I haven’t been reading much short fiction lately, but I am subscribed to the Fantasy Magazine feed. I saw the opening of this story and the words drew me in. I had to read it, even so early.
The men burned all the boats, so it is impossible to leave the island now. Everyone cheered when the pyres were lit. The dancing went on for three days, as if for a wedding. The men chanted, We are fearless! Let our enemies attack us now. We will slaughter them, and take their boats as war prizes. And if the sea folk come against us, we will crush them, too. Our magic is so strong we will pursue those cold ones under the waves, torches blazing. We will burn out their black eyes, tear their silver flesh to strips, and lick up their pale blood. We are mighty. We are invincible.
via Fantasy Magazine » The Men Burned All The Boats.
Patricia Russo is another Fortean Bureau alum. It makes me so happy to see a new story by her, and one that is so great. I highly recommend you give it a read.
