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kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
Rosemary Edgehill's made me cry.
M.Z. Reichert's was terrible.
M.Z. Reichert's was terrible.
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
An anthology of sixteen stories in the Tales of Valdemar fantasy series by a variety of authors.
The Series
"Transmutation" (After The Owl Mage Trilogy)
"Death in Keenspur House" (Master Selden, 2)
"Dawn of Sorrows" (Concurrent with Owlflight, 1?)
"A Change of Heart" (Heart, 1)
"War Cry" (concurrent with the Exile Duology, aka Alberich's Tale, 1)
"Strength and Honor" (Solaris, 2)
"Safe and Sound" (Wil & Leila, 1)
"Landscape of the Imagination" (Vows and Honor, 1.xx)
The Stories
Larry Dixon's "Transmutation"
Mortally wounded in battle, helping Valdemar, Kelvren is abandoned, treated as less than who he is, having expended his remaining energy in saving a fellow patient.
It's all about bigotry. Two "soldiers" who are wounded but treated differently because of their race. Housed together as dying patients, each pushes forth effort to help the other in their own ways. The frustrated Stavern and the dying Kelvren who both manage to lift the soldiers' morale. Oh, lordy, I do like how Kelvren got back at that cheap mayor!
"Pain shared is pain halved. I shared half of my pain with the mayor . . . and I feel much better now."
Characters
Silver Gryphon Kelvren Skothkar is a wingleader from k'Valdemar. Hallock Stavern of the Sixteenth Regiment was mortally wounded and is now a captain.
Jeft, a.k.a. Boy, is considered expendable by his village. His mother, Ammari, a seamstress and artisan, has discovered an amazing product.
Treyvan, an Adept, is one of the gryphon ambassadors to Haven. Pena is Treyvan's senior hertasi and a great cook. Whitebird is a trondi'irn. Rivenstone is Whitebird's assistant.
Based at Deedun, Farragur Elm is a trade baron who has formed a coalition and seized resources.
Nancy Asire's "The Feast of the Children"
It's the time of year when the priests tour from village to village, searching for eligible children — and not so eligible. Those will go into the Cleansing Fires.
Geez, I hate religions like this, especially when they're so corrupt! But any religion that forces people to do what they tell them is bad, in my book. The religion insists that magic is bad, evil. Unless the priesthood can use anyone who is capable of magic.
The Characters
Pyotr has been a priest in Two Trees for fifteen years. Selenna is Pyotr's sister. His cats include Tom, Puss, Patches, and Sunshine. Najan is their cousin, a trader who has moved freely about.
Vikandis Sunlord is the god the people of Karse worship. The Son of the Sun is the head of the religion. The current Sunlord is Hanovar who surrounds himself with yes-men. Chardan, Pyotr's childhood friend, is the power-hungry priest. Durban had been Two Trees' regular tester.
Richard Lee Byers' "Death in Keenspur House"
It's a critical wedding in Mordealth, intended to lay the feuds to rest. Only a theft and murder have set the Blues against the Greens. Again. Only the truth can set them free.
Whew, this one is full of tension and magics.
The Characters
Master Selden is a retired mercenary who teaches weaponry to the Blue faction. Marissa is the principal sword-teacher to the Green faction and Selden's friend and sparring partner.
The Keenspurs (Greens) include Lord Baltes, a widower about to be the groom. Tregan is Baltes' brother and the house mage; Yshan had been the previous house mage. Pivar is the leader of the Blues. Lukinda is Pivar's youngest daughter and the bride.
Brenda Cooper's "Dawn of Sorrows"
A look back in near history of the story of a lone bard and her experience of the negative side of a Choosing that inspired "Dawn of Sorrows".
It's a pip and Cooper slowly leads us to Jocelyn's remembrances. And the changes made to help parents left behind.
The Characters
Bard Dennis has assigned Bard Dawn "Silver" to Bard Jocelyn for their journey.
"Dawn of Sorrows" was Jocelyn's only song and a result of a desperate journey to warn Valdemarans living on the border with Hardorn. Dawn had lived in Johnson's Ford near Hardorn. Drake had been Dawn's husband. Their eight-year-old daughter, Lisle, was chosen by a Companion, Tamay. Ancar had been the evil ruler of Hardorn.
Rosemary Edghill's "Horse of Air"
There is a witch in the Armor Hills who must be stopped.
