Welcome to Short Tales
A collection of short stories for your reading enjoyment
Currently 12,517 short tales
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The Puppet Master
Adjuration was a powerful magic that had been lost to the world for centuries. It was a spell of binding, one that could force a person to do something against their will, but it came at a great cost. The more a person was adjured, the weaker they became, until they were nothing more than a puppet under the control of the one who had cast the spell.
Ravenna had always been fascinated by adjuration, despite knowing its dangers. As a young apprentice to a powerful sorceress, she spent countless hours pouring over ancient tomes and practicing spells in secret. She knew that if anyone were to find out about her studies, they would be horrified, but Ravenna couldn't help herself. There was something alluring about the idea of having complete control over someone else's actions.
One night, Ravenna stumbled upon an ancient tome hidden away in a dusty corner of the library. It was bound in black leather and adorned with strange symbols that seemed to pulse with a malevolent energy. As she flipped through its yellowed pages, she found a spell that seemed almost too good to be true: Adjuration.
Ravenna knew that she had to try it out. She carefully made her way to the local tavern, where she found a young man named Arin who worked as a blacksmith. He was strong and muscular, with broad shoulders and piercing blue eyes. Ravenna watched him from across the room, feeling a thrill run through her at the sight of him.
"Would you like to help me with something?" she asked him, trying to keep her voice steady.
Arin looked up from his mug of ale, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What do you need help with, miss?"
Ravenna smiled, feeling a shiver run down her spine. "I have a proposition for you," she said, lowering her voice to a whisper. "A spell that will make you do my bidding. Are you interested?"
Arin's eyes narrowed as he studied Ravenna. "What kind of spell is this?" he asked warily.
"Adjuration," Ravenna replied, her heart racing with excitement. "It will bind your will to mine, making you do whatever I say without question."
Arin's eyes widened in alarm. "You can't be serious," he said, his voice shaking. "That's dark magic."
Ravenna leaned in closer, her breath warm on Arin's face. "I know it's dangerous," she whispered. "But I need someone to do my bidding. Will you help me?"
Arin hesitated for a moment before nodding his head. Ravenna smiled triumphantly, feeling a rush of power run through her veins. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small vial filled with a glowing liquid.
"Drink this," she said, pressing the vial into Arin's hand. "It will bind you to me forever."
Arin hesitated for a moment before downing the potion in one swift motion. Ravenna watched as his eyes glazed over, his body going limp. She knew that he was now under her control, bound by the power of adjuration.
As the days passed, Ravenna found herself growing more and more dependent on Arin's obedience. She would send him on errands, have him do chores for her, and even use him as a punching bag when she was feeling frustrated. But no matter how much she used him, he never complained or resisted. He was nothing more than a puppet under her control.
But as the weeks turned into months, Ravenna began to feel a growing unease. She knew that Arin was becoming weaker and weaker, his body betraying him with each passing day. And she knew that eventually, he would break under the strain of adjuration.
One night, Ravenna found herself wandering through the dark streets of the city, lost in thought. She had just sent Arin on yet another errand, and her mind was filled with visions of him, bound and helpless, at her beck and call. Suddenly, a figure stepped out from the shadows, blocking her path.
"Ravenna," the figure said, his voice low and menacing. "I've been watching you."
Ravenna felt a chill run down her spine as she recognized the sorcerer standing before her. He was one of the most powerful in the land, known for his cruelty and ruthlessness.
"What do you want with me?" Ravenna asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
The sorcerer smiled, showing off razor-sharp teeth. "I've heard rumors of a young apprentice who dabbles in dark magic," he said. "And I have a proposition for you."
Ravenna felt a surge of fear as she realized the danger she was in. But she knew that she couldn't run, not now that Arin was under her control. She was trapped, and she knew it.
"I have a use for someone with your talents," the sorcerer said, his eyes glinting with malice. "Come with me, Ravenna. Together, we can conquer this world."
Ravenna hesitated for a moment before nodding her head in agreement. She knew that she had no choice, not now that Arin was under her control. And so she followed the sorcerer, her heart heavy with fear and dread, as she knew that she was about to embark on a journey from which there would be no turning back.
Summer Nostalgia: A Mother's Whisper
The Fat Fairy's Triumphant Return
Adventure Awaits in the Adirondacks: A Journey of Beauty and Challenge
The Heart of the Adirondacks: A Symbol of Resilience and Strength
Adirondack Dreams: A Night Under the Stars
The Guardian of the Mountains: A Fateful Encounter
Nature's Cycle of Life: A Young Girl's Heartwarming Journey
Neighborly Dispute Erupts Into Bitter Feud in Once-Peaceful Community
Adjacent Secrets: A Forest's Whispered Bond
Adjective Adventures: Saving Adjectivaland from the Dark Force of Words
Adjectiveville's Magical Transformation: From Frog to Prince Charming
Mysterious Journey to World Beyond Dreams
Adjective Adventurers: Embarking on a Journey of Discovery and Delight
Majestic Owl Ophelia Watches Over Diverse Forest Creatures with Pride and Joy
The Craftswoman's Quest: Saving Adjoin from the Mountain Prison
Adjoining Lives: An Unlikely Friendship Formed by a Collapsed Wall
Living Adjacent Nightmares: A Tale of Annoyance and Unease
The Adventures of Elara: Exploring the Digital World Beyond Her Village
The Slow-Moving Clock: A Mysterious Anomaly Unravels a Bizarre Day
Adjourning the Meeting: A Night of Relief and Rebellion
The Bittersweet End of Summer
Amidst Chaos, Finding Clarity: One Man's Journey from Adjournment to Triumph
From Craftsman to Hero
Tokyo Adjournment: Navigating Unforeseen Challenges
Into the Heart of Magic: A Young Adventurer's Journey Through Adjourns
Redemption in the Courtroom: A Young Lawyer's Second Chance
Justice Under Fire: The Judges' Dilemma
The Adjudgers: Fair Arbiters of the World's Conflicts
Robot Rampage: The Unconventional Courtroom
Fighting Back: Sarah's Legal Showdown in New York City
Adjudication Day Celebrates Willow Creek's Hardworking Residents
Adjudicator: The Unseen Arbiter
Lila Shines at Adjudication Festival, Places Second in Piano and Third in Speech
Adjudication: The Guardian of Fairness
The Wisdom of King Adjudication: A Legacy of Fairness and Integrity
Adjudicator: The Neutral Third Party in a World of Conflict
The Adjudicator: mediating conflicts between humans and robots with empathy and fairness in a technologically advanced world.
