Needle and Thread

A collection of short stories by Chad Horlock, "Needle and Thread" tells four stories, three of fantasy and one of science-fiction. A ruthless knight and some travellers encounter each other; a pariah picks up his feet and falls; and surly leadership incites rebellion. A sampling of three stories explore wit, charm, lunacy, and discord among strangers, friends, and rulers. The lessons learned, each soul hopes, get them through another day in the world. Then, take a bird's eye view with Holly as the world erupts and explodes. Whatever the stakes, men and women run or fight.

Whether from fear or belief, the travellers must face death, and actions leave a lasting impression. As a pariah, getting somewhere carries more risk than reward, and an ignorant man has little hope of survival. When leadership instills fear and reinforces it with violence, few men sit and watch. Yet knowing whether a side is right or wrong seldom reaches the masses, and actions taken in ignorance do little to staunch the flow of guilt.

With freedom a price is paid by individual investment. The story leaves an impression on those affected. "Needle and Thread" explores such relationships to provide the satisfactory and upsetting tales of passionate belief overcoming or falling under strength and power.