Beneath Ceaseless Skies #410, June 27, 2024

“Testimony of an Encounter with the Death-Mage, Taken at the Canal Village of Po-Endenn” by Stephen Case

“The Institute of Harmony” by J. C. Snow

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

Two stories set in fantasy worlds that resemble the Far East appear in this issue.

In “Testimony of an Encounter with the Death-Mage, Taken at the Canal Village of Po-Endenn” by Stephen Case, the narrator relates a meeting with a pair of exiles who provide unofficial healing services. This invites trouble, as it is against the rules of the official healers. They bring the narrator’s sister back to life after she drowns. The arrival of the enforcers of the empire reveals the true nature of the pair.

The story’s title gives away part of its climax, and readers may be able to predict the rest. Although not directly related to the main plot, the way in which the exiles deal with the arrival of deadly ice monsters is the most vivid portion of the story.

The narrator of “The Institute of Harmony” by J. C. Snow is captured by soldiers of the empire. They imprison her in a brutal school for those who will be taught to use magical singing as a powerful weapon in the service of the empire. She meets another young woman, who plans to acquire enough power to escape.

The premise of singing as a form of magic is interesting. The climax of the story raises important themes of cooperation and sharing, even if it is somewhat predictable. Sensitive readers should be aware that the story involves the suffering of young children.

Victoria Silverwolf has never been to the Far East, or even the Near East.