What’s in Issue 200

Novella	Padraig forges a new sword in memory of Mairgie; Kalzrok summons him and his compatriots to resist the Visharians and Talin: Bryce V. Giroux, Shadows of Forever, part 7; part 8; conclusion.
Short Stories	There’s nothing like a shower, a shave and a new suit of clothes to spruce up an unkempt Hero for feasting and fun at the Queen’s court. But the Moon Goddess charges high rates for her hospitality: Tala Bar, The Queen and the Hero, part 1; conclusion. New contributor Edward Burger spins a series of tall tales within an even taller one. But one has to wonder: might they tell a larger story that is not far-fetched at all? The Dolphins’ Story. Time traveler Stephen White witnesses a crucial historical event. He returns home with a souvenir and a question: What does the event mean to him? J. B. Hogan, Holy Wafer, part 1; conclusion. Rank has its privileges, but what might it cost? Gary Inbinder, Noble Lies, part 1; conclusion. Sometimes getting into show business requires making a spectacle of yourself: Carmen Ruggero, The Audition. What if on-line shopping brought you anything you wanted? You might want some help in figuring out how best to use it: Bob Sorensen, Alt Esc, part 1; conclusion.
Fictional Memoir	New contributor Camille Parker paints a picture of a young Western girl living for a while in Jeddah. In that city cultures meet in mutual incomprehension, and yet all cultures are made up of real people: Muttawain.
Flash Fiction	New contributor Ecks Ridgehead finds old symbols in outer space: The Universe Game.
Poetry	Rebecca Lu Kiernan, Rummy Park, Chasm Edward Stanford, Trees of Ice
Essay	What do heroes all seem to have in common? Tala Bar, Heroes and Heroism in Myth, Legend and Fiction.

Departments

Welcome	Bewildering Stories welcomes Edward Burger, Camille Parker, and Ecks Ridgehead.
The Critics’ Corner	Don Webb analyzes The Revenge Fantasy.
Challenge	Challenge 200 has Something for Everyone.
The Art Gallery	A randomly rotating selection of Bewildering Stories’ art
The Reading Room	Danielle L. Parker reviews Barbara Hambly, Dead Water. Jerry Wright reviews Mercedes Lackey's Sanctuary.
Editorial	Jerry Wright, Acceptances

Bewildering Stories News

Rescheduling: Time constraints and issue length require postponing the second part of the poetry discussion to issue 201. Please be patient!

Who is this esteemed contributor to
Bewildering Stories?

We have stories to tell and songs to sing.
The sound’s around !

Jack Alcott or Edward Burger

To Bewildering Stories’ schedule:
In Times to Come

Readers’ reactions are always welcome.
Please write!