I shall tell no tall tales with regard to how this story was received when I read it. Most tales are predictable and more than a little mediocre. This one is predictable, and far better than mediocre. Masterful, almost. At the very least, it is very well done. Clocking in at just over 3500 words, the setup and execution (ha! pun) is excellent. Caprini makes for a wonderful spectator, through whom we watch the drama unfold. We’ll not waste another moment of your time gushing about this story, but leave you to enjoy it for yourself. Without further ado, we present to you The Illusion of Flame by Paul Ernst¹.