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!
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.
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?