Lawrence Harding

A Question of Greatness

Lawrence Harding “The man you are looking for is in there.” Temauldin looked at the building with a sceptical eye. It was some way down the lane from where he stood, but even from here he could tell it had seen better days. Its walls were bending under the weight of thatch that wasContinue reading “A Question of Greatness”

The Maker Unmade

Lawrence Harding “Well,” said Old Alfonse. “That was unexpected.” He and his companions stared fixedly at the centre of the room and the morbid tableau that lay there, illuminated by the guttering candlelight. “Can’t say I haven’t been hoping for it,” rasped Ragnar’s dry, sardonic voice. “It took him long enough,” agreed a voiceContinue reading “The Maker Unmade”

The Trials of Brother Abelard

Lawrence Harding (Originally published as James McIntosh) As touching the terrors of the night, They are as many as our sins. Thomas Nashe, The Terrors of the Night, 1594 Brother Abelard openly admitted that he was a sinner. But didn’t all monks say that? The difference was that Brother Abelard hadContinue reading “The Trials of Brother Abelard”

Death in a Pinstriped Suit

Lawrence Harding (originally published under the name James McIntosh) A life can change in the blink of an eye. It can end, for a start. It was something of a surprise to Erin that the end was just another beginning. But it wasn’t as much of a surprise as realising that she was dead. ItContinue reading “Death in a Pinstriped Suit”

Malstop and the Demon

Lawrence Harding The Reverend Tobias Malstop, rector of the charming parish of Tunny-on-Wye, was not accustomed to being called upon outside the demands of the divine office. The tiny house he occupied in the shadow of his modest church was seldom graced by visitors. Social calls were unheard of. Those who did take it uponContinue reading “Malstop and the Demon”

The Story of the Exposition Nomads

Lawrence Harding Dr Sebastian Mikhel could scarcely contain his excitement as he was led through the camp. He had done it. He had finally done it. Years of searching, following after vague trails and vaguer rumours, had led to this. This was the kind of encounter his colleagues at the Department of Anthropology at theContinue reading “The Story of the Exposition Nomads”

Wisdom Enough

Lawrence Harding “Almighty sage!” cried the young man as he shouldered his way into the tiny hut, his mane of hair flowing down his shoulders and his over-polished sword held high and gleaming improbably brightly. “I have come to receive your wisdom!” Quenzance sighed and looked over the top of his spectacles. “Why?” The youthContinue reading “Wisdom Enough”

To Wield A Blade

Lawrence Harding “A sword is only as good as its wielder, my lord.” “Nonsense.” Lord Tarnigan spat the word and glowered at the woman who stood before him. He did not know her name. He did not need to, nor want to. Anonymity was her cloak, and his recourse to deniability. “I have trained sinceContinue reading “To Wield A Blade”

The Burden of Tradition

Lawrence Harding Not all kingdoms fall quickly. When they do, frankly, it can be a mercy. If there are ashes, people are more inclined to rebuild something out of them. Much more glorious, see? Kingdoms that die slowly, though? Painful to watch. They can’t even see what’s happening as they fossilize. People cling to what’sContinue reading “The Burden of Tradition”

The Pact At Athelney

Lawrence Harding There was much to prepare at the court of Wessex. The king’s grand scheme was about to come to fruition. At his behest, great minds from among the English, the Franks, and even the Welsh, had gathered in his bid to revitalise the souls of his people – and of the peoples heContinue reading “The Pact At Athelney”