens to lift me to the [...]

HERO OF OLD, by John Keller: The hero sat upon his horse; his steely gaze was set. Before him was an army fell. His blade with blood was wet. With aching arms he held aloft, a blessed, shining blade. His battered plate-mail dully shone, No fear his face displayed. A horde of reavers, giants, trolls, [...]

THE LAY OF CUTHRED KING, by Joshua Hampton Now told is the tale of Cuthred King of Keenland, East away, across field, fen and whale-road, where none dare pass in these grim years. From his castle keep, all timbered tall of aged oak and elm, he ruled with wit and wisdom bolstered by his cruel-edged [...]

From the ramparts voices sing

A ballad old and sweet,

Of

Maidens faire,

Dragons foul

From the ramparts voices sing
A ballad old and sweet,
Of
Maidens faire,
Dragons foul

The summer’s heat is hardly past, The harvest not yet in. Confused on hillsides, cattle roam With nary barn nor pen – But not a horse you’ll find abroad Where Ansel’s army’s been. This time last summer, side by side, We worked in every field. The kingsmen and the cottagers Made every meadow yield – [...]

Believe my words, I tried the settled path – You, my wife of raven hair to make the night jealous, Our daughter and two sons all with matching sapphire eyes, Books to comfort restlessness with distant knowledge – But my young feet would never give me rest! Every wind carried scents of amber music With [...]

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