Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #19 October 2015 | Page 44

Ferryman stated.

jiggling in his seat.

“No? No… you are probably right. But… you
could?” The man in red’s expression was eager, almost
greedy.

“Yes, yes, and yes.” The man in red laughs. “All
of that and more!”

“I?” The Ferryman seemed puzzled.

“In return, I’ll give your boy a trade. A way of
making coins. Ah I see that you are sceptical. Do not
mistake my current circumstances with my habitual
living.” The man in red smiles, all teeth.

“What do you think?” The Ferryman talks
directly to the boy.

“Can I Father?” The boy looks at the Ferryman.

***

You know already that I was apprenticed. So
there is no dramatic tension in drawing this out. But
you don’t know the why of it. Or of my first trip to the
castle. Or my first meeting with Him. Perhaps that is
what I should tell you next?

Or perhaps I should finish my story?
What would you like me to do?

“I would learn the stories?”

The man in red nods.

I gaze at the Ferryman, hoping for an expression of interest.

“And travel? All over the world? And to the
lands of the Four and One?” The boy is breathless,

To be continued

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