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Filled with magic, intrigue, romance and adventure, Mercedes Lackey's world of Valdemar is one of the most popular domains in fantasy literature. Home to the Heralds and thier mysterious horselike Companions, the magical Tayledras Hawk-people, and of course, the powerful gryphons, Valdemar has garnered a devoted global following.

Now these 17 new tales by fantasy's greatest authors are sure to add their own chapter to the history of this enchanting land.

Table of Contents:

• ix - Introduction (Sword of Ice and Other Tales of Valdemar) - (1997) - essay by Mercedes Lackey
• 11 - Sunlancer - (1997) - short story by Philip M. Austin and Mercedes Lackey
• 28 - The Demon's Den - (1997) - novelette by Tanya Huff
• 53 - Ironrose - (1997) - short story by Larry Dixon and Mel. White
• 66 - Babysitter - (1997) - short story by Josepha Sherman
• 77 - The Salamander - (1997) - novelette by Richard Lee Byers
• 98 - A Child's Adventures - (1997) - short story by Janni Lee Simner
• 116 - Blood Ties - (1997) - short story by Stephanie Shaver [as by Stephanie D. Shaver]
• 134 - ...Another Successful Experiment - (1997) - short story by Lawrence Schimel
• 143 - Choice - (1997) - novelette by Michelle West
• 170 - Song of Valdemar - (1997) - short story by Kristin Schwengel
• 186 - The School Up the Hill - (1997) - short story by Elisabeth Waters
• 198 - Chance - (1997) - short story by Mark Shepherd
• 210 - Sword of Ice - (1997) - short story by Mercedes Lackey and John Yezeguielian
• 225 - In the Forest of Sorrows - (1997) - novelette by John Helfers
• 252 - Vkandis' Own - (1997) - novelette by Ben Ohlander
• 276 - A Herald's Honor - (1997) - short story by Mickey Zucker Reichert
• 293 - A Song for No One's Mourning - (1997) - novelette by Gary A. Braunbeck
• 334 - Blue Heart - (1997) - short story by Philip M. Austin and Mercedes Lackey

An all-new original short fiction anthology featuring Mercedes Lackey's heroic Heralds and their horselike companions--as penned by such masters of fantasy as Judith Tarr, Michelle West, Fiona Patton, and others.

Table of Contents:

• 11 Errold's Journey - short story by Catherine S. McMullen
• 29 The Cat Who Came to Dinner - novelette by Nancy Asire
• 52 Winter Death - novella by Michelle West
• 116 A Herald's Rescue - short story by Mickey Zucker Reichert
• 132 In the Eye of the Beholder - short story by Josepha Sherman
• 143 Trance Tower Garrison - novelette by Fiona Patton
• 167 Starhaven - novelette by Stephanie Shaver [as by Stephanie D. Shaver]
• 189 Rebirth - novelette by Judith Tarr
• 211 Brock - novelette by Tanya Huff
• 247 True Colors - short story by Michael Longcor
• 265 Touches the Earth - short story by Brenda Cooper
• 282 Icebreaker - novelette by Rosemary Edghill
• 305 Sun in Glory - novelette by Mercedes Lackey

An original short fiction anthology set in Mercedes Lackey's bestselling world of Valdemar-featuring heroic Heralds and their horselike companions-and including an all-new novella by Lackey herself, as well as stories by masters such as Mickey Zucker Reichert, Judith Tarr, Tanya Huff, and others.

Table of Contents:

• 1 - Introduction (Crossroads and Other Tales of Valdemar) - (2005) - essay by Mercedes Lackey
• 3 - Transmutation - (2005) - novella by Larry Dixon
• 62 - The Feast of the Children - (2005) - short story by Nancy Asire
• 79 - Death in Keenspur House - (2005) - short story by Richard Lee Byers
• 98 - Dawn of Sorrows - (2005) - short story by Brenda Cooper
• 116 - Horse of Air - (2005) - short story by Rosemary Edghill
• 133 - A Change of Heart - (2005) - short story by Kate Paulk and Sarah A. Hoyt
• 152 - All the Ages of Man - (2005) - short story by Tanya Huff
• 169 - War Cry - (2005) - short story by Michael Longcor
• 189 - Strength and Honor - (2005) - short story by Ben Ohlander
• 206 - The Blue Coat - (2005) - novelette by Fiona Patton
• 227 - Safe and Sound - (2005) - short story by Stephanie Shaver [as by Stephanie D. Shaver]
• 247 - Song for Two Voices - (2005) - short story by Janni Lee Simner
• 260 - Finding Elvida - (2005) - short story by Mickey Zucker Reichert
• 274 - Darkwall's Lady - (2005) - novelette by Judith Tarr
• 304 - Naught But Duty - (2005) - short story by Michael Z. Williamson
• 323 - Landscape of the Imagination - [Vows and Honor] - (2005) - short story by Mercedes Lackey

Sixteen original stories?set in mercedes lackey's valdemar universe

Includes a new novella by Mercedes Lackey!

