In Charge

They had ridden all morning in silence and finally Joseph said, "Was he surprised when you said you didn't need a driver?" "Duke Ellington forgot farmers know how to drive wagons," she said, nodding to Joseph's hands holding the reins. "I don't understand the struggle between the two of you." "It's the most elemental. Power. … Continue reading In Charge

Hydrargyrum

Note: The featured image is from the game Potion Craft. "Don't hang over the bowl like that. The vapor is toxic." Onta said. "So we're making more poison?" Joseph asked. "Doesn't it bother you?" "No. We'd be better off if they all killed each other." "I won't have any part of making rings." "You can … Continue reading Hydrargyrum

Rings ‘n Things

“Ah, you’re back!” Onta said. “You were right, the smith had the coal tar pitch ready.” “Perfect,” Onta said, rubbing her hands together. “He said he melted coal for you. That doesn’t seem right.” “Just because he has biceps the size of my waist doesn’t mean he’s stupid.” “How do you melt coal?” “Very carefully!” Joesph laughed. … Continue reading Rings ‘n Things

Seeds

Round and round went the pestle, relentless in its actions. Nothing came out of the mortar whole. Gavindra dumped the powder into a bowl and added more seeds to the mortar. She began grinding this batch. "Watch me, Grandma!" Carl shouted as he ran to the end of the large rock and jumped off into … Continue reading Seeds

Welcome to the Atomic Age

"Have your own Atomic Kitchen!" All the women at the home show crowded around the exhibition. "Cook a complete meal in minutes!" "Look, honey," Jane's husband said. "Just what you need." "Oh, sure," she said and thought, I can't cook. It's bad slow, why would it be any better fast? She edged around the crowd … Continue reading Welcome to the Atomic Age