Concluding my series highlighting the six tales in my new fantasy anthology The Dark Forest Within, here’s a closer look at the final story in the anthology: Bloodmire.

Drawing tonal inspiration from films like Excalibur and The Green Knight, this story was originally published on Medium with a slightly different ending. The response from readers was immensely enthusiastic and encouraging, and yet there was criticism of one element of the ending. This point was made by several people, and after thinking about what they had to say, I decided they were correct. As a result, I did something I’ve never done before and made a small change. This new version was subsequently published on Substack, and this is the version appearing in the anthology, though the original remains on Medium for posterity. If the equivalent of the “Han shot first” crowd appear (doubtful), I can point them in that direction, but I consider the revised version definitive.

Rest assured, however, the essence of the ending remains intact. For those unfamiliar with Bloodmire, it’s probably the darkest story in this volume. It concerns a knight, Sir William, who rides on a rescue mission into the Bloodmire Forest to rescue his betrothed. Witnesses say she was abducted by a feared beast who dwells in the heart of the forest. So far, a straightforward tale of rescuing the damsel in distress, right? A romantic story?

Actually no. It’s more a story of pride and obsession. During his journey into the forest, Sir William encounters bandits, witches, and other strange supernatural beings. But per the theme of this anthology, as he travels deeper into the forest, he travels deeper into himself. What he finds inside perhaps doesn’t quite conform to the noble knight Sir William wishes to believe that he is. In addition, he is warned at several points that his quest is futile. Is it? Should he listen to such advice?

I’ll say no more about the plot, but I’m particularly proud of this story, and especially of the slightly tweaked ending. I’m grateful for the criticism that caused me to think a little harder about the outcome, and I’m convinced this version is the best version. I should add this is another direct prequel to Ravenseed, in that it briefly features a minor but pivotal supporting character from that novel (a mysterious monk). But again, this story stands alone. Reading this before Ravenseed doesn’t spoil anything from that tale, nor do you need to have read Ravenseed to read this one.

Finally, of all the stories in this collection, I think Bloodmire is the one most open to interpretation. What you bring to it will define how you feel about the ending. Leaving room for the reader is something I try to do as much as possible, whilst not neglecting my duties as an entertainer and (hopefully) crafter of satisfying stories.

The Dark Forest Within is out now in ebook or paperback via Amazon here (in the UK) and here (in the US). For Draft2Digital and its various outlets, you can pick up ebooks and paperback copies here.