Author Archives: dan

By the time Emanuel’s and my amulets had driven the swarm off, Strong Force was already pale and sweating. “Damn,” said Emanuel again, “we’ll have to have someone drive you into town to see a priest. Why the hell didn’t … Continue reading →

I had been about to weigh in and stop my colleague from saying something impolitic, but that question stopped me. I had been too polite to ask the question, but I admit I was curious about the answer. “Well, sir,” … Continue reading →

The Devout Atheist I know it is likely that Strong Force Jangala will never forgive me for what I did to him. But I also know I do not regret my decision, or Emanuel’s, or God’s. We were at the … Continue reading →

I don’t remember much of the next five minutes. It is too fast, too hot, too full of confusing new sensations. The onrushing face of the border patroller, shimmering with mammalian heat, the feel of his neck under my claws, … Continue reading →

“Away! Get away!” Bellows Blargle, and we scramble backwards into the forest. Bullets tear through the leaves and twigs of our hiding place. I don’t so much run as fall horizontally, constantly tripping, reeling, catching myself just in time to … Continue reading →

“Sneak across the border?” “Hush, human female!” says Blargle. We are in the woods on the western side of the mountains, huddled behind the shrubbery, watching the deserted road. “When I said I was willing to go around the law … Continue reading →

“This is insane!” I say later, pacing in Blargle’s office. “I mean that!” I brandish the 50 page document on Skrean immigration policy. It begins with the words ‘Abandon all hope.’ “I might literally be driven insane by this nonsense.” … Continue reading →

“Now, as I’m sure you know, worship of the First God grants those with His infernal blood the ability to manipulate the energies of life and death,” Blargle breaks into his spiel. “In the past, these energies were harvested by … Continue reading →

The necromancer is a tall, palely handsome man in an impeccably tailored suit. A Mr. Wracknyth, I am given to understand, son of Feernyth, as if that should mean anything to me. “Ms. Scribbler”, he bows and takes my hand. … Continue reading →

I take a moment to gather my wits. “Mr. Blargle,” I say, “if you don’t mind, I’d like to discuss our plans.” “Aha, straight to business,” Blargle leans forward, fingers like crab-claws clacking together in a steeple. “Skrean hospitality customs … Continue reading →