Stepdown

By Patrick M. Tracy “This is not acceptable,” Charlene squawked, her fists planted on her bony hips, her head canted to one side like a judgemental stork. Edith did her best not to make eye contact. It only encouraged Charlene to be more of a monster than she was under normal circumstances. The fact that […]

A Tyrant’s Whim

By Patrick M. Tracy “Remind me of the man’s name,” the tyrant said. It was noon, and he had yet to fully embrace the day. He brought a cup to his lips, sipping spice tea mixed with wine. A naked servant woman mopped his brow with a cool towel. His functionary, Chalbard, squinted at the […]

In Extremis

It goes right by you. It’s a fastball pitch, and you a kid in mismatched little league uniform pants and your brother’s hand-me-down cleats. You rush past all the mile markers, in a hurry for that promised land that’s somewhere up there, past the stuff you have right now, beyond the little turmoils you’ve got […]