A sad tale of anger and why even Heralds need spies and where, how, they acquire them. Edghill also provides "Paynim's" back history and why Shavanne's soul has lingered.
Sendar was king when "Paynim the tinkerer" became a Herald — the voice and hands of the ruler of Valdemar; now Selenay is queen. Shavanne had been "Paynim's" Companion.
The Moonwoman is extorting people and goods from those of the Armor Hills. Meramay is a young widow. Garan had been her husband, taken. The Midsummer Meeting is a mustering of clans, to do business, exchange information, and search for mates. Liah had been born nineteen years ago. Her parents were Andren and Colmye with little knowledge of the world.
Sarah A Hoyt and Kate Paulk "A Change of Heart"
A Changeling, Ree is more human than most when he saves a brutalized boy.
A sad life of a child forced to hide, steal, and squat. Hoyt/Paulk introduce us to Ree's hideous life and his humanity.
The Characters
Ree is a Changeling, turned in the Mage Storms from human to a blend of human, rat, and cat who lives in Jacona. The pretty Jem is too vulnerable.
Tanya Huff's "All the Ages of Man"
Herald Jors feels too young for this. Too young for teaching, yet Gervais reassures him that he can teach what he knows to this new green Herald, who is quite forward. And she finally confronts Jors.
It's a frustrating tale at first and only really gets interesting when Alyise makes her first judgment. It's a good one, pointing to what can be celebrated. I do love how Companions enjoy plotting, lol.
Herald Jors and his Companion, Gervais. Herald Jennet's mother is ill; Inar is Jennet's Companion. Herald Alyise is green and being mentored by Jennet. Donnel is Alyise's Companion.
Michael Longcor's "War Cry"
It's said this will be the last battle between Valdemar and the Tedrels. And it's a bad time for Rury Tellar to learn about his Gift.
It's a tale that'll make you cry.
The Characters
Rury Tellar is facing his first big battle. Aed Karlan is their self-appointed jester, Milo, and Snipe are his fellow Guards. Twenty-eight-year Guard veteran, Sergeant Mit Krandal, a.k.a. Iron Mit, is in command of their unit. King Sendar and Princess Selenay will take part in the battle. Herald Erek Ranwellen, who has a mild touch of Empathy with a good bit of Mindspeech, and his Companion, Deanara.
The Tedrels are the enemy, hungry for their own homeland.
Ben Ohlander's "Strength and Honor"
A tortured, dead Herald and Companion are found, one more instance of the corruption within the Karse priesthood. Their lies more and more obvious. Their corruption more evil.
You can't help but hate the corruption of the Karsite religion and be proud of the men who battle it. Then there's the ending, and I'm still crying.
The Characters
The wounded Colonel Tregaran is preparing for war with his own. A firecat is keeping Tregaran company. Cogern, Warmaster of the Nineteenth Foot, Hero of the Regiment and Beloved of Vkandis, is a trusted comrade. Delrimmon of the Thirteenth and Hergram of the Thirty-first are with the Nineteenth.
Solaris is the priest who believes in the old ways. Laskaris is the current Son of the Sun.
Fiona Patton's "The Blue Coat"It's but a pitiful remnant of the Goshon Clan and only getting worse. Vulshin and Shersi have dreamed of a blue coat. A garment they'll find if they head to Valdemar.
It's a story that starts out sad and yet has hope at the end.
The Characters
What remains of the Goshon Clan of trappers. Treyill k'Goshon has shaman potential and Kellison, another cousin with a good mind, are hunting while Dierna, their cousin, is giving birth. The strong Bayne is Trey's brother. Shersi is their midwife. Vulshin is the family shaman. Aivar had been Vulshin's grandson and Dierna's husband.
Kith Arkarus of Waymeet is the quarry master. Gabrielle Post is Kith's niece and an apprentice of Haven's Master Builder, Gabrielle's father. Captain Danel is of the Valdemar Guard.
Stephanie D Shaver's "Safe and Sound"
Leila has her own personal horror, writing a song that will encourage the Bardic College to make her a full bard.
Musicians are writers too, as we see while Leila and Malesa argue over "events without a discernible plot, antagonist, or resolution". I liked Leila's counterargument about the "untold stuff between the lines".
