A short story by Gene Wolfe and, as a bonus, a story inspired by it by David Drake. Straw: An elderly mercenary tells how in his youth, traveling with flying swords, he learned the most important lesson of his life. Lodge: A seasoned mercenary teaches an important a lesson for a boy.Contents• Straw (story and afterword by the author)• The Bed (a story-homage to David Drake, where the events and characters of “Straw” are turned inside out)• Additional materials to help the reader:— Translator’s notes (where he expresses his valuable opinion about what is happening )—An article by Mark Aramini with a summary of the stories (traditionally excellent)—An excerpt from Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Malory (because the Arthurian legend is always appropriate)***Editor's Introduction to the Underworld Anthology:

< p>The serene silence of the upper layers of the air, the wind, the dogs barking below; the stench and roar of war; a balloon painted with slogans; a flock of snow geese; straw... Nebula winner Gene Wolfe (considered one of the best science fiction writers of the decade) brings these disparate elements together into a simple but eloquent tale of a boy coming of age in the Dark Ages in an alternate Europe that never was.Gardner Dozois

Introduction Galaxy Magazine editor's word:

You can "rationalize" this story by calling it a story set "after the fall of civilization," "in an alternate universe," "in a lost colony"—or wherever- something else. On the other hand, you can just relax and enjoy "Straw." Jim Bain

Galaxy Magazine Synopsis:

A beautifully crafted story that gives us a brief glimpse into everyday life a squad of mercenaries of a completely different breed...