Aurealis #151, June 2022“Convenience Viking” by David Dick
“Ashes” by Tania Fordwalker
“The Bedlam Undesirables” by Julian Gyll
Reviewed by Kevin P Hallett
The 151st issue of Aurealis has three original short stories.
“Convenience Viking” by David Dick
Gunther, the Convenience Viking, does chores for his owner in this near future SF short story. The world is locked down, and Gunther is programmed to provide ‘safe’ company for single people. His brawny frame and double-headed ax are imposing, but he’s harmless.
As the world disintegrates and businesses begin failing, Gunther’s attitude also degenerates. He takes to making and drinking mead, though he can only pretend to drink. Ultimately, Gunther is falling into the malaise gripping the civilized masses.
The story shows a deteriorating civilization, but beyond that, it has very little to say.
“Ashes” by Tania Fordwalker
Gitti is finally pulled back into a Cryptozoology mystery in this short fantasy. Three years ago, she lost her husband to cancer, but she still isn’t ready to give up her grieving.
However, government agents insist they have found evidence of the rarest bird in mythology, which has just created a fire in the Aussie bush. Not believing them for a moment, Gitti agrees to help. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that she thinks one of the agents is somewhat cute.
Although this story read well, it sometimes ruined the mystery by being too direct.
“The Bedlam Undesirables” by Julian Gyll
“The Bedlam Undesirables” is a short fantasy that follows Shadowfriend’s escape attempt from Bedlam, a prison for the insane. Chained in a dark cell, Shadowfriend is cursed by his unformed shadow that cannot come alive in an unlit space.
Shadowfriend has a plan. But first, he needs water, another thing the guards are diligent about keeping out of his cell.
The author created an intriguing story that wove its way through the magical shadows of insanity.
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