Foreword/Strange Beasts
To all writers of familiar fantasy using previously tried and tested ideas, situations, characters, and stereotypical dwellings. Only the names change. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reinvent this one… for the pleasure of a different mindset.
Strange Beasts and How to Avoid Them*
In a magical world, anything is possible.
In a normal world, the extraordinary is highly unlikely. Hence, vastly more probable…
You’ll believe an emu can fly great distances.
You’ll believe it can rain frogs.
You’ll believe that a dragon guards the vaults.
You’ll believe that a woman (admittedly, a stern-faced woman) can morph into a wildebeest.
You’ll believe that a mangy cat can morph into a scantily clad seductress… who also makes a very nice brew.
You’ll believe in a mythical bird. A mythical bird who has returned, not so much from the ashes, but quite possibly the pub.
But! This is just a fantasy book—not a book of miracles. So please, don’t for one minute believe that Michael Halibut (met. hon. pub. nme.) can forecast the weather.
*Keep away from Whittlespoon public houses. Especially the one in Norm Alley.
