Thirsty Blades

By Otis Adelbert Kline, E. Hoffman Price and Karl Wurf

In the enchanting city of Tekrit, an ancient prophecy foretells a battle that will decide the fate of a beautiful maiden. Rankin, a skilled swordsman, embarks on a perilous quest to free Azizah from a sinister curse. Guided by cryptic visions and an unlikely ally, Rankin must confront dark forces and unravel the mysteries of a forgotten past. As the fateful night approaches, only Rankin's blade stands between Azizah and a doom that has awaited them both through the ages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Black Cat Weekly
• Release date: Jun 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9781667603704

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Table of Contents

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION, by Karl Wurf

THIRSTY BLADES, by Otis Adelbert Kline and E. Hoffmann Price

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Originally published in Weird Tales, February 1930.

Published by Black Cat Weekly.

blackcatweekly.com

INTRODUCTION,

by Karl Wurf

In the golden age of pulp fiction, few names garnered as much admiration as Otis Adelbert Kline (1891-1946) and E. Hoffmann Price (1898-1988). Both prolific authors contributed richly to the pages of Weird Tales, the legendary magazine that defined an era of speculative fiction. Their 1930 collaboration, "Thirsty Blades," epitomizes the thrilling and imaginative spirit that made pulp fiction a beloved genre.

Otis Adelbert Kline, a master of interplanetary adventure, captivated readers with his vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters. Best known for his novels such as The Planet of Peril and The Swordsman of Mars, Kline’s works were characterized by their daring heroes and exotic locales. His rivalry with Edgar Rice Burroughs was well-publicized, but Kline carved his own path with a unique blend of swashbuckling action and otherworldly settings.

E. Hoffmann Price, a writer of remarkable versatility and depth, brought his extensive experiences and travels into his stories. A former soldier with a deep appreciation for Eastern cultures, Price infused his tales with a sense of authenticity and mysticism. His notable works, including The Devil Wives of Li Fong and The Jade Enchantress, demonstrate his ability to weave intricate plots with rich, atmospheric details.

In "Thirsty Blades," Kline and Price combine their formidable talents to create a story that is both gripping and evocative. Set in a world where danger lurks around every corner and honor is measured by the sharpness of one’s blade, the narrative follows a skilled swordsman on a quest for vengeance and redemption. As he navigates treacherous landscapes and encounters formidable foes, readers are drawn into a tale of relentless action and high stakes.

The synergy between Kline’s flair for dynamic adventure and Price’s knack for atmospheric storytelling makes Thirsty Blades a standout piece in the annals of pulp fiction. Their collaboration highlights the strengths of each writer, blending Kline’s imaginative world-building with Price’s rich character development.

For fans of classic pulp fiction, "Thirsty Blades" offers a thrilling journey into a bygone era where heroes were larger than life, and every turn of the page promised new excitement. Dive into this captivating tale and experience the magic that Kline and Price brought to the storied pages of Weird Tales.

THIRSTY BLADES,

by Otis Adelbert Kline

and E. Hoffmann Price

The side entrance to the caravanserai was closed. Well then, back down the alley, and around the corner to the main gate. But when Rankin turned to retrace his steps, he saw that it might be a long way from there to any other place. For to his right and left were blank walls; at his back, a closed gate; and in front, a crescent of drawn blades was closing in on him.

Behind the six advancing swordsmen rode their commander. He reined in his Barbary stallion, stroked his beard—henna red, as Rankin could see plainly in the white moonlight—and settled back to enjoy the spectacle.

Click-click-click! mocked the hammer of Rankin’s .45 as it fell on a succession of empty chambers.

The