Black Bear

By Marcus S Jones

A short story set in the MYTHOCIDE universe. Discover the magical past of one of SHOCK AND AWE's most enigmatic characters.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcus S Jones
• Release date: Jun 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311999511

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BLACK BEAR

Marcus S Jones

Copyright © 2016 by SM Jones

All rights reserved

Version 1.0

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BLACK BEAR

"Mustakarhu!"

The word cut through the bar like the icy air that streamed through the doorway after the man that said it. Dressed in rough furs; coat, trousers and hat, he looked as much out of time as he did out of place in the Helsinki bar. It was early afternoon but this far north the winter sun had already set and the bar's few patrons seemed ensconced for the evening. The room was warm, cosily lit and quiet except for the dull thud of metal music from a clunky stereo in the corner turned way down low. The three men seated at the bar roused themselves and turned in unison as if the stranger's arrival had given their lives renewed purpose.

Shut the door, its bloody cold out there, said one.

At least it's not as bad as yesterday, replied a second, older man.

Yeah, but tomorrow's going to be colder still I promise you, finished the third, youngest of the three by a good few years.

The newcomer closed the door behind him and repeated the word this time as a question."Mustakarhu?" His breath steamed in the cold air that still held him in a hyperborean aura.

What are you going on about, said the barman looking up from polishing glasses.

He wants a black bear, said the first. Didn't you hear him? Maybe it's a new kind of vodka?

Not one I've ever heard of, said the second. And I've known plenty in my time. He nodded to himself, smiling as if reminiscing on good times past.

Come to think of it, that's a good name for vodka. Maybe you should copyright it in case someone uses it the future, said the third enthusiastically, raising his glass to his lips although he looked barely old enough to drink himself.

You must be from Inaric or somewhere, said the barman, his long moustache jiggled as he snorted