Needle and Thread

By Chad Horlock

A collection of short stories by Chad Horlock, "Needle and Thread" tells four stories, three of fantasy and one of science-fiction. A ruthless knight and some travellers encounter each other; a pariah picks up his feet and falls; and surly leadership incites rebellion. A sampling of three stories explore wit, charm, lunacy, and discord among strangers, friends, and rulers. The lessons learned, each soul hopes, get them through another day in the world. Then, take a bird's eye view with Holly as the world erupts and explodes. Whatever the stakes, men and women run or fight.

Whether from fear or belief, the travellers must face death, and actions leave a lasting impression. As a pariah, getting somewhere carries more risk than reward, and an ignorant man has little hope of survival. When leadership instills fear and reinforces it with violence, few men sit and watch. Yet knowing whether a side is right or wrong seldom reaches the masses, and actions taken in ignorance do little to staunch the flow of guilt.

With freedom a price is paid by individual investment. The story leaves an impression on those affected. "Needle and Thread" explores such relationships to provide the satisfactory and upsetting tales of passionate belief overcoming or falling under strength and power.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chad Horlock
• Release date: Dec 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310246333

Chad Horlock

Chad Horlock spends countless hours crafting realistic fantasy worlds to deliver timeless themes through strong character arcs and plots. He brings an interactive, multimedia and transmedia experience to his fantasy world while working closely with a few friends to refine his craft. Chad Horlock is currently submitting scripts to local producers. He also has a blog and Facebook page for his brand, Seaword Journeys.

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Needle and Thread

Copyright 2013 Chad Horlock

Published by Chad Horlock at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Risking the Crossroads

Murmurs of Conscience

Ties

Needles

About Chad Horlock

Connect with Chad Horlock

Risking the Crossroads

A traveller walks along a road. He sees a crossroads in the distance with a man standing in its midst. When he reaches the crossroads, he realizes the man is a knight, his dark grey plate glistens with a dull light.

I seek the King’s Road, the traveller says.

It lies straightways, but I must bid you take the road left.

The knight points towards a path canopied by birch and beech trees, and heavily shaded despite the mid-morning light.

The traveller looks askance. There will be robbers, I am sure!

I will come, if that is your fate.

Somewhat discomfited, the traveller continues his journey as bidden.

About midday, the traveller stumbles across another crossroad. The knight stands in its midst. Standing before the knight, perplexed, the traveller mutters, Surely not. How have you come this way?

I have not. I have remained as ever I have, here.

I seek the King’s Road.

It lies behind you. I bid you take the road left.

That will surely take me away from here!

Surely.

I seek the King’s Road, the traveller says, and takes the road right.

An hour later, he turns, hearing hoofbeats behind, and sees a lance. He falls backwards with a cry. The lance clicks against the ground, narrowly missing.

Why have you attacked me?

I bid you turn back, the knight says.

I must return again to where I have come?

It is so.

The traveller, scrambling to his feet, runs, passing the crossroad. Later, as dusk falls, he stops, weary from flight. Crossing onto a nearby field and slumping against the nearest tree, he sees another crossroad before him and falls into a fitful sleep.

A steel-shod boot