Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #12 March 2015 | Page 66

Everyone was still stunned by Manfred’s revelations.
Simon observed the faces. Most were open mouthed.
Kris muttered something about knowing nothing.
Gamying was the first to get to his feet.
“There is a third imperative. Tamarlan must not fall.
I say this not just for myself and my people, but also
for the dwarves and ultimately the elves and Elannort
being attacked from the north. Do you not think our
present need is most urgent? We cannot and should
not attempt to tamper with the past. Let the Sword be
found and taken north.”
Aglaral was quickly on his feet too. “No! The imperative lies in the City States. The attack will come
from the west. The Sword must be found and taken to
Kartage, where we will soon face the Evil on behalf of
all FirstWorld.”
The two warriors stood chin to chin. They look like
two stags about to fight. Before anything further
could happen, there was a banging on the doors and
they opened to reveal a servant carrying a silver tray
on which rested a scroll or manuscript of some kind.
Manfred was quickly on his feet again. “I gave strict
orders that we were not to be disturbed. What is the
meaning of this?”
The servant stopped and bowed low. He seemed
unperturbed by Manfred’s outburst. “Forgive me, my
Sage, but something of extraordinary importance has
occurred and I felt that you would need to hear of
it immediately.” He waited for Manfred’s signal to
proceed. “Today, there is a new statue in the Avenue
of Heroes.” More surprises. Who can it be? Zenethyr?
“It is my sad duty to report that the Sage Zenethyr
has passed to stone. When we could not locate him
this morning, we searched his quarters and found this
letter. It is addressed to you, my Sage. It is sealed with
the Stamp of the Wise.”
The servant moved forward to present Manfred with
the tray. At his side, Simon heard Jhamed mutter
something about it being very important as the seal
was only used for critical documents and could only
be opened by another wizard. Manfred took the document and broke the seal, which took the familiar, to

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Simon, form of a five-pointed star. He slowly opened
the letter and began to read. The room was in total silence. The servant slipped out, backwards, and closed
the doors. At length, Manfred looked up and addressed
them.
“It appears that I am well named, for I have been a
bigger fool than even Adapa realised. I wonder what
Bedwyr saw in me. I shall read you the letter from
Zenethyr in its entirety. Whatever he may have done
or not done, he was one of the Wise and should be
honoured as such today. He has taken his place in the
Avenue of Heroes and, through his final actions, he
has earned great honour. I ask you all to stand and
observe one minute’s silence to respect his passing.”
They all stood and, in their respective ways, showed
respect and honour to the Sage Zenethyr. Jhamed
removed his hat and brushed back the cascade of curls
from his face. The warriors in the group displayed
their weapons while holding one hand over their
hearts. Rheanna stood erect and still. Manfred held his
staff in both hands in front of him and looked straight
ahead. Kris stood with eyes closed and head bowed.
Simon shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another. How can I honour him? I wish I had known him. I
wish I had a sword to hold. No! I wish I had my sword
to hold.
The minute seemed to take forever. Eventually, they
sat down, with the exception of Manfred who began
to read the letter. “It appears that Zenet \