He never felt like he spent long enough being Tom. He was Tom when the alarm went off, and Tom as he showered and dressed. He was a bit less Tom as he alternated bites of toast with gulps of tea while he gathered papers into a briefcase and tied … Continue reading
In the fall of 1689, the queen became gravely ill. The king immediately summoned the wisest men and women from all corners of the land to try to make her well again. They examined the queen and began to converse. Their conversing soon led to arguing. Galiven from the cold … Continue reading
“One of Nine” by Phil Melchers Well it’s a weird week here at the arena, short story lovers. There was the obvious confusion that Labor Day Weekend brought us and the delay there, and then for this week’s battle we only wound up with one competitor’s story. However, we … Continue reading
The morning sun shot through the cracked roof, a gilded spotlight shining over the surrounding decay. The rusted land, once an ambitious factory complex, now remained in desolate shambles, a home for only one, the princess. It is here that she slept on a pile of spoiled work uniforms, repurposing … Continue reading
Fingers working over the lock for the Fiddich House. A simple mechanism. A bolt and some gears. Broken down and rebuilt in no time. Last item of the day. They’ll pick it up tomorrow. Time to clean up shop, close my doors, spend another night locked away from the garbage … Continue reading
“Antwerp Bound” by Tony Southcotte vs “A Stolen Heart” by Alicia Aringdale Greetings, short story lovers, and welcome to this week’s prompt. It’s time for a caper here in the arena. We’re in the mood for a sting. We want ourselves an owl job. What on earth are we talking … Continue reading
“Eleanor, are you sure this boy is worth it?” Eleanor Descoteaux bristled at the question, narrowing her golden-brown eyes at her older brother. Her mare sensed her frustration and let out a soft nicker. She ran her hand over the horse’s sleek gray neck and soothed her back into silence. … Continue reading
In her final will and testament, Jamie Norris stated that her remains were to be cremated and pressed into a diamond. It only made sense with her line of work. The clear mineral had been the focus of her labor for the better part of a decade. It didn’t matter … Continue reading
“Maconochie Man” by Albert Berg vs “The Lights of Wasashe Springs” by Donald Uitvlugt Greetings, short story lovers, and welcome to this week’s mystery prompt. Oh, we know what you’re thinking. “UFOs? But hasn’t the arena had aliens in it many times before?” Yes. Yes we have. But who said … Continue reading
The trenches stank of death. Even after all these months the smell made James want to retch. He fought the urge. He needed his strength for tomorrow. Tomorrow he was going to die. He worked away carefully at the hard biscuit from his ration, dipping it after each nibble into … Continue reading
