Sun, Moon, Dust

"Sun, Moon, Dust" is a 2017 fantasy short story by Ursula Vernon. It was first published in Uncanny Magazine.

Synopsis

Allpa's grandmother bequeaths him a magical sword which, when drawn, invokes three warrior spirits — Sun, Moon, and Dust — who are sworn to aid him in combat. However, Allpa is a potato farmer, and has no need of warriors.

"Sun, Moon, Dust" was a finalist for the 2018 Hugo Award for Best Short Story.
Apex Magazine called it "sweet quiet", noting that it is "about growth of all kinds". Tangent Online considered it to be a "delight", lauding Vernon's "seamless" exposition, but questioned whether the story's resolution was compatible with the nature of the sword's enchantment. Amal el-Mohtar, who subsequently read the story for Uncannys podcast, stated that it was "kind charming", and about "the right to not be a warrior".