Author: jzapata

  • 14 Years: The Chronicles of Sir Reginald the Damned

    Part Four of The Necromancer of Bern

    The sun shined through a stand of evergreens on the outskirts of Bern. It was welcome relief from the endless rain and snow of the previous days. Cloudless blue skies stretched overhead. Bird song could be heard from adjacent trees near Sir Reginald. The knight camped at the base of a towering pine tree. Its snow-encrusted branches sagged to the ground and formed a natural shelter from the wind.
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  • A Review of “The Legend of Oz: The Wicked West”

    “The Legend of Oz: The Wicked West” is an action packed retelling of the original Wizard of Oz tale, but with a western theme. Landscapes filled with plateaus and mesas, along with magenta colored skies give authenticity to the setting. The creators do a wonderful job of blending in traditional elements of Oz. Familiar cornfields and the remnants of a certain yellow-brick road are also in place.
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  • 14 Years: The Chronicles of Sir Reginald the Damned

    Part Three of The Necromancer of Bern

    Deep lines gouged into the Saracen’s face tell Sir Reginald that his enemy has seen many battles. Further confirmation comes in the form of his foes scimitar strikes. It’s all Reginald can do to intercept the blows with his battered shield. A cold certainty fills the pit of his stomach as the battle wears on.
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  • 14 Years: The Chronicles of Sir Reginald the Damned

    Part Two of the Necromancer of Bern

    Reginald was half dead when he limped into the city of Bern. The wounded knight had walked several miles in the brutal cold seeking shelter. Even for being so late at night, he was surprised to find the streets deserted. He could not explain why – but the very air was filled with deep and pervasive dread.
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  • 14 Years: The Chronicles of Sir Reginald the Damned

    Part One of The Necromancer of Bern

    It wouldn’t stop raining. For the past six days a steady downpour fell on the covered wagon Sir Reginald rode in. But the heavy canvas top was already soaked through. Cold rainwater dripped onto him – waking him when he occasionally managed to doze off. As it did now.
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  • 14 Years: The Chronicles of Sir Reginald the Damned – Prelude

    In 1170 AD,  four knights seeking the favor of King Henry II burst into Canterbury Cathedral. The Archbishop, Thomas Becket, was an opponent of the Constitutions of Clarendon. Henry’s policies aimed at weakening the independence of the clergy and Rome’s authority. Thomas refused to sign the documents. In defying the king – he sealed his fate.
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  • The Emperor’s New Clothes

    By Jason Zapata

    Ignorant of his troubled kingdom and
    His subject’s woes
    Someone needs to tell the emperor to
    Put on some clothes
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  • A Review of Terry Brooks, “Armageddon’s Children”

    “Armageddon’s Children” by Terry Brooks is a memorable novel for many reasons. It’s book one of the Genesis of Shannara series which bridges the Word and Void stories with his Shannara tales. Armageddon’s Children takes place on the decimated North American continent. Under the influence of the Void’s demons, humanity has plunged the world into anarchy and war.
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  • “Immortally Insane” By Pierre-Alain D

    Pierre-Alain D. is an established and industrious digital artist residing in Nantes, France. Many of his creations incorporate natural elements in unexpected ways. Pierre-Alain runs his studio known as 3mmi Design. His work also encompasses digital illustration and web-design.
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  • I, Dracula: Part Four

    By Jason Zapata

    I resolved to acquire Mina and had Harker detained
    The letters he wrote to her were gradually mailed
    While my brides ensured his attempts to escape failed
    Thus the illusion of Harker’s well being was maintained
    As my passage aboard the Demeter was swiftly obtained
    Those sailors never knew what that journey entailed
    That it was upon a ghost ship in which they sailed
    One by one their disappearances never explained
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