I Read Stories: Kopki And The Fish by Alex Irvine

 

Kopki And The Fish by Adam Irvine in Lightspeed

Lord Skadar hears word of a miraculous fish whose heart might cure his ills. He sends Kopki to bring him one alive, from the sea, far down the river and high valleys where they live. Kopki goes, knowing that if he fails his daughters might be harmed.

He gets down to the estuary where fishermen take pity on him and give him a fish. It dies in the bucket along the dry road. He tries again by boat. He tries again and again.

Then one of the fish talks to him.

In style and structure this story resembles a myth, fairy tale or folk tale. Yet the specificity of names and places, the practicalities of carrying a fish. And the twisted ending as well, all these make it a modern story, commenting on impossible tasks and talking fish and wishes, while still making a strong narrative about them.

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