Short Fiction, Poetry and Classic Book Reviews
As he toppled to the carpet he looked to the door; it clicked shut, and the sound of footsteps on timber raced up along the other side of the wall. Victor stumbled over himself in a rush to get to his feet, then ran to the door and threw it open. The vampire saw him... Continue Reading →
He sifted through the shelves of cans and jars and packets, all of which had exceeded their use by dates by around half a century. A complete search of the pantry yielded only two things fit for consumption: salt and honey. Victor cast aside the salt and set the honey jar on the bench. "It's... Continue Reading →
From the hall, he entered the fireplace room and took his preferred, non-reflection-casting route to the dining room, where he hurriedly closed the door on the pursuing vampire. It was peaceful in the dining room. He went to the table, pulled out a seat and sat down. After a long look around at the room's... Continue Reading →
The Chessmaster slumped in disbelief. "I've been beaten," he whispered. He stood up, staring blankly, and removed his cloak. Underneath the imposing outer garment was a shrivelled pink body. A fleece of white hair, like candy floss, sprouted from his drooping chest and round pot belly, and two long knee surgery scars marked his feeble... Continue Reading →
The Chessmaster glared at Victor, and then looked at the board. He scratched his head. Three black pieces left. He squinted at the edge of the table. "What is that?" He licked his fingertip then leaned over and began rubbing a tiny smudge from the smooth surface. "Unbelievable," he said. "You try to keep things... Continue Reading →
The Chessmaster's gaze fell and darted about; his hands fumbled and brushed his cloak. Victor leaned forward on the stool and rested his elbows on his knees. "Shall we begin?" The Chessmaster scratched his ear and cleared his throat. "Uh, yes, let's begin... begin the chess game... which I am really good at. But wait!... Continue Reading →
"Who are you?" asked Victor. "I," said the man, "am the incarnation of cunning, the epitome of wisdom; I see ten steps ahead of any mortal, and comprehend a thousand possible paths at once. Never defeated, my strategy is infallible, my defence impenetrable, my attack irresistible. My queen strikes fear into the bravest hearts, and... Continue Reading →
Victor re-entered the hall, looking sharper than the mansion's previous hostages had looked on their second day there. He stooped and prodded the python stretched out by the wall; it made no response. He lifted its tail, and then dropped it. "Hmm. Too bad. You know, little friend, your death may have saved my life—if... Continue Reading →
The bathtub shimmered, golden. A bright ball rose from the tub and flashed its heavenly radiance throughout the room. Victor smiled like a child on Christmas morning. The room around him fled in all directions almost faster than he could comprehend, and he was left floating in blank space. Everything turned sparkling blue, infused with... Continue Reading →
