Welcome to Short Tales
A collection of short stories for your reading enjoyment
Currently 12,517 short tales
| Next Page
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.
The A-Z Challenge: Where Creativity Meets Structure
Adventure Beckons: A Journey of Discovery and Power
Max's Mastery of Metalwork: A Tale of Detail and Admiration
Unveiling Aachen's Enchanted Realm: A Traveler's Journey into Magic
Aaliyah: The Star Who Shone Brightest Despite Criticism
Arnie's Adventure: The Little Aardvark Who Stood Up for What Was Rightfully His
Arty the Aardvark: The Unlikely Rockstar of the African Savannah
Aardvarks and Hyenas Unite for an Epic Journey and Lasting Friendship.
From Teenage Dreams to Global Acclaim: Aaron's Journey to Becoming a Music Producer Extraordinaire
Sailing into the Depths: A Young Man's Quest for Oceanic Wonder
Bringing Dreams to Life: The Magical Adventures of Ava
A World of Magic: The Ancient Tree's Lessons
The Ingenious Abacus: How One Man's Passion for Mathematics Changed History
Young Blacksmith Continues Legacy of Grandfather's Forge After Tragic Fire
The Abacus Master: A Legacy of Mathematical Brilliance
The Abacus Wizard: How Li's Math Skills Brought Prosperity to a Rural Chinese Village
The Math Whiz of the Village: Maria's Abacus Adventure
The Engine Room Enigma: A Mysterious Encounter at Sea
The Magical Adventures of Luna and Abalone: A Tale of Friendship and Wonder
The Secret Life of Abalones: A World of Wonder and Adventure
The Magical Abalone: A Tale of Friendship and Wonder
Abigails Journey: Finding Hope Amidst Regret
Abandoning My True Self: A Journey of Rediscovery
Abandonment: A Journey of Resilience
The Shadowed City: A Haunting Legacy of Disappearance
Maria's Mystical Journey: Unlocking Her True Potential
The Kind Heart of Abase: A Legacy of Compassion and Caring
The Brave Girl of the Rolling Hills: Abash's Quest to Save the Forest
Abashed: The Animal Communicator's Quest for Kindness and Protection
The Legend of Ash and Lila: A Tale of Unlikely Love
Emily's Gift of Courage
Unlocking the Art of Winemaking: A Small Village's Legacy of Passion and Excellence
The Sky's Great Mystery: A Massive Light Figure Appears in the Abatement
The Ancient Tree's Gift: A Boy's Quest for Communication
Ember's Legacy: A Young Girl's Quest to Protect the Natural World
The Secrets of Abattoir: A Gateway to Malevolent Spirits
The Magic Within: A Kind Man's Journey to Enchanted Lands
The Boy Who Wished for Adventure: A Magical Tale of Travel and Triumph
Ali's Journey: Pursuing Knowledge and Enlightenment in Baghdad's Great University
The Golden Age of Baghdad: A Love Story of Rebellion and Freedom
Amidst the Winter's Darkness, a Beacon of Hope: The Story of Abbé Pierre and His Café of Compassion
A Glimmer of Hope: A Priest's Encounter with Magic
The Wishes of the Abbaye de Bellevue: A Monastery's Descent into the Supernatural
Finding Peace in the Face of Doubt: The Story of Brother Thomas
The Abbess's Heart: A Tale of Love, Compassion, and Redemption
Finding Peace and Purpose at St. Agnes Abbey: A Story of Grief, Healing, and Redemption
Unlocking the Secrets of the Ancient Abbey: Sarah's Journey to Enlightenment
Finding Peace in the Ancient Walls: A Young Woman's Journey to Solace at the Abbey of St. Mary
The Eternal Sanctuary: A Place of Peace and Legacy
The Magic of Abbot: A Young Man's Quest for Ancient Power
Finding Inner Peace: A Journey of Discovery and Transformation
Finding Peace and Purpose in the Heart of Abbots
The Shroom's Sinister Spell: A Clever Inventor's Deadly Descent into Dark Magic
The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Donuts: A Tale of Mischievous Treats
The Magic of Abbr: A Curious Girl's Journey to Mastery
The Secret of the Hidden Clearing: A Brave Girl's Quest for Adventure and Survival
The Guardian of the Woods: A Young Girl's Quest for Magic and Protection
Adventurous Brave Curious Expeditions in Enchanted Lands: Alice's Magical Journey
King Edward Abdicates, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Kindness and Compassion
The Kingdom's New Queen: A Reflection of Wisdom and Compassion
The Kingdom's Unlikely Abdication: King Edward's Journey to Simplicity
The Kind and Just King: A Legacy of Wisdom and Compassion
King Henry's Legacy of Peace: The Kingdom's Path Towards Selfless Leadership
A New Queen, a New Era: The Transition of Power in a Far-Off Kingdom
A New Era Begins: King Edward's Legacy Continues
Abduction and Experimentation on an Unknown Planet
The Nightmare Unfolded
Sarah's Journey: From Earth to Alien Ship and Back Again
The Shadow Watchers: A Chronicle of Fear
The Mysterious Abductions of Willow Creek: A Town Forever Changed
Abducted by Alien Zorbs: Sarah's Fateful Night
Escape from Captivity: A Tale of Determination and Freedom
Trapped in Darkness: Sarah's Escape
The Alien's New World
Abe's Community Garden: A Small Act of Kindness with a Lasting Impact
Abe's Elemental Magic: A Simple Tailor's Quest for Heroism
Sailing Through the Storm: Abeam's Heroic Rescue
Abed's Magical Grove: A Legendary Adventure of Wonder and Discovery
Abel's Quest: A Journey of Kindness and Adventure
The Craftsman's Quest: Unlocking Inner Power and Potential
The Passionate Pursuit of True Love: The Tale of Pierre Abelard and Heloise
The Curious Adventures of Abelson: A Young Girl's Quest for Magic and Bravery
Abelsons: The Portal to Infinite Journeys
The Secret Isle: A Journey of Discovery and Redemption
Finding Solace in Aberdeen's Cozy Cup
The Secret Heart of Abernathy: A Tale of Adventure and Homecoming
A Town's Transformation: From Industrial Hub to Artistic Oasis
The Evil Force Within
The Aberrants Tale: A Mysterious Encounter in the Rainy City
The Girl Who Saved Eleria: A Tale of Magic and Bravery
Alice's Enchanted Adventure: The Girl Who Could Talk to Animals
The Magical Friendship of Hootie and Betsy: A Tale of Joy and Wonder
Thieving in the Night: A Master Heist
The Book of Unlocking: A Tale of Ingenuity and Responsibility in a World of Advanced Technology
Finding Hope: Better's Journey to a Better Life
The Betters' Downfall: A Hero's Quest for Humanity's Future
The Magic of Community: Ember's Legacy
The Bettors Curse: When Desire Becomes a Living Nightmare
The Shadow Whispers: A Beta's Descent into Darkness
Embracing Abeyance: Finding Hope and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
| Next Page
All stories are fictional works
- You may use any of these short stories as a base to create your own longer stories! -