Xini can use her illusionist spells to make the orcs believe the woods are on fire–driving them out. But she must use the Cursed Crown to do it. She’d given up that warlock life years ago, though still bound by the curses she accepted, but her home and the homes of so many others are at stake. The other animals beg her not to– because each use of the crown’s magic draws her closer to a doomed afterlife in the Eternal Desert. “It is just a step closer,” she says. But what good is a favored afterlife if you doom those you love to death here? The curse of the crown is one’s own altruism to use it. If you could truly give up the power to save others, you might save your own soul. Xini doesn’t find that kind of soul, though, or that life, worth saving. She knows this is her moment to show her love to her community, and she awakens the cursed crown, watching it spin like swords above her.
Go to Chapter 8
“Protect the Autumn Woods!” is an illustrated story by Jerome Stueart in 33 short flash fiction chapters. The story features D&D-inspired magic-using forest animals who fight to protect their homes. This story was at first a response to a prompt list created by Jenn Reese and Deva Fagan for an October Art Challenge in 2021. You can now read all 33 parts of the story, “Protect the Autumn Woods” with the search term, #AutumnWoods. “Protect the Autumn Woods!” Art Show at the Dayton Society of Artists (48 High Street, Dayton, OH) from November 1 — December 15 2024.
“Protect the Autumn Woods!” is adjacent to a larger show of amazing Dayton Artists, “Small, but Mighty.” Come see all of the art, any weekend, Friday 12-5, Saturday 12-5 to experience the art yourself.
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