Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #19 October 2015 | Page 34

and was unlikely to survive another winter. He was
regarded by all as the wise old father of the tribe.
Undoubtedly, there would be a scramble for power
when he died. Some things never changed, Simon
thought. People pair-bonded for life. Yo’s wife had
died last summer. He had no sons, just a daughter, Ju.
She was not yet paired and several young men had
been competing for her favours. Mandred seemed to
suggest that it was more because of her status than any
inherent beauty. ‘No offence meant,’ he said, which
nonplussed Simon again. The men’s job was to hunt
for meat and skins. When they were not hunting, they
were making weapons and other useful articles. The
woman’s role was to fetch water and firewood, search
for edible roots and fruits, cook, look after children,
tend the old and sick, and be there physically for
her man whenever he desired her. They were open
about sex, but had strict rules – sex only with your
pair-bonded mate, no sex before bonding, and no sex
during pregnancy. The Chief dispensed swift justice
for any indiscretions.
The women had their own hierarchy, headed
by the Medicine Woman. She was responsible for
delivering babies, tending hunting wounds, and aiding
the sick and the dying. She always had at least two
apprentices. The tribe lived in family groups, in small
caves, expanded by digging into the side of a hill.
Children stayed with their parents until they reached
adulthood. As soon as the boys successfully passed
their rite of passage, they would find a mate and set up
their own cave. They mainly ate communally around
a large fireplace established outside the front of the
caves. Except in the heaviest rain, the fire was kept
alive at all times. It gave them comfort, warmth, light,
and protection from predators. Mandred explained that
the wizards had helped the tribe to develop, without
pushing them along too quickly. They were there to
preserve the Balance. Mandred, though, had a special role. Simon’s attention was wandering again. He
wondered what he was supposed to do here. Whatever
it was, he wanted done with it quickly and get back to
Elannort. Life here sounded like an awful experience.
I’d rather be in prison. Well, maybe not in Dishley.
Thoughts of Dishley triggered his melancholy,
and he forced himself to focus on Mandred again. “I

am but a minor cog in Dammar’s plans, but I try to do
my best. My role is almost finished and I’ll be glad
to pass to my eternal rest, I can tell you. I have been
preparing for your arrival. I have to say that I was a bit
surprised by the change in your appearance, but that
just shows my ignorance. You are another manife