The Waste (XI)

The next morning, the pumping mechanism in the pen was engaged by the villagers, and the inhabitants of the octagonal enclosure were encouraged by immaculate engineering, to revisit the seas from whence they had been captured. It took little time after Allamar’s edict of augmentation, for the unwed fishermen of the village to have docked […]

The Waste (VII)

Before Allamar brought his scaled, water-dwelling colossus to the village, the succession of chieftainship had been passed generationally, from father to son, for as long as any living member of the village could recall.   The passing of time had been so considerable since the last catch-to-chieftainship, that none of the villagers could specifically remember whose […]

The Waste (VI)

Paris slept poorly, and woke many times. Though, when he woke, he knew not whether it was hours that had passed, or minutes.  Adjusting to sleeping during the day, when his normal routine would have him awake, and walking, not sitting for many miles, was challenging. After many hours of sleeplessness, Paris had finally sunk […]

The Waste (IV)

“A story?” Paris blurted incredulously. “How, may I ask, is a story payment for transportation?” “It is not a matter of how, but why.” “Why then?” “The intricacies of the transaction may, in time be revealed to you, traveler.  At this point you must simply decide whether this is a cost that you wish to pay.” […]

The Waste (II)

When Paris woke, he was still cocooned inside his blanket.  The air trapped under his cover was hot, and stale. His skin was damp and sticky from sweat.  His first thought was to throw off the cloth shell, and expose himself to fresh cool air.  However, the thought that immediately followed this, that which reminded […]

Open Heart Cataclysm (XIX)

Tristan rose, unhurriedly, from his kneeling position.  He turned, and made his way back to the bathroom.  He moved in a confidently, curiously relaxed manner. When he returned to his prior position, facing the mirror, he brought his hand up and regarded the object pinched between his fingers. It was several inches long, made of […]

Open Heart Insight (IV)

“Ready?” “I think so.” “It’s not really a question that you can respond to unsurely.  Either you are, or you aren’t?” “Ready.” “Go ahead then.  Let us in.” Tristan stood in front of the door, arm stretched forward, with the key in his hand.  Some wildly debilitating magic froze him in this spot.  He breathed […]