These very short stories were written for the May SFF Chronicle forums writing challenges. Ludictaur was written for the 75 word challenge, for which the theme was “games”. Unfortunately I then neglected to submit the story in time. Time Clops was written for a 100 word challenge for which the cue was “time warp with a horse”. Unfortunately after editing the story down to the word count, I realised that I had mistakenly used a cue from 2020, instead of the current one from 2026.
Yes, I also failed to submit any of my stories on time in April. Yes, I am aware that I am a big fucking idiot. I hope you enjoy these nonetheless.
Ludictaur
Armed and girded with bronze to hunt the beast, we entered the labyrinth proud and bold.
‘Co-op roguelike with draft-based deckbuilding!’
The monster roared nonsense in the voice of a man.
‘FPS with dice stacking mechanics!’
‘What is Effpee-ess?’ whispered the man beside me. The monster heard him, and roared as it charged.
‘2.5D platformer with gravity inversion!’ it bellowed, goring and trampling.
I shouted and stabbed. ‘Demo on request!’ it wheezed as it died.
Time Clops
My new partner resents me. I say ‘new’, but he’s the veteran. I’m Time Force’s newest guy.
I like him well enough. I try to ingratiate myself. Offer him carrots, sugar cubes. He tells me to get fucked with a contemptuous whinny.
Right, yeah; my partner’s a horse. There’s no rider/steed relationship – he’d kick my teeth in. Recruited out of some forgotten timeline. That’s the way we do it: disappear or hire those who get non-linear.
How he did it beats me. He’s real smart, drums primes with his hooves, but likes bad puns. Calls himself the time equine.
