The Bog of Lost Memory

by Eric Gibson

Some adventurers believe telling a good story brings luck on the road, that the gods ease the journey so they won't miss the ending. Others hope that an entertainer is harder to stab. Most agree that a tale or two makes the road shorter.

Gladlow and Meese have played the game of Traveler from one continent to the next, trading stories with merchants and highwaymen, mages and clerics, soldiers and thieves. This is one of Meese's favorites, their hunt for an evil bog witch and her terrifying wyrm. Told not in any of the dozen ways he has shared it, but as it truly happened.

A short story featuring two young mages from the Traveler's Luck series. Approximately 8k words, 32 pages. Past tense, third person, limited omniscient.

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2025

Reviews

[Linda Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick but captivating tale that lingers longer than its page count suggests

This was such a fun and atmospheric read. Even in such a short span, Eric Gibson pulls you into the world of Traveler's Luck with charm and confidence. The banter between Gladlow and Meese feels genuine and lived-in, like you’re catching up with old friends swapping wild tales by firelight. The hunt for the bog witch and her wyrm is eerie, exciting, and full of rich detail that brings the setting to life.

I especially loved the way the story balances humor, magic, and danger without ever feeling rushed. It’s clear that the world is much bigger than this single tale, but it still stands solidly on its own. A perfect pick if you want a taste of adventure and clever storytelling without committing to a full-length novel. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this series.

[Damir Salkovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wit, Wyrms, and Witchcraft! "The Bog of Lost Memory" is a delightful, droll short tale that immediately pulls you into the world of Traveler’s Luck. Eric Gibson’s writing shines through witty banter between Gladlow and Meese, whose humorous back-and-forth feels lived-in and genuine. The hunt for the Bog Hag and her wyrm brims with atmosphere, eerie tension, and well-crafted detail. My only complaint is that the buildup to the action lingers a bit long for such a brief story, but once it takes off, it’s thoroughly engaging. A clever blend of humor, magic, and danger, "Lost Memory" is a compelling introduction to what promises to be an enchanting series.

[Razvan-Gabriel Popa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable short read that reminds me of old-school high fantasy, but with a grimdark twist: shady characters. What comes to mind are classics like Icewind Dale (though this is an RPG) and books like Steven Erikson's 'Gardens of the Moon'. Messe and Gladlow, the main protagonists, are fun to follow as they bicker on their way to fighting a witch and its magical creatures. No more spoilers, but I particularly enjoyed the fighting scenes, where the magic is vividly depicted.

[Terry Birdgenaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this short story, Eric Gibson creates a masterful narrative of show-don't-tell. Although the story lacks a detailed plot and it's sometimes difficult to tell who is doing the talking, it provides colorful characterization and excellent dialogue that pulls you through the magical adventure. Highly recommended for those looking for a skilled, quick read.

[Nicole Nadeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short high fantasy story that draws you in from the start. Mixed with humor and magic, this is a good quick read for fans of DnD.

[Jack Wraith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark, atmospheric short book.
Characters Gladlow and Meese's clash with the bog witch.
Eerie and memorable.
Moody, fast paced, and steeped in folklore.
A good read if your into magic fantasy's.