by Paul Collins
Daretor stared at her.
Jelindel said, ‘Have you ever thought about Zimak’s name?’
He frowned.
‘And Ethella’s? Because her name isn’t Ethella by the way, or not all of it, which happens to be Ethella T’kar Inanna. And Zimak spelt backwards is –’
‘Kamiz!’ A light went on in Daretor’s brain and he gaped at Jelindel, who nodded. He said, ‘Zimak becomes the most famous hero in the history of Q’zar?’
‘With his beautiful bride at his side, yes.’ She reached over and squeezed Daretor’s hand. ‘And not the most famous hero, not in my opinion at least!’
It is known that Daretor and Jelindel lived many years. The dates of their deaths, however, are not recorded. The tragic and untimely deaths of heroes in battle blaze like ruddy funeral pyres in the annals of history, but heroes who live long and happily, then die old and contented, somehow lack what it takes to inspire bards.
There is no more of The Jelindel Chronicles. Although much of what has been written has been refuted by scholars and historians, Jelindel’s deeds were real, and they changed worlds.