Mark VanTassel

Author on Reedsy Prompts since May, 2023

Stories (8)

8 Stories

183 karma pts

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“Ritual” by Mark VanTassel

Submitted to Contest #205

Ritual By Mark VanTassel Metai crossed the field, careful not to touch the blood or body parts that dotted the hard packed clay. He found Buti at the far side, laying on his back. A spear had taken him in the neck, and a sword or knife had opened his belly. “Don’t worry, Brother,” Metai said. “I have you now.” He unfolded a large piece of linen and carefully rolled Buti into the clo...

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“Annabeth” by Mark VanTassel

Submitted to Contest #204

CW: Sexual violence, substance abuse A History from the Strength of Old Erde Date: 976 (Earth 1951) “Did the saltpeter work?” Nell asked. Emily grimaced. “No.” “I worried it was a myth,” Nell said. “I don’t think we’ll find anything. Men conduct most research, and control the rest. They’re looking to enhance the male libido, not supp...

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“What's in a Name?” by Mark VanTassel

Submitted to Contest #203

What’s in a Name? By Mark VanTassel Lucky whistled while he worked. It was a beautiful day, his knives were sharp, and he had fresh meat to package. The shop was small, but it was his. There was a narrow area in front of the counter where customers could come in and see prime cuts, but only Lucky was allowed behind the counter. After all, we wouldn’t want someone to get hur...

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“On Whom We Lean” by Mark VanTassel

Submitted to Contest #202

On Whom We Lean A History from the Strength of Old By Mark VanTassel Erde Date: 1202 (Earth 2182) Karl wiped his eyes and turned from the mausoleum. Father Bebor patted his shoulder, and Karl gave him a sad squeeze of the elbow. It was … he couldn’t find a word to describe the depth of his confusion, anger, and remorse. If only he had stayed ...

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“Punitive Stakeout” by Mark VanTassel

Submitted to Contest #201

Content Warning: Language, Violence, Sexual Themes Punitive Stakeout A History from the Strength of Old By Mark VanTassel Erde Date: 999 (Earth 1979) The notes of ‘You Could be a Champion’ blared through the walls. Again. There were three of them trapped in this box. Rickard and Drexler were surveillance specialists. Chun was ...

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“A Rumor of Oilheads” by Mark VanTassel

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #200

A Rumor of Oilheads A Legend from the Strength of Old By Mark VanTassel Erde Date: 960 (Earth 1940) Breach hung head down, face to the darkness. His heart thudded, and between beats he listened. It was quiet tonight, and moonlight filtered down in streaks. He saw a fish hurry past, then a great tailfish followed. He wondered which would get w...

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“Meeting Chun” by Mark VanTassel

Submitted to Contest #199

Content warning: Language, threat of violence Meeting Chun A History from the Strength of Old By Mark VanTassel Date: 960 Annabeth carved the meat on the counter. It was half of a cow, and she loved that they had a butcher-block countertop to do her butchering on. Jhon would praise her for this. At least, he would praise her if she lived. ...

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“Graven” by Mark VanTassel

Submitted to Contest #198

Graven A Legend from the Strength of Old By Mark VanTassel Date: 1 A cricket hit his head, then hopped away. It was far from what he wanted, but when you’re in prison you take what you can get, or you starve. Graven lunged forward and snapped up the cricket. It had an earthy, nutty flavor. He gagged, and his jailer giggled. Another creature l...

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Author bio

I grew up reading, and now I am slowly developing into an author. My debut novel, I am Chun, is up on Amazon as of Feb, 2023. I love fantasy, science fiction, action, adventure, and a bit of romance. Uh oh, I forgot humor. Humor should probably lead that list. A priest, a minister, and a rabbi walk into a bar together. The bartender looks up and says, "What is this, a joke?"

Shortlisted 1 story ⭐️

Contest #200

A Rumor of Oilheads – read story