Between Fire and Smoke

Robert Quick
Author: Robert Quick

Where the -@!# did my muse go?

Writer, dreamer, knight, shackled by entertainment . . . and people.

"How do you kill an Empress?"

I steeled the muscles in my face, and let my eyes rest on the man's shoulders. If this turned into a trap, I would make sure to take him with me into the void. Leaning back, I wormed myself into the chair's thick cushions, lit an O-stick and puffed on it before answering. "Hypothetically? You don't. Only blood can supplant blood under the law."

The skinny man bared his teeth in what I am sure he thought was a smile. "I'm not an Inquisitor, friend."

"Then a monument should be erected in honor of your stupidity."

His eyes glittered at the insult. "Such hostility."

Tapping the ash off the end of the O-stick, I leaned forward. "While this place is private enough for many purposes, I cannot think of any place within the borders of our resplendent Empire that would be private enough for a conversation that would put both of us in Tower of Contrition."

"Ah. We are more alone than you think. You see the two men here? Those are mine. As is that lady there. So let us speak freely."

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Comments (5 so far!)

Average reader rating 4.00/5

HSAR

HSAR

There was a vaguely Imperial British feel to this, which I rather liked. I had a vision of dimly lit velour and drifting smoke.

  • #500 Posted 10 years ago
  • 0
THX0477

THX0477

Fun and adventurous. I like that I still don't know who the good guy is.

  • #502 Posted 10 years ago
  • 0
ElshaHawk LoA

ElshaHawk LoA

Is anyone good, really? :)

I think these are two evils, trying to work together. He'd better have a good deal.

  • #510 Posted 10 years ago
  • 0
ethelthefrog

ethelthefrog

Tantalising prose. I'd say the plot thickens, but it is starting out thick.

Nicely done

  • #517 Posted 10 years ago
  • 0
Abby

Abby

I've been playing too much Dishonoured... Even without it, I'd probably still get that Steampunk, sci-fi vibe. I know I'm a bit late, but you should really throw this one a sequel - it's a strong start. Excellent as always :)

  • #827 Posted 10 years ago
  • 0
  • 4 out of 5
  • Published 10 years ago.
  • Story viewed 36 times and rated 1 times.

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