They brought two quarrelling merchants before the emperor and asked him to do justice. The emperor listened to them. They accused each other with such vehemence that it was impossible to decide who was right. ‘I see no solution to this problem,’ the emperor said, ‘other than to hang both.’ This week I am super … Continue reading A 50-Word Story a Day Keeps the Boredom Away #60

The virtuous nun entreated the duke to pardon her brother, who was sentenced to death for killing a man in a duel. The duke agreed, but only if she gave herself to him the night before the execution. After much soul-searching, the nun yielded. Yet the executioner’s sword still fell... This week I am super … Continue reading A 50-Word Story a Day Keeps the Boredom Away #59

The adventurer lost his way in the desert. Two days ago, a poisonous snake had killed his camel. Dying of thirst, he raised his open mouth to the blue sky and implored God to save him. A tiny raindrop fell on his tongue. And then another. It began to rain. This week I am super … Continue reading A 50-Word Story a Day Keeps the Boredom Away #69