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.

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2025

Reviews

[Gregg Sapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing that has always bothered me about the fantasy literary genre is that it takes itself so seriously. The irony is that the imaginative realms populated by elves, goblins, demons, and wizards cannot acknowledge how intrinsically ridiculous it all is. Lighten up, already.

Apropos of that, I applaud Eric Gibson, author of “The Bog of Lost Memories,” from the serialized “Traveler’s Luck Cantos.” In it, Meese, of the Dwarrow race, and Gladlow, an “oafishly tall” and “gangling wizard,” take a break from their studies at the Institute to traipse through swamps in search of the Hag, who wields memory-erasing magic. To get to the Hag, though, they must survive an encounter with her wyrm, “a frilled serpent,” “with more teeth than its mouth could contain.”

While the quest motif and fanciful scenarios are staples in fantasy literature, what distinguishes this work is the playful banter between the protagonists and the author’s winking acknowledgement that the world he has created is more than a little absurd. Consider the following passage describing Meese and Gladlow, who in this scene are enjoying night of drinking:

“It was true, frequenting medicine women and hedge wizards might be roundly mocked by the elitist student body—and condemned by all but the most eccentric of the faculty—but it would be nothing compared to the general snubbing they already enjoyed. The two of them regularly left the safety of the Institute and its snobbery, building a reputation among the townsfolk. Admittedly that reputation was more for audacity than success, but unlike their peers, they were greeted warmly in the local taverns save one. That one burned down under mysterious circumstances.”

It is unclear to me whether “The Bog of Lost Memories” is a short story unto itself, a chapter in a longer work, or some hybrid where each installment occurs within the same world context but stands on its own. This work is the first in the “Traveler’s Luck Cantos,” which I presume builds upon the “Traveler’s Luck” tripartite series. By itself, this new piece leaves readers wondering what’s next. The droll, fantasy-infused humor is captivating, but its effect is muted unless there is some connective narrative (which is perhaps forthcoming).

[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.

[Ela Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short yet humorous, and at times daring magical trip. Meese and Gladlow make for a colorful, entertaining pair, and of course, the Bog Hag added her own remarkable charm! The story was interesting throughout, though I did find a few moments where the conversations were a bit tricky to follow. In fact, I ended up reading it twice to catch everything.
Still, the mix of humor, magic, and quirky characters made this a really fun read. If you enjoy a short story packed with magic and humor, this one makes for a fun little escape.

[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.

[M.T. Groom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this little fantasy story. Gladlow and Meese are such a great duo, their banter feels natural and funny, and the whole hunt for the bog witch has a nice creepy vibe to it. The writing pulls you in fast, and even though it’s short, it feels like part of a much bigger world.

Some bits were a bit hard to follow at first, but it’s worth sticking with. If you like quick reads with magic, humour and a touch of darkness, this one’s defintely worth picking up.

[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.