by RJ Aurand
Daisy Farrow, one day dead, emerged from her coffin in the form of a swan as it was being lowered into the ground. The swan honked thrice before taking flight, leaving in the company of a heron with the countenance of Daisy’s sister Evelyn, who passed away last year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that well-wishers scatter crumbs on the lake.
Sir Roland Hightower, slain by the lich-queen Ortolan DeVyr a fortnight past, rode into town again on Tuesday night. Although his return was celebrated by his friends and family, the subsequent attempt to assassinate his patron put a bit of a damper on his resurrection feast. After it was determined that he had become the lich-queen’s thrall, he was swiftly returned to the afterlife. May the soil lie heavy upon him.
Lira Moonshadow, three weeks departed, beloved wife and mother, was safely returned to the world of the living by a group of very kind and very foolish adventurers who couldn’t imagine life without her cinnamon scones. Two of her intrepid rescuers perished on their quest. Although the resurrection stone was single-use, the survivors chose to honour their promise. Lira is happy to be home, and looks forward to reopening her bakery and serving the community in the coming weeks.
Edwin Hargrave, two months deceased, was raised from the dead by his cousin Earl on Friday evening. Though Earl was only partially successful, his work demonstrated remarkable skill for a hobbyist necromancer. Edwin’s family is grateful to have him back in spirit, if not fully in body. If you see Ed around town, please do them a favour and don’t mention the ooze. They know, and they’re working on it.
Oban the Deathless, six hours dead, has once again thwarted the Reaper’s icy grasp. Since printing so many of these notices has become quite expensive, his loved ones will no longer be publicly announcing his brief departures from this mortal coil. Those who wish to inquire about his well-being are welcome to leave a message at his home. If he is not alive to receive it, he will be sure to respond as soon as possible after resurrection. Oban and his family thank you for your concern and your patience during these worldly hiatuses.
A notice from the family of Greg Boggs: While we appreciate the good intentions of whoever keeps resurrecting Greg, we ask that you kindly keep your necromancy to yourself in the future. If we wanted him alive, we wouldn’t have killed him in the first place.
RJ AURAND is a southern Appalachian writer, poet, and lover of the bizarre whose work has appeared in The Deadlands, Inner Worlds, Small Wonders, and others. Connect on Bluesky @rjaurand.bsky.social or at rjaurand.com.
Duskhollow Township Unbituaries, Week of the Harvest Moon was edited by Catherine Mwitta. It can be found in Tales & Feathers Volume 4.
