Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #12 March 2015 | Page 62

going.”

ent was smaller, Simon noted. There was no sign of
Lord Velacourt, who had apparently stormed out after
“Well, even if all Simon Redheads are heroes of one
a late night meeting with Manfred. Nor was Zenethyr
description or another, only one can be the Everlasting present. No one seemed to know where he had gone.
Hero. We’ve been through most of them and here we
Ceridwen, having given her warning, had returned to
are.” The gravity of Jhamed’s statement slowly regisher people. She had left one of the twins, Taran, as her
tered in Simon’s sleepy brain.
representative. A group of nine people sat down to determine the fate of the multiverse – Manfred the wiz“I’m different because I was around at the Sundering. ard, last representative of the Sages; Simon Redhead,
For some reason that I don’t know and Manfred won’t final incarnation of the Everlasting Hero; Jhamed al
speculate on, I’m special. Many Jhameds in many
Suraqi, Companion to Heroes; Gamying, Heir-Regent
dimensions have lived out their lives and died without of Tamarlan; Rheanna, Custodian of the Great Library
ever meeting a hero. Many have had families and their of Rhakotis; Taran, elven warrior; Dawit son of Dia
descendants look nothing like me; well not much and
son of Din, Prince of the Dwarves; Aglaral, Captain
certainly not as handsome!” Jhamed laughed and Siof the City States; and Kris the Bard, storyteller from
mon smiled at his friend’s humour. “Some of my- their Karo.
descendants may be companions too. Only I have the
great lifespan that was spoken about today. In a few
They sat around the outside of one quarter of the huge
dimensions, close to FirstWorld, we found Jhameds
black table. A large letter W was inlaid into the table
who are relatively unchanged and very similar to me.
close to where Simon and Jhamed were sitting. NonThey joined us in our quest. The last one of them was chalantly, Simon let his hand be drawn to and then camurdered by Dring in your dimension.” Simon wantress the shape. The effect was immediate. As if received to ask about Dring but his eyelids seemed to have
ing an electric shock, Simon sat bolt upright. Images
minds of their own.
flooded his mind. An old man, like Manfred but different. The eyes, look at the eyes, so red yet cold, like the
Jhamed must have noticed Simon’s eyes beginning
eyes of an animal gleaming at night; a dog, no a wolf.
to glaze over again. This is going to do my head in!
A name, Weylyn.
“I think we both need a rest now. Tomorrow will be
another big day. We have made enormous progress
The fine red hairs on Simon’s body stood to attention.
today. We have finally found Gilgamesh’s heir. I know His entire skin seemed to erupt in goose bumps. He
it’s hard to believe and understand, Simon, but you
shivered. In his mind a wolf howled, then words began
are the final incarnation of the Everlasting Hero. The
to form. Who are you? Why do you disturb me? A hero
future of the multiverse depends on you. I’m sorry it’s is it? Another of Manfred’s fools’ errands. You will
such a huge load to bear, but understand that I’ll be by die soon Red Boy. Pity it won’t be me ripping out your
your side to help as best I can. Manfred w [