Of War and Wine

By Luis Burgos

Of War and Wine is a collection of short stories that focus on comedy with hints of tragedy, betrayal, and coming of age narratives. While the lives of everyone can be filled with hardship and strife, it's important to remember that there are always reasons to smile.

 

"Tales of Thule: Siegfried and the Sorceress" follows a young wizard and his pixie friend on a misadventure to put a stop to a jaded woman known only as The Enchantress who's hell bent on destroying the kingdom of Thule.

"Of War and Wine" is a modern take of the story of Dionysus and Hephaestus. This retelling provides a different perspective on each of the gods residing in Olympus. Dionysus, a smooth talking, suit-wearing young man is up against the big and burly Hephaestus.

"How Legends Are Made" follows Igneus, an innocent boy ready to become a man like his strong father Kawaki. When his father's "magical" spear breaks for a fishing competition, Kawaki informs Igneus that he'll have to go on his own hero's journey to craft a new one. However, Kawaki is not exactly the man Igneus expected him to be.

While most stories depict demons and underworld deities as evil, "Sad Ending" paints a more sympathetic picture of those who dwell in Hell and those condemned to it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luis Burgos
• Release date: Oct 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223811558

Book preview

Tales of Thule

Siegfried and the Sorceress

The young wizard Siegfried , and his close pixie friend, Fae, were at the bottom of the tower belonging to the evil enchantress. The boy’s blue robes were becoming tattered from the journey through the dark forest, and Fae’s insect-like wings were tired from flying.

Sitting atop his shoulder, she gazed upon the towering edifice before them.

Her tower don’t look nothin’ like the books. Kinda borin’, said Fae.

I mean... She’s an evil enchantress, books say she lives in an ‘evil tower.’ I’m sure they took creative liberties. How can a structure be evil?

I s’pose yer right, Fae responded.

The front door magically opened for them as they approached.

You’d think it would be locked to prevent trespassers, said Siegfried.

Ye think she’s expectin’ us?

She’s an enchantress, I’m not surprised. My mother wrote about the different magicks she used in her textbooks. But enchantments weren’t one of them.

Aye, before she passed. Her works were genius. Wish I coulda met the lady!

Siegfried wandered the large circular room, unwittingly stepping on a pressure plate in the chamber’s center. The floor lifted from beneath them and ascended to the top of the tower.

A beautiful, husky voice echoed through the dark chamber.

Who do I have the displeasure of entertaining tonight? I’m rather busy.

Siegfried and Fae were startled. Fae hid underneath Siegfried’s hat as he readied his magick staff.

"Put that sorry excuse for a