Whispers in Leaves and Branches

It used to be a corny joke, accusing vegetarians of killing plants.

I still remember the first time I kicked a dandelion, after everything started. God... the way the cry just cut off like that.... I walked on the sidewalks. I quit mowing the lawn. But every day, they got louder.

The other day, I breathed in and I swear I heard tiny, tinny screams. Pollen, maybe. Spores. I don't know.

I swallowed the last of the pills just a few minutes ago. My eyesight is already fading.

What will Hell be like for murderers, now that we all are?

To Worship the Traitor King

Vyrin pressed the knife against Cayra's throat, drawing a red line. "True betrayal reverses all intentions, all loyalties; the Turnabout King always wins; that is why I will survive when you have not."

He backed away. The rest of the party watched in agonized silence, unwilling to risk Cayra's life.

"Idiots," Vyrin sneered as he reached the stairwell. His arm moved sharply. Everyone shouted. Vyrin's face paled.

Cayra danced out of the circle of Vyrin's arms. He slumped to his knees, his knife stained with his own blood.

"How?" he gurgled.

"You said it yourself," said Cayra. "Every intention reversed."

A Light for the Walk Home

Here, boy, just down the hall. Aye, 'tis a great many stairs, and hardly a window t'see by even in the day. Can't afford the tallow, half the time.

Nay, come in. Ne'er fear, I'll no assault ye, unless ye're selling that as well. Just the pennies, then? Rest yerself for two shakes.

Oh! Ye startled me, boy, a-comin' up on pitter-pat cat feet. I'm seeking my coin-purse, don't ye fret... here, what's that? The shadows gi' ye a strange look...

Oh. I see.

Do it hurt much? Good on ye, then. As much mercy as I've earned, I s'pose.