Today's hottest fantasy authors visit Mercedes Lackey's bestselling world of Valdemar, adding their own special touches to the ancient land where Heralds "Chosen" from all walks of life by magical horse-like Companions patrol their ancient kingdom, dispensing justice, facing adversaries, and protecting their monarch from whatever threatens. Travel with Tanya Huff, Mickey Zucker Reichert, Fiona Patton, Judith Tarr, Rosemary Edghill, and others in these exciting, all-new stories.

Table of Contents:

• 1 - Moving Targets - novelette by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon
• 38 - An Unexpected Guest - novelette by Nancy Asire
• 59 - The Power of Three - novelette by Brenda Cooper
• 83 - What Fire Is - short story by Janni Lee Simner
• 101 - Dreams of Mountain Clover - short story by Mickey Zucker Reichert
• 121 - The Cheat - novelette by Richard Lee Byers
• 143 - A Dream Deferred - short story by Kristin Schwengel [as by Kristin M. Schwengel]
• 162 - The Sword Dancer - novelette by Michael Z. Williamson
• 196 - Broken Bones - novelette by Stephanie Shaver [as by Stephanie D. Shaver]
• 221 - Live On - novelette by Tanya Huff
• 244 - Passage at Arms - short story by Rosemary Edghill
• 261 - Heart, Home and Hearth - novelette by Kate Paulk and Sarah A. Hoyt
• 282 - Haven's Own - novelette by Fiona Patton
• 309 - Widdershins - novelette by Judith Tarr

In March 1987, a young author from Oklahoma published her first novel, Arrows of the Queen. This modest book about a magical land called Valdemar was the beginning of a fantasy masterpiece that would span decades and include more than two dozen titles. Now sixteen of today's hottest fantasy authors -- including Tanya Huff, Mickey Zucker Reichert, Fiona Patton, and Judith Tarr -- visit the world of Valdemar, adding their own special touches.

Table of Contents:

• 1 - The One Left Behind - novelette by Mercedes Lackey
• 35 - For Want of a Nail - novelette by Rosemary Edghill and Denise McCune
• 60 - Softly Falling Snow - short story by Elizabeth Vaughan [as by Elizabeth A. Vaughan]
• 72 - The Relectant Herald - novelette by Mickey Zucker Reichert
• 98 - A Storytelling of Crows - short story by Elisabeth Waters
• 109 - Waiting to Belong - short story by Kristin Schwengel
• 124 - The Last Part of the Way - short story by Brenda Cooper
• 141 - Midwinter Gifts - novelette by Stephanie Shaver [as by Stephanie D. Shaver]
• 165 - Wounded Bird - short story by Michael Z. Williamson
• 185 - Defending the Heart - short story by Kate Paulk
• 205 - Matters of the Heart - short story by Sarah A. Hoyt
• 224 - Nothing Better to Do - short story by Tanya Huff
• 243 - The Thief of Anvil's Close - novelette by Fiona Patton
• 266 - Twice Blessed - novelette by Judith Tarr
• 303 - Be Careful What You Wish For - novelette by Nancy Asire
• 324 - Interview with a Companion - short story by Ben Ohlander [as by Benjamin Ohlander]

n March 1987, a young author from Oklahoma published her first novel, Arrows of the Queen. This modest book about a magical land called Valdemar was the beginning of a fantasy masterwork series that would span decades and include more than two dozen titles. Now readers can take a journey to the world of Valdemar -- including Tanya Huff, Mickey Zucker Reichert, Fiona Patton, and Judith Tarr -- each adding their own special touches.

