I love how the emotional center of this scene shifts in an instant — from confrontation to something much more complex. It isn’t a simple surrender or reconciliation, but a reframing of power and choice that makes the release feel earned. Those moments are the ones that stick.
What a wonderful story. I read your Conan essay and I guess on some level I was itching to read this kind of story - great follow-up!
Thank you. I really appreciate that!
Oh, I love both of these stories about Erdric! And now I'm buying the literary criticism, "The Dark Barbarian That Towers Over All."
Thank you! Am glad I sold you on _two_ Erdric stories.
I love how the emotional center of this scene shifts in an instant — from confrontation to something much more complex. It isn’t a simple surrender or reconciliation, but a reframing of power and choice that makes the release feel earned. Those moments are the ones that stick.
Thank you so much! It's nice to be read well
Hanged. Coats are hung, people are hanged.
My pet peeve.
Homage to Conan the Barbarian, and a strong flavour of Shirley Jackson, particularly the opening sentence! Was that a subconscious nod?
Probably it was, subconsciously. Thanks!