Comparative Religions

Shortly after Merlin’s arrival in Camelot, he asked Gaius to explain the differences between the “Old Religion” and the religion practiced by the king — Christianity. This proved a mistake.  Gaius droned on for hours, only embaffling Merlin with excessive detail. Merlin considered asking Prince Arthur the next day, then decided his curiosity would promptContinue reading “Comparative Religions”

Orders

From:� Satie, Norah, Rear Admiral To:� Picard, Jean-Luc, Captain In light of recent actions undertaken by yourself and the Time Lord known as the Doctor on stardate 37141.5 in halting and destroying the Krynoid foliage overrunning the Berengaria VII colony, you are hereby authorized for detached assignment aboard the Doctor’s craft known as the TARDIS,Continue reading “Orders”

On the Origins of Trifling Knowledge

I had long admired Holmes’ ability to distinguish the varieties of cigarette ash by sight, but it was not until the affair of Lord Bassington’s manservant that I questioned the origins of Holmes’ knowledge. “Personal experience,” said he.  “What may seem as trivial knowledge began, absent noble reasons, in my university days with the searchContinue reading “On the Origins of Trifling Knowledge”

The Calculus of Diplomacy

“Negotiations. How I despise them.” Arthur was nonplussed by Uther’s pronouncement. “The delegation from Thule…” “…Has nothing of worth for Camelot. Trade? They want our produce and offer mere trinkets in return. An alliance? Our kingdoms are separated by rough seas, and though we both beset by rivals we have not mutual enemies.” “What ifContinue reading “The Calculus of Diplomacy”

Accidental Epiphanies

Much as Merlin liked Gwen, he doubted the wisdom of bringing her along on his pollen gathering duties. “That one!  What do you think?” Merlin sighed.  She’d broken his concentration once again. “What?” “That cloud.”  She pointed upward at a billowing cloud.  “I think it looks like a dragon.” Merlin followed her gaze.  “No, itContinue reading “Accidental Epiphanies”

Crisis In Infinite Camelots

“Who are you all?” the boy with scruffy hair wanted to know. “Why, isn’t it obvious?” said the animated man with the long white beard and the pointed hat. “Not to me,” said the man with the metallic skullcap and the trim beard in his high-pitched voice. The unkempt, unwashed man dyed in woad paintContinue reading “Crisis In Infinite Camelots”

The Twain in Camelot

It was said throughout Lankhmar that, in the Year of the Briny Toad, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, having fallen afoul of the Thieves Guild once more, ventured forth to the kingdom of Camelot, there to participate in a tournament in honor of the Lady Morgana’s birthday. Though their fame did not precede them, itContinue reading “The Twain in Camelot”

Old Friends, New Identities

“You know everyone.  Churchill.  Liz Ten.”  Amy smirked.  “So who is he?  Your friend, Captain Cornelius.” The Doctor sighed.  “An old friend.  Very old.  Fifty thousand years old.” Amy’s eyes widened.  “You’re joking.” “He’s one of the true immortals.  In different eras, he goes by different names.  In your time, Captain Jack Harkness of theContinue reading “Old Friends, New Identities”

The Daleks

“When this damnable business is done, Watson, I shall be glad of it,” said Holmes. “The state visit?” “Naturally.”  London’s papers were filled that spring with news of the impending state visit by the Crown Prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. “I should think this a time for celebration, Holmes, not exasperation.” “Were it not forContinue reading “The Daleks”