Beneath Ceaseless Skies #361, July 28, 2022

“A Once and Future Reckoning” by Rajan Khanna

“Uncounted Leaves of Ends of Camelot” by R.K. Duncan

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

Two stories that offer new versions of the legends of King Arthur appear in this issue.

In “A Once and Future Reckoning” by Rajan Khanna, Merlin (known as Myrddin in this tale) guides Arthur (called Artur here) as part of an ancient plan to raise the so-called Masters from their long hibernation in the sea. The narrative follows familiar incidents in Arthurian myth, from the pulling of the sword out of the stone to the trapping of Merlin by the Lady in the Lake. These events have different meanings than those related in typical versions of the legend.

The plot blends the Arthur mythos with concepts from a noted author of cosmic horror. The combination is unique, but the two very different kinds of fantasy fiction do not always fit together smoothly.

In “Uncounted Leaves of Ends of Camelot” by R.K. Duncan, Arthur attempts to avoid a disaster predicted by Merlin by entering a tree (that is also, in some sense, Merlin himself) that allows him to perceive the past as well as possible futures. Unable to find a future that guarantees the survival of Camelot, Arthur takes matters into his own hands.

The story can be read as an allegory for trusting in free will rather than fate. The scene within the mystical tree is a striking one, even if its meaning is not always clear.

Victoria Silverwolf had to drive the long way to work today to avoid a flooded road.