Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #14 May 2015 | Page 59

asked.
Andarta turned to him.
“Been in them? I was brought up in them,” she said.
“I feel there is a tale here,” Alun said. Andarta turned
away with a shake of her head.
“No tale. Just my life,” she answered.
“Lady, I would be honoured if you told me the tale of
your life.” Alun asked.
She shook her head again. Padraig opened his
mouth—he wanted to know more about his mysterious companion too—but Phelan spoke before he
could.
“A tale for another time perhaps. We have a ways to
go before we can sleep. I am grateful to you Alun for

the news and company. I wish you safe travels.” Phelan gathered the detritus from the meal, tidying them
away.
“And I you,” Alun said, climbing to his feet and
stretching. “I almost forgot. Elise has announced
a bard’s competition.” He turned to Padraig, “You
should enter.” He smiled broadly, “And since I’ll not
be there, you’ll have a good chance of winning.” He
winked again.
Padraig looked to Phelan. Phelan stroked his chin.
“Well it’ll give you something to do whilst I talk to the
Court…” he said.
Abruptly Andarta leapt to her feet. With a tossed ‘well
met’ to Alun she jogged away down the hill. Scouting
ahead again. Alun waved and walked down the opposite side of the hill, and soon the only trace of him was
his melodious baritone singing a surprising song about

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