Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #20 November 2015 | Page 49

communal fire. He had long philosophical discussions
with Mandred. Amongst other things, they discussed
the meaning of life; the need for Balance in all things;
the prospects for the future; the nature of good and
evil; and how to find happiness. Simon was barely
on speaking terms with Manfred, who seemed to
spend most of his time alone in his cave. The summer
evenings were warm and long. Simon enjoyed the
social atmosphere around the fire. He grew to be held
in high regard by most of the tribe, including the old
chief, and he enjoyed his status. He began to think of
himself as the natural choice to be their leader, when
Yo died. He had long discussions with Mandred about
what new technologies or skills would be appropriate
to introduce to help his people. Mandred cautioned
him not to act too hastily.

together, and Simon felt that at last he had what he
had always wanted; a real family, and a sense of
belonging.

Simon’s nights were spent with Ju. In her
arms, he really felt like he had come home. The baby
grew quickly, and appeared to be enormous compared
to her tiny frame. By seven months, it looked to
Simon like a full term pregnancy. He began to worry
about the birth. Concerned about Ju’s and the baby’s
health, and conscious of the tribe’s taboo, they stopped
having sex around the fifth month of Ju’s pregnancy.
It didn’t matter to Simon. When he lay with Ju,
just holding and cuddling her and his child, he felt
complete joy and peace with the world. He completely
forgot that Kin Slayer was buried at the back of
the cave. He wasn’t sure when the metamorphosis
occurred and he began to view the baby as his, but he
now did. His plans for the future revolved around his
mate, his child, and his tribe. Ju was very supportive,
and before too long, as his language skills improved,
they were able to lie in the dark and chat about all
sorts of things, mostly about their future together.
Ju was very intelligent, and, as Simon’s skill
at the tribe’s language improved, he also managed
to teach her some words of his own. Before too
long, they were able to lie in the dark and chat
about all sorts of things in a strange mish-mash
of tongues and gestures which would have been
utterly incomprehensible to any outsider listening in.
Their stumbling attempts to understand one another
frequently left them giggling and served to cement
their closeness. Mostly, they talked about their future

During the last two months of her pregnancy,
Ju was unable to work. She was confined to bed and
the old medicine woman, Wa, spent many hours
each day with her. Simon wanted to stay with Ju,
but ]