From an upcoming issue of Black Scat Review, here’s the beginning of a story about a fisherman and the fish who promises him wishes. Unfortunately, fish with magical powers are not always trustworthy.

THE FISHERMAN’S WISH

   The fisherman started out one bright morning, toting his rod and tackle. He was in a merry mood, and as he ambled through the woods, he plucked a budding thornflower to decorate his hat. When a host of scarlet fillyflies fluttered up from the bush, he batted at them playfully with his rod.

   Once he reached his fishing spot, under a shady tree beside a gently purling lake, he settled into it with a contented sigh. He opened his tackle box and pulled out a thermos of flavored gin, which he swigged thirstily. Then he took out a wriggling grub, fixed it to his hook, and leaned back against the tree, his hat over his eyes.

   Before long, a ripple dimpled the surface of the lake, and he felt a tug at his line. He tugged back, and, after a few more tugs in both directions, landed a gasping fish on the bank beside him. Whistling cheerily, he unhooked the hook, and was surprised to hear the fish speak.

   “Please, sir,” gasped the fish, “return me to the lake, and I will grant you a wish.”

   “A wish!” echoed the fisherman. “Why is it always a wish? Whenever they want to bargain, it’s always a wish. It’s never a check, or a basket of fruit, or a piece of jewelry. Always a wish.”

   “You might as well argue with gravity,” said the fish. “That’s the way of the world.”

   “And how do I know you can follow through?” the fisherman asked. “You look like a common everyday fish, not a sorcerer.” 

   “Watch this,” said the fish, and with one wave of his fin he turned the tree into a mossy boulder. With another wave, he changed the fillyflies to swallows, which winged up into the blue, chirping.

   “Whoa!” cried the startled fisherman. “You do have uncanny powers.”

….