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Write a magical realism story that takes place in the Wild West.

Posted in Fantasy on Mar 1, 2021

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✍️ 51 stories

“Shootout at Goldrun Town” by Adam Snook

Submitted to Contest #24

“Water…please, I need water…help…they’re after me,” the man rasped, slumped into his horse’s mane, one hand grasping it weakly as the other waved a battered, empty water canteen in the air. His wide-brimmed hat was perilously close to toppling from his head. Both steed and rider were coated in grime and fine red dust from travelling the frontier plains. The harsh, dazzling sun had done its work, beating them into thirsty submission.“My name is…Silas ‘Sureshot’ McLeod,” he coughed, trying to look around. “You must have heard of me.” Silas ann...

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“Devil's Canyon” by George Goodell

Submitted to Contest #24

“Money can’t buy you everything, Mister,” said TJ Mackie, the square-faced owner and sometimes clerk at Mackie’s General Store. Jacob Hawley was eying the young girl in the scant dress stocking shelves on the far end of the store. “I know,” Jacob said, nodding, “How far d’you reckon to Devil’s Canyon from here?” TJ Mackie’s face twitched slightly, “By horse?” Jacob nodded. “I’d reckon a day or so, unless you’ve got a wagon then I’d give it two. What business have you got in Devil’s Canyon?” Mackie said in a squeaky voice. Jacob Hawley leane...

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“Wildly Magical” by Angelique McCrary

Submitted to Contest #24

Wildly Magical By Angelique McCrary“Ladies and trolls we are five minutes from our destination. Please stay seated until we make a complete stop,” the chubby goblin said. A young she-elf clutched her bag tighter. “Stay calm,” she thought. Denise smoothed the wrinkles on her soft pink dress. When she looked up a snaggled tooth ogre sat across from her. “Hi there,” he grinned. The ogre looked like he never had taken a bath. He smelled like sulfur and vomit. Thankfully the Water train stopped and latched to the waiting pad. “Excuse me,” said De...

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“Under His Iron Boot” by Olivia Gilbert

Submitted to Contest #24

On a dry and hot day, one where dust clouded the streets and folks remained inside, two men stepped through a rusty gate. Miguel and Paulo, two immigrants seeking prosperity, looked upon the sign that read “The Town of Sand Springs.” “The name suits it, eh?” said Paulo to his partner. “Sure does…” he replied with a nod. They headed through the quiet town, more resembling a ghost town. Crickets chirped, and whinnies sounded from horses in their stables, but otherwise their footsteps were the only sound that could be heard. As the they trod o...

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“The Wild Witch” by Alannah Norton

Submitted to Contest #24

The beating of the horses hooves as it thundered against the baked Oregon earth. The tremor clattered through Agnes’ body like a leaf in a storm. She held tighter to the reins, she was simply running out of time. The heat of the morning had caught up to her as it blazed through her small womanly frame, she could only get away with so much as she pretended to be a man. She slashed the reins harder against the body of the horse she had stolen yesterday. It was the ends to a means. Anything to be standing on that train, anything to be apart of ...

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“The Crossgreave Gang” by Tamar Cohen

Submitted to Contest #24

The old saloon shook with a low rumble none of the patrons could place. Heavy clouds of dust appeared on the horizon. The birds that had been enjoying the shade of the sagging covered porch flew off in a cloud of their own. Sheriff Dillon rose slowly from where he was slouched against the bar as the rumbling grew louder. The sirens on stage stopped their lazy, mid-afternoon singing and scurried to hide behind the piano. "Dolly," the young sheriff said, "fetch me my gun."Behind the bar, Delilah rolled her eyes and set down the...

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