The Truth is a Black Cave in a Mountain by Neil Gaiman (2014)
Tuesday’s Tale of Terror January 17, 2017
Are you a dark fantasy or speculative fiction fan? Dark fantasy is not horror, not ghostly, but explores dark emotions, the psychological, and often paranormal worlds and creatures. Fantasy is the language of dreams. It has become a popular frontier in storytelling these days. Game of Thrones comes to mind, right? And of course, The Odyssey full of mythical creatures, sirens, and witches. Today, prepare yourself to shift into another realm in this short story The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains.
Mountains hold silence, silver skies and green earth. What a vast splendor. To stand on a mountain is to stand apart from all men and be inside the heart of nature. I felt that way when I climbed Mt. Greylock to research my novel. As if I could climb skyward on the ladder of clouds, I wanted to feel its power. John Muir says “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.” But there can be darkness too, spiky-edged shadows and brooding whispers. And unawakened eyes.
Two men embark on a journey in what appears to be the Scottish terrain. There are secrets here. And magic. And a skull. Come into the dark fantasy world of Neil Gaiman.
The truth is a cave in the black mountains. And maybe gold is hidden here too. There is one way there, and that way is treacherous, and if you choose the wrong path you will die alone on the mountainside.
The two walked on and into the Misty Isle. The mountains were black and grey against the white of the sky. Eagles circled.
“I see death in your past and death in your future.”
“Death waits in all our futures,” I said.
Something was there. Something was waiting.
The part fable and part fairy tale brings you shadows, regret, vengeance, and, ultimately love.
Read the FREE short story here at FiftyTwoStories.com
Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Neverwhere (1995), Stardust (1999), the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning American Gods (2001), Anansi Boys (2005), and Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett, 1990), as well as the short story collections Smoke and Mirrors (1998) and Fragile Things (2006). His The Graveyard Book won the UK’s Booktrust Prize for Teenage Fiction, the Newbery Medal, and the Hugo Best Novel Prize.
His first collection of short fiction, Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fictions and Illusions, was nominated for the UK’s MacMillan Silver Pen Awards as the best short story collection of the year.
“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.” Neil Gaiman.
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