His Gilded Whispers

by

Mathew Gostelow

Trousers rolled in shallows, Gemmel’s father taught him to sweep netfuls of silver minnows. Pick the shiniest, hook the chin, play them to draw bigger fish.

Not for Gemmel this life of boats and rods. Palaces glinted at the heart of his great city.

With rumours, petty betrayals, he caught the ears of noblemen. Playing factions like game pieces, he gained favour as a fixer, unflinching from filth or blood. Earning influence, Gemmel climbed the shining steps to court – his gilded whispers reaching kings at last.

Now he came before her – Queen of the city beneath the city. Her palace filled with burnished statues wrought in solid gold.

He presented, in a blooded sack, the trophy she sought. The prince’s head – heir to the king up above.

“I carved their trust in twain.”

Gemmel grovelled – head filled with guarantees of wealth. Showered in gold, she said.

The queen lurked in shadow, eyes shining amber.

“Yesss. Now your reward.”

Fiery molten gold poured down from above. Gemmel howled as searing liquid metal stripped flesh back to bone – mouth, lungs, stomach, filled with blistering gilt.

The queen sat back. One more statue shone within her chambers, a fisherman who took the bait.

Bio:

Mathew Gostelow (he/him) is the author of two collections of speculative stories; See My Breath Dance Ghostly (Alien Buddha Press) and Dantalion is a Quiet Place (DarkWinter Lit, coming 2025). He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, and Best Microfiction. @MatGost