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Hawthorn & Ash #38
Author: ironfaerie
Hawthorn & Ash #37
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Hawthorn & Ash #36
Welcome to this week’s installment of many micro stories, ranging in length from 100 words to 500 words.
With each story we hope to deliver a little whimsy into the lives of our readers.
GOD OF WAR
Týr used his gold-clad stump to burst apart his mortal attacker—the stump made of the hand Fenrir had devoured. He watched with glee as its body burst into oblivion, splattering his already gore-soaked armor with flesh, blood, and splinters of bone.
Týr, God of War, reveled at the battle held in his honor.
Within the shield wall, men screamed their fury. Others screamed in pain. Jarls, berserkers, shieldmaidens, thralls, and heroes charged the enemy flank, shouting his name.
A slaughter ensued.
Týr rushed forth, breaking apart the opposing shield wall with a single swing of his axe, causing an array of armor and flesh to rain down upon them all. As the enemy fled to their longships, no chase was given. They’d fought bravely.
High above, the Valkyries made their way to Midgard’s surface to usher the noble dead to Valhalla, the flapping wings of their mounts—a testament to their glorious arrival.
Glancing upward, Týr grinned as he was half-blinded by the sun and a dozen pairs of white wings making their descent.
The surviving mortals shouted his praises, weapons of iron and steel wet with blood held high.
In the distance, the longships set sail into the gusting wind, their sailors promising vengeance as they rowed for dear life.
He hoped they would return soon.
Raising his stump in triumph, Týr let loose a roar of laughter that sent ripples across the fjord.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, C. W. “Clint” Stevenson resides there with his wife, son, and their retinue of furry companions. In his spare time, he reads, spends time with his family, and collects too many books to read in one lifetime. 2023, he won the National Fantasy Fan Federation short story contest. Clint’s work can be found in Alien Dimensions, Illustrated Worlds Magazine, and Creepy Pod.
If you enjoyed this drabble you can find it and more in the Hawthorn & Ash 2023 anthology.
Hawthorn & Ash #35
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Hawthorn & Ash #34
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Hawthorn & Ash #33
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Hawthorn & Ash #32
Welcome to this week’s installment of many micro stories, ranging in length from 100 words to 500 words.
With each story we hope to deliver a little whimsy into the lives of our readers.
ASH & DUST
“Two fire beings must not wed,” the Oracle declared. “The galaxy is too fragile, and Alluun needs water, nourishment. You should join kingdoms with the Queen of Garda, or even one of the princesses. Surely one is to your liking?”
But Kimuria would have her way—she married the Queen of Muyaii five days later.
The newlywed queens cared only for their passions. And so, their planets burned as they gravitated closer to one another. No force was stronger than the young, enraptured queens’ eternal bond.
The two fire planets exploded in ash and dust, preparing to reform as one.
Kelly Matsuura is an avid short story writer, with a focus on fantasy, horror, and literary fiction.
She is the Creator of Insignia Stories (Asian fantasy anthologies) and has had stories published with Black Hare Press, Iron Fairie Publishing, Wolfsinger Press, Stringybark Stories, and many more.
Kelly lives in Nagoya, Japan with her geeky husband. She loves traveling, knitting, cooking, and of course, reading.
If you enjoyed this drabble you can find it and more in the Hawthorn & Ash 2023 anthology.
Coming Soon: The Faerie Cat
Introducing “The Faerie Cat”: A New Magazine for Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror blended with Celtic Myth
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of The Faerie Cat, a magazine that entwines speculative fiction, horror, and the rich tapestry of Celtic myth. Rooted in the mysteries of the wheel of the year, this publication offers a unique blend of fiction, poetry, and lore that draws inspiration from ancient traditions and the supernatural.
Guided by our enigmatic muse, Raven—a striking black Chantilly Tiffany cat—The Faerie Cat explores the darker sides of folklore, tapping into the eerie and mystical elements that have fascinated storytellers for centuries. Whether you’re captivated by the turning of the seasons, the power of myth, or the thrill of the unknown, this magazine will take you on a journey through tales that resonate with the primal rhythms of the earth and the shadowy corners of the imagination.
Prepare to be enchanted and unsettled with our first issue, coming soon!
Hawthorn & Ash #31
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Hawthorn & Ash #30
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