Howe, Justin: By the Searing Flames
By the Searing Flames
Spacesuits and Sixguns Magazine, Summer 2007
Writer: Justin Howe
Genre: Short Story/Fantasy
And yet another story with religious themes. Dang it, I'm going to keep reading until I find a story to break this trend!
Howe's story focuses on a Roman Conqueror of a Greek island who allows his subjects to practice their own faith. During the course of a ceremony, he lays eyes on the Torch that burns and does not consume, said to have burned for a thousand years. Quite possibly, the light of Christ.
Whatever it is, Erazzio is determined to bring it to Rome in order to bring Rome greater glory. To say more, of course, would ruin the tale.
At first, I had some trouble with this one. I really wasn't sure what was happening or why at the beginning, only getting clues to the setting rather than a bigger picture. The second section explained the events of the first, which was useful, and provided the motivation for the next section. The ending is fabulous, and I loved the imagery. Actually, the imagery through-out is pretty solid, even though there were times I wasn't sure quite what was happening where, as there's nothing but men in this story and pronouns became confusing.
But it's an interesting tale, an interesting premise, and there's a fabulous illustration to go along with it at the end of the story. Loved the ending, which mirrors the beginning in its own way. To read it, simply click the link at the top of the entry.
Spacesuits and Sixguns Magazine, Summer 2007
Writer: Justin Howe
Genre: Short Story/Fantasy
And yet another story with religious themes. Dang it, I'm going to keep reading until I find a story to break this trend!
Howe's story focuses on a Roman Conqueror of a Greek island who allows his subjects to practice their own faith. During the course of a ceremony, he lays eyes on the Torch that burns and does not consume, said to have burned for a thousand years. Quite possibly, the light of Christ.
Whatever it is, Erazzio is determined to bring it to Rome in order to bring Rome greater glory. To say more, of course, would ruin the tale.
At first, I had some trouble with this one. I really wasn't sure what was happening or why at the beginning, only getting clues to the setting rather than a bigger picture. The second section explained the events of the first, which was useful, and provided the motivation for the next section. The ending is fabulous, and I loved the imagery. Actually, the imagery through-out is pretty solid, even though there were times I wasn't sure quite what was happening where, as there's nothing but men in this story and pronouns became confusing.
But it's an interesting tale, an interesting premise, and there's a fabulous illustration to go along with it at the end of the story. Loved the ending, which mirrors the beginning in its own way. To read it, simply click the link at the top of the entry.