A Warrior of Dreams (47 page)

"My patience isn't infinite."

"And that move is yours to make," she said, "whenever you wish."

Gahon studied the vast dream that was their playing field. After awhile
—
not long, he remembered that look
—
he shook his head and let his king retreat into the lost gray places at the edge of the dream. "How long will you test me, Somna?"

"Till you weary of the Game."

"Or until I win?"

Gahon didn't expect an answer and she gave none. Soon the Dream began to change, as it always did whether the moves were planned or not. Gahon studied the patterns.

"Your move, My Love."

The End

About the Author

Richard Parks has been writing and publishing fantasy and science fiction longer than he cares to remember…or probably can remember. His work has appeared in Asimov’s SF, Realms of Fantasy, Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, and several “Year’s Best” anthologies. His first collection, The Ogre’s Wife, was a World Fantasy Award Finalist in 2002 and his work has also been a nominee for the Mythopoeic Award for Adult Literature. He blogs at “Den of Ego and Iniquity Annex #3”, also known as:
www.richard-parks.com

Personal Note: “With or without a traditional publisher (I’ve gone both ways), it’s hard for any writer to develop a readership in these days of fractured genres. If you enjoyed AWOD, I would appreciate it if you would consider reviewing the book at Amazon, B&N, or the venue of your choice. Word of mouth and reader endorsements are simply the best advertising there is.”