Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #14 May 2015 | Page 25

the sum of your parts. Remember then who you were,
or you may never be that person again.”
“What a crock of cow dung,” Dawit spluttered. “The
only certainty is that things will change, usually for
the worse. Either you can let the currents take you
where they will or you can push against them and try
to make your own pathway. Take the Sword that is
rightfully yours and use it in a way that you choose.
Don’t let it rule you, or you will be lost in the currents.
In any event, you will never be the same person again.
Dwarves believe in taking responsibility for their own
actions, not taking the excuse of fate.”
As usual, Jhamed wanted the last word on the subject.
“We are very much alike, you and I. I am a creature
of fate. My whole life has been leading to this point.
It is my fate to be the companion to the Hero and the
dogsbody to wizards. I think it is written in my genes.
Likewise, Simon, it is written in your genes that you
are the Hero. You cannot gainsay that destiny, any
more than you can deny your left-handedness or your
red hair. You can decide how you will use your power,
but you cannot refuse to accept it.”
They had reached a point on the track now that Simon recognised from his arrival in FirstWorld, which
meant they were getting close to the dimension portal.
He mused on what his friends had said. Why must I
accept it? I could dye my hair black and learn to use
my right hand. Lord Acton said that all power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Gilgamesh
was corrupted. I will not accept it. Again, he heard
Manfred inside his head. Would you risk everything
in the multiverse because you are too weak to pick up
your burden? Carpe diem. Carpe gladium. Per aspera
ad astra.
“I’m still very confused. I really don’t know whether
I’ll be able to take the Sword. I don’t understand why
it’s all down to me.” He stopped trying to explain
because it sounded like he was whining.
They halted before a grove of ash trees. The black
spring buds had almost disappeared and the trees were
well into leaf. Branches from two of the trees formed
an archway, adorned in new spring green. The air

under the archway shimmered and rippled, as if a rock
had been thrown into a still pool of water and disturbed the surface. They dismounted and said farewell
to their erstwhile travel companion. Simon was suddenly very nervous. Jhamed spoke to them.
“We will have to traverse many realms to get to Dishley. Some of them may not be pleasant. Stay close and
follow my lead at all times. Do not draw your weapons
unless I tell you to. Say nothing to anyone we meet
unless it’s absolutely necessary