Grischa hacked the fence post with her sickle until it splintered with a sharp crack. The gate was open, but she wanted the wood to know who was in charge. “This village looks… reasonable,” Beldam said, using a splinter to pick her teeth. “Very debatable,” Grischa smirked, eyes too wide. They walked into Dvorets right…

being inside your mind is the best thing I have ever experienced Fairy lights and glowing snowmen mark the waypoints up Guywood Lane, then right on Marsden Road past a crippled bungalow. The wind tugs at your rucksack. Your shoes are a little too slight for this job. You feel sharp and watery. You feel…

Another giant approaches, kneeling down beside him. “You can’t lie about all day.” “I can. I have the talent to do it. And the dedication.” “But you shouldn’t.” “Why shouldn’t I? If I have the talent and dedication?” “You have obligation.” “Such as?” “There are dragons.” “There’s always dragons.” “But there are dragons nearby.” “Have…

Radolf had learned to love the hour when New Barris Gate was most itself and least interested in him. The street below his windows carried the first tread of clerks, money lenders and foundry owners, and the muffled coughs of folk who could afford a stove but still complained of the cold. It was an…