Table of Contents:

• 1 - Finding the Way - novella by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon
• 43 - In Burning Zones We Build Against the Sun - novelette by Rosemary Edghill and Denise McCune
• 69 - Unintended Consequences - short story by Elizabeth Vaughan [as by Elizabeth A. Vaughan]
• 77 - The Education of Evita - novelette by Mickey Zucker Reichert
• 112 - A Charm of Finches - short story by Elisabeth Waters
• 132 - Healing in White - short story by Kristin Schwengel
• 155 - Songs of a Certain Sort - short story by Brenda Cooper
• 176 - Otherwise Engaged - short story by Stephanie Shaver
• 200 - Heart's Choice - short story by Kate Paulk
• 220 - Heart's Own - short story by Sarah A. Hoyt
• 239 - The Time We Have - short story by Tanya Huff
• 260 - A Bard By Any Other Name - short story by Fiona Patton
• 280 - Change of Life - short story by Judith Tarr
• 299 - Lack of Vision - short story by Nancy Asire
• 322 - The Groom's Price - short story by Michael Z. Williamson and Gail Sanders

n March 1987, a young author from Oklahoma published her first novel, Arrows of the Queen. This modest book about a magical land called Valdemar was the beginning of a fantasy masterwork series that would span decades and include more than two dozen titles. Now readers can travel to the world of Valdemar with Tanya Huff, Mickey Zucker Reichert, Fiona Patton, Rosemary Edghill, Judith Tarr, and others in these original stories, including an all-new novella from Mercedes Lackey.

Table of Contents:

• 1 - The Simple Gifts - novelette by Mercedes Lackey
• 28 - Catch Fire, Draw Flame - novelette by Rosemary Edghill and Denise McCune
• 50 - In an Instant - short story by Elizabeth Vaughan [as by Elizabeth A. Vaughan]
• 60 - A Healer's Work - short story by Daniel Shull
• 73 - A Leash of Greyhounds - short story by Elisabeth Waters
• 91 - Warp and Weft - novelette by Kristin Schwengel
• 112 - Discordance - short story by Jennifer Brozek
• 125 - Slow and Steady - short story by Brenda Cooper
• 144 - Sight and Sound - novelette by Stephanie Shaver
• 167 - The Bride's Task - short story by Michael Z. Williamson and Gail Sanders
• 187 - Fog of War - novelette by Ben Ohlander
• 218 - Heart's Peril - short story by Kate Paulk
• 238 - Heart's Place - short story by Sarah A. Hoyt
• 257 - Family Matters - novelette by Tanya Huff
• 280 - The Watchman's Ball - short story by Fiona Patton
• 296 - Judgment Day - novelette by Nancy Asire
• 317 - Under the Vale - short fiction by Larry Dixon

In March 1987, Mercedes Lackey, a young author from Oklahoma, published her first novel, Arrows of the Queen. No one could have envisioned that this modest book about a magical land called Valdemar would be the beginning of a fantasy masterwork series that would span decades and include more than two dozen titles.

Now the voices of other authors add their own special touches to the ancient land where Heralds "Chosen" from all walks of life by magical horse-like Companions patrol their ancient kingdom, dispensing justice, facing adversaries, and protecting their monarch and country from whatever threatens. Trained rigorously by the Herald's Collegium, these special protectors each have extraordinary Gifts: Mindspeaking, FarSeeing, FarSpeaking, Empathy, Firestarting and ForeSeeing, and are bonded for life with their mysterious Companions. Travel with these astounding adventurers in sixteen original stories.

Table of Contents:

• 1 - The Whitest Lie - novelette by Stephanie Shaver [as by Stephanie D. Shaver]
• 27 - Old Loom, New Tapestry - short story by Dayle A. Dermatis
• 41 - The Barest Gift - short story by Brenda Cooper
• 57 - Consequences Unforeseen - novelette by Elizabeth Vaughan [as by Elizabeth A. Vaughan]
• 79 - Written in the Wind - short story by Jennifer Brozek
• 95 - Nwah - novelette by Ron Collins
• 117 - Spun Magic - novelette by Kristin Schwengel
• 149 - Weavings - novelette by Diana L. Paxson
• 170 - A Wake of Vultures - short story by Elisabeth Waters
• 186 - Maiden's Hope - novelette by Michele Lang
• 208 - Ex Libris - novelette by Fiona Patton
• 231 - A Dream Reborn - short story by Dylan Birtolo
• 244 - Forget Me Never - novelette by Cedric Johnson
• 265 - Beyond the Fires - short story by Louisa Swann
• 283 - A Brand from the Burning - short story by Rosemary Edghill and Rebecca Fox
• 303 - Vixen - novella by Mercedes Lackey

In March 1987, Mercedes Lackey, a young author from Oklahoma, published her first novel, Arrows of the Queen. No one could have envisioned that this modest book about a magical land called Valdemar would be the beginning of a fantasy masterwork series that would span decades and include more than two dozen titles.

