Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #11 February 2015 | Page 38

whether it was to gather his thoughts for the next part,
Simon didn’t know. He opened his eyes to look around
the room. As far as he could see through the aura the
participants all seemed stunned. I think my head will
explode soon.
As if reading Simon’s thoughts, Manfred continued. “I
don’t want to say too much more today. You already
have an enormous amount of material to process.
There are a few more things I must tell you though,
before I let you rest. The first is that we have limited
ability to move between the dimensions of the multiverse. As we have already heard, Firstborn elves had
this innate ability. Wizards have limited ability. As far
as I know, dwarves have never tested their ability. Very
few humans are blessed. It remains an enigma. Why
would the creators have provided this ability, unless
they knew that the multiverse would form one day?
My dear friend Jhamed al Suraqi is one of a few special
beings of the Balance. He has unique skills in travelling
between the dimensions. He comes from a line that
includes both elves and dwarves.”
Simon could swear that Jhamed was blushing. I knew
it! I’m going to get the story out of him later when I feel
better.
Manfred was continuing. “There is one great artefact
that we have never been able to understand or use
until perhaps now. It is located at the top of the highest
tower in Melasurej. It is a special gateway. It may allow
some of us, or more specifically one of us, to travel not
only through the dimensions but also through time.
After millennia of study, both here and in Rhakotis, we
are close to understanding its function and purpose.
It is another enigma. Why did the creators provide it?
Did they foresee the day when it would be needed?
Were they preparing a means for us to preserve the
Balance? Think well on these questions, this evening.
We will talk more of it tomorrow.”
The sun was beginning to set and the magnificent
stained glass windows became alive with colour.
Simon’s head was abuzz with thoughts, even more
colourful. What a day. I’m Gilgamesh reborn, the
Everlasting Hero. I have a scabbard that needs a sword;
not just any sword but the most powerful ever made.

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Jhamed is the son of an elf and a dwarf; now that would
be a relationship to watch. There’s a time machine on top
of this castle. Given everything else that has happened, I
expect they’ll ask me to use it. My head hurts. I’m going
crazy. It can’t be true. Suddenly the light, the aura, and
the overload of information became too much. Simon
collapsed. As he slumped in his seat he began to shake
violently. As he lost consciousness he thought he heard
a faint cry for help in his mind. I am yours, Simon.
Come and claim me.
Two Wizards and a Witch
She cast her eyes around the room. Everything was just
as it should be; servants bustled, guards stood to attention, and an air of opulence was evident. She took her
seat on the ornate throne. It pleased her vanity that the
diamond encrusted “Queen’s Throne” was more ornate
and much larger than the simple mahogany “King’s
Throne” where Jack was sitting. She looked at the King
and spat at him in a quiet whisper, so that the army of
retainers wouldn’t hear, “Remember to let me do the
talking. Welcome them and then leave them to me.
Do you understand?” The King nodded weakly. She
glanced into the long silver mirror for one last check.
Her long black hair was perfect and her make-up
immaculate. “Let them enter!” Queen Freda of Dishley
commanded in a loud, firm voice.
Several minions scurried to open the elaborate doors
to the throne room. A herald stepped forward and
blew on a trumpet. “Your Majesties, beloved rulers of
Dishley for whom each of us would die in an instant,
two travellers from afar crave an audience with your
esteemed Highnesses. With your Majesties’ approval,
your humble servant presents the wizards Frisa the
Curly-Haired and Hroc the Crow who represent the
“Mightiest Wizard of All,” Weylyn the Wolf, Ruler of
all FirstWorld.”
He bowed low to the thrones, while two others ushered
the visitors into the room. The wizards looked like
kindly