History
The Bear-Killin’ King
“He had asked the guardians who were bringing him up conscientiously for permission to go and see the hunting when he encountered a bear of unusual size.” […]
Mild
Supernatural
Attuned to the Old Ways
“After a moment, Thrandur climbed out and sniffed the air like a hound tracking a scent: he barked that no one should talk to him, and he kept this up until he made his way to a chasm which spanned the island of Skufey.” […]
Greek and Roman
A Ban on Good Hair
“So he published an edict that everywhere men should cut their hair close to the skin and that no Roman should be permitted to wear his hair below the neck.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Fighting Eunuch
“The emperor took exception to this: “Could you do anything like that, you effeminate gelding?” “Having never learnt to operate two lances, emperor, I cannot,” Krateros replied; “nor is there any need of such foolishness in war.”” […]
Viking
Crazy Beats Good
“He rowed up to the enemy fleet at night, bored the bottoms of their ships with an auger, and to prevent a sudden in-rush of the sea plugged the gaping holes with the pins he had provided, temporarily repairing the damage.” […]
Supernatural
Speaker with the Dead
“Next Thrandur instructed a blazing fire be made in the fire-house, and he had four metal grates placed in a square, and Thrandur himself scored nine furrows in the earthen floor, making nine concentric circles around the square, and he sat down on a stool between the fire and the grated pen. He asked his men not to speak to him, and they stood silently by.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Song of the Manuel the Armenian
“Manuel set off, but the emperor was too afraid and did not flow, so he was obliged to turn back again. When the emperor missed his chance again, he came back a third time and threatened him with death if he did not follow. It was thus that, very late in the day and with great difficulty, the emperor was saved.” […]
Violence
Sworn through Sword
“Both lances were broken. They both leapt off their horses and drew their swords. They came together and fought so bravely that neither wanted to flee from the other, not even as far as a foot is wide.” […]
Supernatural
High-Stakes World of Smith Apprenticeship
“If the dwarfs want to murder you before I come back, take the sword and defend yourself with it, and let me find out that I have a son and not a daughter.” […]