Beneath Ceaseless Skies #414, August 22, 2024

“Conversation with a Dragon” by Cat Rambo

“At the Stopping Place” by Grace Seybold

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

Two stories that take place within taverns appear in this issue.

In “Conversation with a Dragon” by Cat Rambo, a mercenary warrior speaking to a barmaid relates how she, a paladin, a mage, and others set out to destroy a dragon and win its treasure. The adventure turns out to involve the barmaid as well.

The setting and characters will seem very familiar to readers of traditional heroic fantasy, as well as to those who enjoy roleplaying games. The conclusion is predictable, mostly because the early part of the text and even the story’s title offer strong hints as to what will happen.

Two adventurers, one human and one a reptilian humanoid, show up at an eating and dining facility in “At the Stopping Place” by Grace Seybold. They have received an enigmatic message from an oracle concerning their quest. In an attempt to follow the oracle’s instructions, they speak to the goblin who cleans up the place.

The story deals largely with social class, as the arrogant adventurers treat the goblin as an underling. The characters and fantasy concepts are more original than in the above work, but remain somewhat familiar. Similarly, the climax is not quite as predictable, but not very surprising either.

Victoria Silverwolf is working an extra day today.