Challenge 936

Avoidance Strategies

In David Samuels’ Red He Wept, part 5: Olvara Gordon admits to having used ruby sap to paint the tears on the Divine Galvin statue. Arabelle and Moralt are satisfied with Olvara’s explanation. What cult and “cultist” are they really worried about?
In David Barber’s The Hundred Falling Worlds:
1. Do the “falling worlds” share the same atmosphere?
2. Are there accounts of flying between the Falling Worlds?
3. What might the “Bringht” be? What might the worlds be falling into? What do you think the Speck might be?
4. Why might the story be classified as an example of surrealism?
in Miriam E. Neiberg’s Messages From Mama Earth:
1. Does Mama Earth really covet human baubles and other fungible trinkets? Why might the Adamasota shift responsibility for the custom of hiding treasure?
2. Does hiding archeological sites benefit anyone?
In John W. Steele’s Sawbones: Dorian and Lily try to recruit Gaj to enhance the public image of their business. What are the couple engaged in, exactly?
In Charles C. Cole’s Brother Bushranger’s Inkpot: In what way are Brother Bushranger’s and Elspeth’s lives similar? To what can each ascribe a ruined life?
In Catherine Coundjeris’ The Year of the Firebird: Who are the “tyrants” and who are the “heroes”?
In Harrison Kim’s A Cult of Two: Assuming that Harrison and Jimmy move to New Orleans, how will their life differ from the one they have led in Mexico City? What might prevent Harrison from becoming, eventually, a Santero wizard?

Responses welcome!