Now the voices of other authors add their own special touches to the ancient land where Heralds "Chosen" from all walks of life by magical horse-like Companions patrol their ancient kingdom, dispensing justice, facing adversaries, and protecting their monarch and country from whatever threatens. Trained rigorously by the Herald's Collegium, these special protectors each have extraordinary Gifts: Mindspeaking, FarSeeing, FarSpeaking, Empathy, Firestarting and ForeSeeing, and are bonded for life with their mysterious Companions. Travel with these astounding adventurers in these original stories.

Table of Contents:

• 1 - Feathers in Need - short story by Jennifer Brozek
• 15 - The Highjorune Masque - novelette by Stephanie Shaver [as by Stephanie D. Shaver]
• 37 - Lost Song - short story by Dylan Birtolo
• 48 - Unresolved Consequences - short story by Elizabeth Vaughan [as by Elizabeth A. Vaughan]
• 66 - Gifts of Rage and Despair - short story by Ron Collins
• 84 - A Bellowing of Bullfinches - short story by Elisabeth Waters
• 98 - She Chooses - novelette by Michele Lang
• 121 - The Harvest - short story by Kristin Schwengel
• 136 - Before a River Runs Through It - short story by Fiona Patton
• 155 - Hertasi and Wyrsa and Magpies, Oh My! - novelette by Louisa Swann
• 176 - A Fire in the Grass - novelette by Michael Z. Williamson and Jessica Schlenker
• 201 - Never Alone - short story by Dayle A. Dermatis
• 217 - Down the Line - short story by Brigid Collins
• 236 - Ghosts of the Past - short story by Angela Penrose
• 256 - The Quiet Gift - short story by Anthea Sharp
• 272 - Healing Home - novelette by Kerrie Hughes [as by Kerrie L. Hughes]
• 295 - The Note - short story by Phaedra Weldon
• 313 - Vexed Vixen - novelette by Mercedes Lackey

Twenty-four authors ride with Mercedes Lackey to her magical land of Valdemar, adding their own unique voices to the Heralds, Bards, Healers, and other heroes of this beloved fantasy realm.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Now, twenty-three authors ride with Mercedes Lackey to her magical land of Valdemar, adding their own unique voices to the Heralds, Bards, Healers, and other heroes of this beloved fantasy realm.

Join Elizabeth Vaughan, Fiona Patton, Jennifer Brozek, Brenda Cooper, Rosemary Edghill, and others in twenty-two original stories, including a brand-new novella by Mercedes Lackey, to Valdemar, where:

A Herald must crack an ancient code in a historic tapestry in order to arbitrate a dispute over land and lineage...

A Healer's daughter flees the noble family that has trapped and enslaved her mother, and must seek help to free her mother...

A young woman who hides her clairvoyant powers from her town's Karsite priests ForeSees a threat, and must risk revealing her Gift to save her community...

A Herald finds his assistant has been abducted by a man upon whom he had levied a heavy fine, and must foil the kidnapper's plans to save his charge...

Table of Contents:

• 1 - A Small Quarrel - short story by Stephanie Shaver [as by Stephanie D. Shaver]
• 23 - Girl Without the Gifts - short story by Janny Wurts
• 41 - Unimagined Consequences - short story by Elizabeth Vaughan [as by Elizabeth A. Vaughan]
• 56 - Feathers in Flight - short story by Jennifer Brozek
• 75 - Blind Leaps - short story by Ron Collins
• 86 - Haver Hearthstone - short story by Fiona Patton
• 105 - Unraveling the Truth - short story by Dayle A. Dermatis
• 119 - Sparrow's Gift - short story by Michele Lang
• 136 - Harmless As Serpents - short story by Rosemary Edghill and Rebecca Fox
• 157 - The Apprentice and the Stable Master - short story by Brenda Cooper
• 174 - Unexpected Meeting - short story by Nancy Asire
• 192 - A Trip of Goats - short story by Elisabeth Waters
• 201 - The Ones She Couldn't Save - short story by Louisa Swann
• 218 - One Last Night Manning the Home Station - short story by Brigid Collins
• 232 - Only Family Matters - short story by D. Shull
• 246 - Medley - short story by Jessica Schlenker and Michael Z. Williamson
• 268 - A Tangle of Truths - short story by Angela Penrose
• 286 - The Unwanted Gift - short story by Anthea Sharp
• 302 - Dawn of a New Age - short story by Dylan Birtolo
• 314 - Bloodlines - short story by Phaedra Weldon
• 333 - In Name Only - short story by Kristin Schwengel
• 354 - Ripples and Cracks - short story by Larry Dixon and Mercedes Lackey

The eleventh anthology of short stories set in Mercedes Lackey's beloved Valdemar universe features stories by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Lackey herself

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Now, twenty-three authors ride with Mercedes Lackey to her magical land of Valdemar, adding their own unique voices to the Heralds, Bards, Healers, and other heroes of this beloved fantasy realm.