Adjudicators: The Unseen Force for Justice
From Dumpster to Dreams: A Story of Redemption
Adjunct Professors Unite: Fighting for Better Working Conditions and Pay
The Adjunct's Tale: A Story of Struggle and Resilience
The Puppet Master
The Adjuror: Eira's Quest for Peace
Discovering the Magic of Adjurations: A Young Girl's Journey of Wonder and Peace
Adjure Master Brings Life-Giving Rain to Drought-Stricken Village
The Curse of Adjured: A Tale of Unexpected Kindness
The Elemental Mage: A Young Woman's Journey to Balance Power and Responsibility
Unveiling Secrets: A Quest for the Ages
Body Shock: A Man's Journey to Embracing Change
Adjusters Unite: A Tale of Reality and Fantasy in the Town of Adjustable
The Glowing Boy: A Mystery in the Woods
The Cog in the Machine: A Tale of Rediscovery
Uncovering the Truth: An Adjusters Journey
Adjuster Aethon Saves the Universe
The Magical Clock of Unity: A Young Girl's Discovery
Adjusting to a New Life in a Small Town
Finding Fulfillment Through Unexpected Adjustments: Sarah's Story
Adjustments Make a Big Difference: How Making Small Changes Can Improve Productivity and Well-being
The Mysterious Secrets of Adjustor: A Master of Manipulation
The Adjustor's Magical Makeover: Shaping a Unique Cosmos
Bridging the Stars: The Adjustors' Legacy
Transforming Adjusts: A Small Town's Big Revolution
The Shadow Saboteur: Adjutant's Dangerous Mission
The Secret Guardians of the Edge: A Journey of Discovery and Mutual Understanding
Adjutant's Quest: Restoring Balance to the Universe
Adkins: The Brave Blacksmith Who Saved the World
The Magic of the Glowing Stone: A Tale of Transformation and Triumph
Adlers Journey: A Young Man's Quest for Adventure and Self-Discovery
Crafting Originality: A Ladder to the Sky
Adam's Advertising Adventure: From Agency to Entrepreneurship
Adman Jack's Journey to Advertising Success Through Psychology and Sociology
The Scandal That Shook Ad Men
The Double Life of Admin: From Mundane Office Worker to Adventure Writer Sensation
Leading a Small Town with Love and Care: A Journey of Community Building
Saving Lives: The Dedicated Care of Dr. Maria Rodriguez
Eryndors Endless Adventure: A Noble's Quest for Change
The True Meaning of Administrate: A Prince's Journey to Self-Discovery and Kingdom Harmony
The Pressure is On: Administrate Inc. Employees Brace for Launch of New Initiative
The Wisdom of King Administrator: A Legacy of Fairness and Compassion
Administration Uncovers Hospital Conspiracy: A Decade-Long Plot Revealed
Revolutionizing Office Efficiency: The Digitization of Administrative Tasks
The Great Office Meltdown: When Technology Fails and Teams Unite
The Administrative Savior: John's Quest to Transform Administratown
Navigating the Administrator's Dilemma: Balancing Patient Care and Hospital Politics
Behind the Scenes Heroes: The Unsung Administrators of the City
The Unyielding Admin: Saving the Digital Realm from Rogue AI
The Selfless Hero: Jack's Inspiring Journey of Kindness and Rebuilding
Admirably: A Life of Kindness and Hope
The Long Journey Home
The Admiral's Dilemma: A Tough Decision in a Gray World
Admiral Jameson Leads the USS Defiance to Victory
Heroic Rescue at Sea: Captain Jameson and His Crew Save Stranded Sailors
The Admirable's Curse: A Mystery Beneath the Waters
Elegant Encounter with Elara
Admiration's Quest: Uncovering the Magic Within
From the Stars to the Cosmos: A Journey of Discovery
The Star Whisperer: A Family Legacy of Cosmic Wonder
The Artist's Observer: A Mysterious Admirer's Captivating Watch
The Obsessive Admirer: A Life Consumed by Celebrity Worship
Sophia's Search for True Love: A Journey of Self-Discovery
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All stories are fictional works
- You may use any of these short stories as a base to create your own longer stories! -