SHADOWS FROM FIRELIGHT, by R. Michael Burns “The way of the samurai is to be found in death.”   — Yamamoto Tsunemoto, Hagakuré   The figure on the moon-viewing balcony of Yamagumo Castle might’ve been no more than a shadow but for the faintest shimmer of starlight in his dark, attentive eyes.  His face was […]

Hello and welcome to the second issue of Heroic Fantasy Quarterly! We’ve found three more outstanding short stories and two great poems to share with the world. You can find links to all of them right here in our Featured Articles section. As with our first issue, once again we’d like to thank all the […]

THE HAND OF AFAZ, by Euan Harvey Farid found the murderer huddled close to a small fire at the base of a scrawny tree. Firelight winked through the reeds, and Farid poled his raft in slowly, silent as a gar gliding through the water below. Drawing close, he slipped off his robe and slid naked […]

MONSTER IN THE MOUNTAINS, by William Gerke Head bowed, back bent, advancing step by laborious step, Gowther trudged onward even though he was nearly buried alive by snow. Makeshift snowshoes kept him from sinking completely, but it piled atop his shoulders and outstretched arms and clung to his wool cap, leather hood, and heavy scarf. […]

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 […]