Web of the Norns

"On the contrary," Herb said, standing up and knocking his pipe out. "You have just made me feel better than I ever thought possible. Now tell me what in blazes has suddenly come over you after all these years."

"It will take a bit of explaining," Grant said as he clapped his friend on the arm. His fingers closed on Herb's rock-hard biceps and triceps. Grant's smile vanished as he pinched his own pipestem arm. All the painfully won muscle was gone as if it had never been.

"What's the best way to build muscle and get into some kind of decent shape? A quick way," Grant asked.

If Herb was startled by the sudden switch in conversation he didn't show it. "Rock climbing, weights, gym work — anything will do it. I’m partial to rock climbing myself. I go every weekend."

"Sounds great," Grant said, and turned to the door. "Now let's find someplace where we can get a stiff drink — or better a bottle — and I'll tell you something you'll have no business believing. And we can make some plans to try out this rock business. Maybe I’ll even tell you about a little rock climbing experience I've had."

The world seemed a brighter place; the sky a deeper blue and every detail charged with a deeper meaning than ever had been apparent to him before. Grant quickened the pace, savouring every mouthful of air he pulled into his lungs.

His hard-earned muscle, experience and reflexes were gone — but they could be built up again easily enough. As long as he had the desire and the knowledge to do it. And that he still had.

He silently saluted the memory of Aker Amen and that strange world he would never see again.

The two friends turned the corner and walked slowly from sight.

— Harry Harrison and Katherine MacLean