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 […]