Blanche walked barefoot on the beach one last time before heading back to the city. Her quaint coastal hometown held a lot of fond memories, especially involving the beach. "Don't forget to make an offering to the sea," her grandfather had said as she was hugging her grandmother goodbye that morning in front of the … Continue reading Deity of the Sea
Since leaving his job at the hospital, my brother Anton has continued to teach public health at the university while also being an inspector for the county health department. His health department job involves the inspections of pools, specific types of kitchens, long term care facilities, mobile home parks, etc. within a designated zone and … Continue reading Health Inspector Adventures
A $120 bottle of whiskey was opened and poured into a glass, and along with the dark gold drink swirled two bugs. The insects' departed souls were so steeped in alcohol that their spirits staggered toward the second entrance to heaven, a doorway meant for all nonhuman creatures, but then missed the mark. This happened … Continue reading Two Bugs in a Bottle of Whiskey
Otso Mustonen stood among onlookers crowding a pool table watching an intense game between an audacious university student and a cool-headed man wearing an over-sized cream-colored sweater. At 6'5" and as an avid weightlifter, Otso dwarfed all other patrons in the tavern. He stood in the back, leaning against the wood-paneled wall, and observed the … Continue reading Coping Capacity
"I hate you," grumbled the priest, seated in a dusty corner and handcuffed to a thick pipe. "I hate you more," growled the gangster. Despite wearing clothes easily worth more than $2000, he also sat on the floor as he was handcuffed same pipe. A detective looked at them from where she leaned over several … Continue reading Jail or Hell
The Bandit's captive surgeon Dr. Fourier knocked politely at the study door out of habit, earning yet another disapproving growl from the bull-like sailor guarding the door. The color drained from Fourier's face. "Apologies," he mumbled. He lowered his hazel-green eyes to the small cart of breakfast things intended for the prisoners being held in … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 13)
The sleek luxury schooner The Constellation sliced through the open seas with full sails, as close to flight as the ocean-going vessel could ever be. From the moment the anchors were weighed until the sun plunged into the western horizon, Captain Gisela Koning maintained a grueling pace with the help of her first mate Mr. … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 10)
Captain Helias dragged Cayn by the arm until he walked on his own, however once his arm was free, he began to hang back immediately. “I’m supposed to remain with the humans,” Cayn insisted, “until the King sends Celia for me. ” “We’re not going far." Helias stopped midway down the corridor in a spot … Continue reading The Dragon King’s Medic (pt. 7)
I can't sleep. Exhausted, Lally scowled at the dark ceiling with an hour remaining before sunrise. He didn't normally dream when he slept, however ever since Captain Green's crew hurt friends, his subconscious replayed the nightmare of that day every time he closed his eyes. In his dream, the broken bodies of his friends were … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 7)
Every TV news station, radio station, and streaming service across the globe covered the last chance redemption challenge between the infamous sorcerer bent on world domination and the magical frying pan. Bars and restaurants---any place with a large screen---were packed with patrons who watched together in riveted silence. Teachers turned on the match in their … Continue reading The Frying Pan (pt. 7)
Duri Rolvsson 