Beneath Ceaseless Skies #296, January 30, 2020
“Forgive Me, My Love, for the Ice and the Sea” by C. L. Clark
“The Moneylender’s Angel” by Robert Minto
Reviewed by Kevin P Hallett
The 296th issue of Beneath Ceaseless Skies has two entertaining original fantasies.
“Forgive Me, My Love, for the Ice and the Sea” by C. L. Clark
A lowly pirate captain, Laema, sails with a legendary pirate, Issheth, in this short fantasy. Laema’s wife is in the dungeon and to get her free, she must kill Issheth before the powerful captain returns from the edge of the world.
Throughout the fearful sea voyage, Laema waits for her chance. But, as the storms close in, she realizes the only way to survive is by letting Issheth live and bring them home. And when Issheth visits a Goddess on a frozen island, Laema lets her live as the reasons for procrastinating become more complex.
This was an interesting story, written in an engaging style as the author wove mysteries and twists into the plot.
“The Moneylender’s Angel” by Robert Minto
Gareth used to work for the local moneylender in this short fantasy, but now he wants to become a healer. He says it’s a way to pay back his debt to the universe after being the moneylender’s enforcer. Then one day he’s given a special neckless, imbued with the power of a sacrifice.
His partner knows these things, coming from a childhood of facilitating sacrifices. Can such an evil and powerful talisman help them overcome their terrible pasts and go some way to repaying their debts?
This easy-paced character-based yarn was engaging from the beginning. An entertaining read felt true to life for two hard-working men.