The all-consuming flames wash over me and start a fire in my core. Although I burn, so does the air about. The blistering heat of the forge peels away the grimy layer of metal, but as I fold it, a new layer forms. The hammer strikes. Sparks fly. Hair ignites. All but a little hair remains. Pumping the air to stoke the flames, the singed flesh against skull and bone. Another piece makes its way into the heart of the forge....

Giorgia strolled through the meadow of wildflowers in the land of Mysteria. Mysteria was a land of rolling flower-filled meadows with birds and butterflies flitting about. Butterflies playfully followed Giorgia as she wandered the meadow. Mummy and Auntie Ginger were sitting under a willow tree with Karen the Fairy Queen and Chrissy the Nymph Queen eating crumpets and sipping tea. All was well or so Giorgia thought becaus...

“Are you elfing nuts? You can’t go on strike!” hollered Santa. Yes, there were times when the ‘Big Guy’ bellowed, or even screamed. Like the time Blitzen accidently stepped on his big toe – the one with the bulging bunion, or when Mrs. Claus accidently spilled a mug of hot chocolate on his lap. “We’re in prime toy-making season fellas.” Santa Claus pleaded; he’d never experienced something like this before. “Don’t they li...

The droning sound of my alarm clock shattered the peacefulness of my dreams, and I groggily hit the off button and then proceeded to stretch, stifling a yawn. The dim glow of the alarm clock read 6:00AM, and the sun had yet to rise. There was a lovely pink that colored the sky from my open bedroom window and a small draft of air carried my white curtains from their rest at the frame. It was 6:15AM before I managed to roll...

There were little fireflies in the dark sky, and that's how I knew it was nighttime. Momma called them stars, and I always loved looking up at them. There was also an enormous white will-o'-the-wisp that watched over the fireflies, but Momma called it the moon. Momma sometimes let me sit outside the place where we sleep to look up at the stars with her, and that's what I was doing now. The place was peaceful. Many others...

The room was cold and dark, as her back pressed against the wall. Husky, the mischievous little girl had come to this end. She had tunnel vision, as she stared at the boy who held a knife at her throat. He shouted at a younger boy, who cried and pounded his fists into the side of the older one. One name came to her mind, Chris. A sneer peeled back her lips and a low growl came from deep within her. The older boy shoved Ch...

The road to China was long and fraught with danger. Several large mountain ranges blocked the road causing it to go around the base of the mountains. These detours extended the trip by many days, but the demons cared little about time. The road wound through primeval forests full of animals and strange plants. Most of the animals ran from the sounds of the approaching demons. Those that stayed either preyed on the demons...

“Where else should I be, my hero? I have power too, and it's my world that's in danger here, not yours. You have no right to say I must leave. I will do what I can the same as you and the King. Now put your arms around me, I'm chilled.” They stood there with their arms around each other, waiting for whatever comes. It wasn't long before, in the far distance, they saw a black line appear. After some time they could see it...

This is an ongoing story... you may not understand it unless you start at the first chapter “ Get your troops ready to move into position, General. The next time we meet will be on the battle field.” The King and his entourage departed shortly after he and the now Prime General had gone over the many details for the upcoming campaign. General Gavers had asked for topographical maps and was told there were none. “ Well tha...

This is the fourth chapter of an ongoing story You may not understand it unless you start at the first chapter Art and Steve bellied up to the bar and had a tankard of ale. “It looks like things are going good, Steve.” “ So far, yes, but tomorrow is going to be a humdinger. Tomorrow the real work starts. “ Colonel, I think I might have missed a trick, let me know what you think. Do you think bows and arrows would help? It...

This is the third chapter of an ongoing story You may not understand it unless you start at the first chapter They walked to the Ladies. The Queen looked at Art. “What did you tell him Oberon? He has a look on his face like the whole world is going to end.” “Yes, he does look a little peaked, but with what he's gone through the last few days I think he has the right. A few days rest will perk him up. Lady Aletta, will you...

This is the second chapter of an ongoing story You may not understand it unless you start at the first chapter Art turned to Rodel and Lani and asked, “Okay, now what?” “ Oh no, Art. You're not rid of me yet.” stated Lord Cyral, “You and I have many items to go over before I'm done here. Do you think I didn't notice how closely you followed when I cast the spell to open the gate between our worlds? Come, let's talk as we...

I plan this to be the first chapter of an ongoing saga if it's liked Art looked up through the drizzle and inspected the sky, then turned to his companion and said, “We better get off the water, Tom. It doesn't look good — it's getting real black over there and the wind's picking up.” The other man in the canoe replied, “I was just going to say the same. I think I heard some thunder a moment ago, too. It'll be close to qu...