My short story, “The Skull King” has been published in the first issue of the online literary magazine, Exiles. To read the full story click here. For a summary and excerpt continue after the jump. Thank you very much for your support.
“A wicked king, a damsel in distress, and an unstoppable force are about to collide. Five years have passed since Queen Emily was forced to marry the monstrous King Aaron by sword point. Now the kingdom of Duros is under attack by a rebellious army led by the mysterious Skull King. His goal, Aaron’s head on a spike and he means to get it. Who is the Skull King? Why does he hate Aaron? and Why does Emily believe he is her last hope for freedom?”
Excerpt:
“It was a quiet day, as it always was. A scout reported to Sir Kendall and I that the Skull King’s army was nearly upon us. We marshaled the Guard, swords and spears at the ready. They arrived and stopped. We didn’t know what to make of it until they parted. Then he emerged, the Skull King. His body built like a gladiator’s, his hair long and auburn.”
“Did you see his eyes?” Emily interrupted.
“No. He offered us the choice of joining him or perishing. As noble knights sworn to the defense of our King, we refused. He made a gesture and a pack of wolves was upon our horsemen. While the horsemen and the infantry fought off the wolves, clouds of ash assailed us. We were blind and our formation scattered. Then they charged. Like a tidal wave they broke our rank. Fast and furious they attacked. Some surrendered and joined the Skull King while others stood and fought for the crown. In the midst of the chaos I saw him, wielding his axe and dropping our soldiers left and right. Those who didn’t fall bent the knee and before I knew it, I was surrounded. I had no choice but to surrender.”
Do you want to know what happens? Read the rest at Exiles Magazine.
Todd Matthy.com 