by James Rumpel Thor Rorakson hesitated before opening his eyes. He felt calm, as if he were floating. Perhaps he was on his way to Valhalla. The village’s resistance had been surprising, and he had taken a hard blow to the head. An explosion of pain at the back of his skull verified that he […]
by David D. West Broðir grunted as they made the incision in his naked stomach. His captors reached two fingers in, hooked a section of long intestine, and pulled. Broðir shuddered at the squelching sound, the painful heat spreading through his midsection. They staked the organ into the earth beside the oak. “Walk,” they commanded, […]
by Tannis Mills Did she regret it? Estrid gazed below. Her husband on the dock, arms crossed, cold, as always. Refusing to meet her eyes, even knowing it would be the last. The ropes tightened across Estrid’s chest and hips. She looked left. Her lover similarly lashed to the ship’s prow, eyes blazing. “I will […]
by Jeff Currier Fleeting spectral images taunted Sigurd’s memory. Opening a man’s throat. Striding through crimson spray. Quick slashes ending children’s caterwauling. A golden-haired beauty screaming Valkyrie threats. Laughing, swatting away her knife. Slinging her over his shoulder. And dying—her second blade embedded in his spine. Sigurd’s hand still clasped his sword. A Viking’s death […]
by Ryan Van Ells The stew looks delicious. My stomach rumbles. I look at the babysitter. “Not yet,” she says. “It needs mandrake root.” I hand her one. “Now?” “Not yet. It needs sage.” I hand her the bottle. “What about now?” “Not yet. It needs lizard guts.” I reach for the lizard, his stomach […]
by James Rumpel “It’s a huge crowd,” stated AJ, nervously. “Of course. You’re famous,” replied Cecil, handing AJ the tip jar. AJ moved into position, greeted by raucous applause. Cecil pulled out a small doll and began to manipulate it surreptitiously. With each twist of the voodoo doll, AJ performed a matching break-dance move, amazing […]
by Don Money The book cover made of tree bark grabbed Elroy’s attention, but what intrigued him more was the title, Dark Magic of Appalachia. The horror the spells inside promised gave rise to a dark idea. A gluttony incantation and the moonshine from Elroy’s still became something people couldn’t live without. The desire consumed […]
by Chris Clemens “Last chance. Are we completely sure he’d want this?” “His will is clear: immediate resurrection. Mr Kocher spent a fortune on this nekronomi-whatever book. Careful, the cover’s falling apart.” “It’s just… LOOK at him.” “I won’t. It’s gross. Now start chanting!” Hissing forbidden syllables, the assistants shuffled around concentric pentagrams they’d etched […]
by Ria Hill The patch of stone he kneels on is as bare as it is holy. He has done the unthinkable and sought immortality. That achieved, he waits in chains before the only few who could revoke that gift. His final sentence is a shock that stiffens his spine. “Keep your eternity,” the priestess […]
by Akis Linardos Ethereal chains binding you to your wife rattle as you trudge onto the porch. To the cold indifferent desert night. Heads of men that once voted you bounce across the barren road, ensnared in tumbleweeds. Crackling paper pleasure, you roll another cancer-stick—a brief respite from the mental anguish of your sins. Hopefully […]