Join Janny Wurts, Elisabeth Waters, Michele Lang, Fiona Patton, and others in twenty-four original stories, including a brand-new novella by Mercedes Lackey, all set in Valdemar, where:

A young woman without any of the Heralds' Gifts must see a Companion safely delivered to Haven....

A Herald must revisit the mysteries of his childhood to save his own young family and combat a threat at the very heart of Valdemar....

A Hawkbrother flees for his life, trailed by a mysterious bird that prophesizes a dire future....

A mage must choose whether to steal a priceless artifact and be branded a thief and traitor, or let his country fall to magic that could prove far more deadly....

The twelfth anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar universe, featuring stories by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Lackey herself.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Now, twenty-three authors ride with Mercedes Lackey to her magical land of Valdemar, adding their own unique voices to the Heralds, Bards, Healers, and other heroes of this beloved fantasy realm.

This thirteenth anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Lackey herself.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Now, twenty-three authors ride with Mercedes Lackey to her magical land of Valdemar, adding their own unique voices to the Heralds, Bards, Healers, and other heroes of this beloved fantasy realm.

This fourteenth anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Lackey herself.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Table of Contents:

• 1 - Roads Less Travelled - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Charlotte E. English
• 16 - A Ruler's Gift - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Anthea Sharp
• 36 - Rising to the Occasion - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Jennifer Brozek
• 47 - A Nursery of Raccoons - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Elisabeth Waters
• 65 - Tables Turned - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Kristin Schwengel
• 77 - Expected Consequences - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Elizabeth Vaughan
• 95 - Burrowing Owl, Hidden No More - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - novelette by Dayle A. Dermatis
• 117 - The Dream Seeker - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Paige L. Christie
• 132 - Shadows and Reflections - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - novelette by Louisa Swann
• 153 - Flying the Nest - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Michele Lang
• 171 - Snowbound - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Brigid Collins
• 187 - The More Things Change, the More They Change More - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Fiona Patton
• 205 - The Choice Makes the Chosen - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - novelette by Stephanie Shaver
• 227 - Trial by Reflection - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Terry O'Brien
• 242 - Theory and Practice - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Angela Penrose
• 257 - Tools of the Trade - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - novelette by Phaedra Weldon
• 282 - The Border Within - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Brenda Cooper
• 299 - Temper - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Mercedes Lackey
• 319 - The Hawkbrothers' Ways: Death and the Vales - [Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar] - short story by Larry Dixon

This fifteenth anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Lackey herself.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

This sixteenth anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Lackey herself.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Table of Contents:

• "Tricks And Traps," Jennifer Brozek
• "A Brother's Promise," Kristin Schwengel
• "Causing Trouble," Dylan Birtolo
• "All Around the Bell Tower," Stephanie Shaver
• "Reminiscent," Paige L. Christie
• "Life's Little Pranks," Ron Collins
• "Fool's Week," Anthea Sharp
• "The Companion Sting," Charlotte E. English
• "Love, Nothing More, Nothing Less," Brigid Collins
• "A Cry of Hounds," Elisabeth Waters
• "Fowl Play," Fiona Patton
• "The Boy Who Cried Kidnap," Dayle A. Dermatis
• "Trap Spell," Louisa Swann
• "One Trick Pony," Diana Paxson
• "Companion's Lesson," Brenda Cooper
• "A Bouquet of Gifts, or The Culinary Adventures of Rork," Michele Lang
• "Of Ghosts and Stones and Snow," Phaedra Weldon
• "Pranks For the Memories," Dee Shull
• Shin'a'inagins, novella by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon

This 17th anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar high fantasy universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Mercedes Lackey.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm.

Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Join a variety of authors as they ride with Mercedes Lackey to the beloved land of Valdemar and experience the many facets of this storied high fantasy realm.