Mahes

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Yes, a fine story. Mahes was one of the Egyptian gods http://www.touregypt.net/godsofegypt/mahes.htm Mahes Other Names: similar to the Furies of Greek mythology being called "The Kindly Ones," Mahes was rarely referred to by name and was instead referred to as "The Lord of the Massacre." His name is also found spelled "Maahes." Patron of: punishment of those who violate Maat, the universal order. Appearance: a man with the head of a young lion, often shown carrying a knife. Description: Another feline deity, Mahes was the son of Bast and Ptah and may be an Egyptian assimilation of the Nubian lion-god Apedemak. When Maat was violated, the other gods would work to set it aright, but Mahes would be sent to punish the one who had committed the transgression. Interestingly enough, he encompassed his own opposite, and his name was invoked as a protection for the innocent. Worship: Cult center at Leontopolis, also worshipped alongside Bast at Bubastis. The Greeks also worshipped him for a time, possibly aligning him with the Furies.

Thanks to Andy Robertson and Robert Borski for that Mahes information--my understanding of the story is deepened... More forthcoming story info: "The Lost Pilgrim", mentioned in the SF Weekly interview, will appear in FUTURE HEROES, ed. Harry Turtledove et al; no publication date set yet. Also: Al Sarrantonio is producing a fantasy anthology along the lines of 999 and REDSHIFT, and a Wolfe story is slated for that. --Nick Gevers.