The members of Arcona have been summoned back to Estle City for a party. On paper, it appears to just be a chance for Arconans to mingle with citizens of Estle City and representatives from the Severian Principate. But the wording in the invitation could be interpreted as cryptic, or even threatening. What does ‘until midnight strikes’ even mean?

Choose from one of the following prompts.

• Yep, it’s just a party: Obviously there is nothing nefarious going on here. Write a story about your character attending the party. Do they mingle with representatives of the Severian principate and try to advance the trade talks? Rub elbows with the citizens of Estle City? Or do they simply spend a lovely evening with fellow Arconans?

• It’s a warning: Estle City is currently at peace, but it is an uneasy one. The riots that once tore through the city are still a recent and painful memory. Furthermore, word is that discussions with the delegates from the Severian Principate are not going as well as one might think. All of these people gathered in one place might be a recipe of violence, and your character is ready to stand against any threats that arise.

• It’s a threat: The Shadow Lady and Shadow Scion are up to something. The invitation is a threat, or even a challenge. But what are they up to? Your character is determined not to be taken by surprise. In fact, they plan to take the offensive, and kill the Shadow Lady before before she can kill them.

Write a story about one of the above prompts. It should be at least 500 words long and feature either your main or alt character. Valid submissions accepted in .pdf, .doc and .docx formats. The fictions will be graded following the Voice Fiction Grading Rubric and winning entries will be awarded Third Level Crescents and Clusters of Ice.

Participation and placement will also result in earning points toward the parent competition:

• 1st place will receive 5 points
• 2nd place will receive 4 points
• 3rd place will receive 3 points
• Participation will earn 1 point.