Well, this was going to be the April – May Edition of Scribal Tales, but since Passover and Easter really occupies our time (not to mention my quest to win my way into the World Series of Poker [unsuccessful – thus far], perhaps we should call this our May Flowers Issue – or even better, just our May Issue – Yes, that will do it:

Our May 2006 Issue!

Horror Tales:

Our first collaborative tale: The Chermasu by Brian McKinley and Mark Jenkins.

It is a wonderful horror tale by two authors who know their way around the horror genre. What the heck is a “Chermasu?” Well you will get the answer, learn a bit about the Hopi and Navajo culture, and be treated to a tale that will grip you. Welcome Brian and Mark. We look forward to sharing the horror of it all with you.

The Beckoning by Tala Bar

Do you think you have difficulties in your relationships? Here is a couple that has it all together and then throw it all away. Personally, I say, good riddance to … read it and see if you don't come away asking, “Why did she put up with him in the first place?” or “Why did he leave?” or “Why the heck did they louse up a perfect (ok semi-perfect) relationship. Thanks for showing us your depth of talent Tala Bar.

Science Fiction:

Home is in your Head or The Falling Castle Sequence by Michael Battaglia.

Well, if you are a new reader to Tristian's Tales, you are about to be captured (a man with a net is coming after you soon). Michael has depth, understanding – he has recently written his one million(ith) word … well, I am not going to repeat myself. Look through the back issues of Scribal Tales and you'll see that this is the author who can do it all – and so do his characters.

Don't be afraid to read it … ok, be afraid, and be very afraid: Michael's stories are intoxicating.

CTRL, ALT, INSERT, DELETE by Norman A. Rubin

Yep, it is science fiction and Jewish humor. Difficult to write, you say. Not so. Norman Rubin shows his skills with a story that is an easy read and will make you smile.

The Pretentious Twit

Tyrannicide Reviewed: Michael Battaglia takes off his writer's cloak and transforms himself into “Acid Tongue.

Scribal Tale's reviewer reviews with fire and brimstone. This time Tyrannicide is reviewed and shows us why he actually liked it. I'm sure the author and his followers will be pleased. Hitler does not escape his destiny and deserves what he gets!

Fantasy Tales

Tales of the Halfling – The Hunted by Gabriel Morales:

The new and exciting tale dealing with the further adventures of Hadrian, the Halfling with a Song in his Heart.

Valdor is stoned – err, encased in stone. Hadrian has an assassin on his trail, a woman in love with him, the Red Guard investigating him, a hidden gem or great value … to the dead, that is.

It is fantasy at its best.

Odan the Scribe – Chapter 6 – A Journey to a Town Called Vashmak by Daniel Olarnick:

This is a “must-read.” After all, I am the owner, the boss, the editor, and the publisher. So, when I say it is a “must read,” it is a “must read.”

No, the unnamed scribe doesn't get his name yet; the troll doesn't get to eat him; the mongrel doesn't get to protect the scribe, but it is a quest. And a quest takes time. Vashmak is the first stop in the never-ending quest – so read the damn thing, please, pretty please. Come on you know you owe me one. Feel guilty. Whatever it takes.

The Cursed Valley by Marva Dasef:

The author of Cadida and the Djinn shows us a darker side. I had discussed a much darker version to be written with an even darker side to it. But you have to love how light this tale is, fit for all our younger readers … heck if you do need your parents permission, ask me, I'll send you a forged document that you can show to the judge … just kidding – this story will make you smile while you're reading it.

The Shared World

The Lords of Darkness by Joel Levy:

There are many proviences on the island continent of Volante. Joel Levy has asked for a kingdom within which to bring to you the tale of a Necromancer and his Exile. Write to Joel, tell him what you liked and/or didn't like about his tale. I think you will enjoy the pace of his story, his depth of characters, and their total disregard for their enemies. You know, it is possible for evil to believe that they're the good guys.

Come Die With Me by Janice Jackson:

Janice Jackson continues her tale of Dora and her “problem.” Will Karl Strange come to her aid? Will a scribal healer show up in the nick of time? Will Karnak gain his long-sought revenge (give it up, already, Karnak, that black magic is going to do you in)? Will Dora create another meal for the entire inn and a goodly portion for herself? The story continues and grows with each month's installment. Write Janice if you have any questions about the shared world setting, the comings and goings of the Black Dragon Inn.