The New Death and others by James Hutchings

victim of an injustice, or that he voluntarily
lowered himself from humility. Perhaps he could even have proved
that the muck of the stables was purest gold, and gained his
freedom. But instead he was as bitter and hateful in manner as in
reality, and gained no sympathy.
    One day, as he was bewailing his fate, he saw
a crone who was a stranger to him.
    "O crone," he said, "I see that you have a
cheerful countenance. Have you come to gloat at my misery? Though I
marvel that you have not been gathered up and thrown away, mistaken
for a pile of horse dung." The crone did not respond to his
jibe.
    "I smile always, but do not gloat," replied
the crone. "Indeed I have come to prove Harun al-Rashid a liar, and
secure your release."
    "Two mighty tasks," the former courtier said
drily, though in truth he thirsted for hope, and the taste of it
was sweet. "Yet how may this poor ostler repay you?"
    "In truth you have given me much already,
though you know me not. Therefore I shall take only a small piece
of meat. And since you are poor I shall not take a choice cut, but
one you have scorned. And finally, O Abd al-Katheb, I shall not
take even this if you can tell me my name."
    Such was the certainty in the woman's voice
that Abd al-Katheb did not doubt her sincerity, or her power to
deliver what she promised, though he of all people should have
known that the word is not the deed. Therefore he replied
    "I accept your bargain. I cannot tell you
your name, since although I know many names, they are those of men
of dignity and power, not toothless and wretched old women." Again
the woman made no response to his insult, but merely continued
smiling.
    "This being so, I shall return at sunset,
when the bargain shall be fulfilled." With that, she left Abd
al-Katheb to his work.
    Abd al-Katheb was as greedy as he was false,
and to give even a small piece of meat for liberation was against
his nature. Therefore he desired greatly to know the name of his
savior. To this end he put on the mask that he had laid aside, and
all in the stable were greatly pleased by his new attitude of
repentance and good fellowship, as they thought. But although he
subtly guided the conversation towards the subject, none could name
the old woman. This displeased him greatly, despite the great
prospect suddenly before him. For it is the way with all who seek
wealth and power, that it is as if they drink salt water: the more
they attain their desire, the less they are satisfied. Therefore
Abd al-Katheb would have found reason to complain in Paradise.
    At last the sun set, and behold! The old
woman was before him, though he did not see her coming despite his
careful watch.
    "O Abd al-Katheb," she asked, "have you
guessed my name?"
    "Indeed I have not, old woman," he replied.
"But I remind you that the penalty for this failure is merely a
small piece of meat."
    "I have not forgotten," said the old woman.
Having spoken, she reached into his chest, and pulled out his
heart. Abd al-Katheb fell dead on the ground. Thus Harun al-Rashid
was made a liar. For the false vizier had not proven that the muck
of the stables was gold, yet he had been released from his
punishment.
     
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    The Warring Gods
     
    The gods Sex and Love fell to fighting.
    Every time a man sought Love, Sex would
whisper in his ear, saying
    "What kind of man are you? What you really
want is Sex."
    Every time a woman sought Sex, Love would
whisper in her ear, saying
    "What kind of woman are you? What you really
want is Love."
    This must be true. If it is not, and there
are no gods, then we have done this to ourselves.
     
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    The Mirrors of Tuzun Thune
     
    Based on the story of the same name by
Robert E. Howard.
     
    Un-numbered years ago it came to pass
    that desolation settled on King Kull.
    His throne of gleaming gold seemed tarnished
brass
    and soft and subtle silk seemed rough and
dull.
    The court wore robes of hemp, their jewels
glass
    their