The main plot is Leila composing her graduation song with Wils' closure part of it. A subplot is the bard-to-be who knows nothing about tact and diplomacy. Surely there are songs that include those topics. Another subplot is Leila's worry about her brother who has a good answer for her. Oh, lordy, there's that Companion humor again when Vehs is "kidnapped", lol. It's a good story that reinforces the need to talk your problems out.
The Characters
Bardic-trainee Lelia is desperate for inspiration for her master song. Lyle is her twin who just got his whites; Rivan is Lyle's Companion. Malesa is a friend of Lelia's working on her own piece. Herald Daryann had written a journal. Herald Wil is Daryann's brother who was also Chosen with his Companion, Vehs.
Janni Lee Simner's "Song for Two Voices"
Holderkin may have as many wives as they wish but it's the Firstwife who rules those wives. When Latya notices Garen's unexpected preference for his newest wife, she does her best to make Nara's life miserable.
It's a Herald, a woman, who unexpectedly fights for Holderkin, but it's Nara who saves Garen, provides Latya with a lesson, and pays the Herald with story.
Heralds and other Valdemarans believe Holderkin men only care about themselves. I'm too much of a feminist to enjoy stories about the Holderkin, but "Song for Two Voices" ended on a positive note.
The Characters
Holderkin are isolationists who practice polygamy and despise magic. Garen Aranson inherited his Steading from his father. He has three wives — Latya is the strict Firstwife who gave him another son, Isa is his second underwife who bore a daughter; two brothers, and an oldest son, Ari, who works the fields. He even cares for those littles too small to work. Gracious of him. Jeth is a cousin and Nara, his daughter, who is not content in her life although song gives her happiness.
Mickey Zucker Reichert's "Finding Elvida"
It's a terrible battle with such loss, such that Elvida's emotions unleash her Gift until she loses it again.
It's about self-doubt holding one back, and Elvida wallows in it.
The Characters
Herald Elvida and her Companion, Raynor. Other Heralds include Sharylle and her Companion Tabnar; her partner is Anthea and her Companion, Leahleh.
Judith Tarr's "Darkwall's Lady"
An alliance is proposed from one Lady to a Lord in exchange for the Lady gaining an heir. Their child, Merris, will be raised in her home keep until she comes of age.
Merris learns much of her keep-to-be, but has never visited. She hears praise from the tutors Darkwall provides but she also hears nervous rumors from others. Luckily for the independent Merris, Herald Coryn and Selena insist on going with her.
The stories she's heard and those tutors of Merris' are dang creepy. I gotta say, Merris' conclusion as to why the Lady of Darkwall ranged so far to find her makes a lot of sense. It is an interesting story, but after all the build-up, I was disappointed with the ending. Oh, it was a good one, but too easy.
The Characters
Lord Bertrand of Forgotten Keep has a wife, the Lady Beatrice, who became pregnant after they already had a full grown son and a married daughter.
The Lady of Darkwall Keep has no heir and has a bad reputation. The Lady-provided tutors.
Herald Isak is old and accompanied by Herald-Intern Coryn. Selena is Coryn's Companion and brimming with warnings.
Michael Z Williamson's "Naught But Duty"
It's the aftermath of battle for an employer Arden has come to despise.
It's sensible that Arden wants to keep his men employed, interested, and retain a good reputation. His current employer? Well, Arden takes care to count their payment in front of their employer. And he follows the contract to the letter. It's a hard line to walk and remain honorable. I had to laugh at the nitpicky choices Arden makes to avoid slaughtering innocents.
The Characters
Arden is the High Rider of the Toughs, who have been employed by Lord Miklamar. Balyat is a scout. Ty'kara is Shin'a'in; Bukli is skilled with signals and good with a sword; and, Mirke appears to be a good cook.
Miklamar allows his troops any license after a battle. Shakis is Miklamar's regional deputy. Count Namhar is with the Anasauk Confederacy. The grief-stricken Chal is part of Namhar's entourage.
Mercedes Lackey's "Landscape of the Imagination"
Tarma and Kethry have delivered their charge to her niece in the Duchy of Silverthorn. It's a bad place to be if you're low on money, as the duchy is very peace-abiding with high taxes.
Yet the ladies are determined to get out even if they are in need of money. A need that leads to a mistake when they encounter a lone woman in need of bodyguards.
It's a weird story that turns out to be fun, especially for Tarma who see it as the perfect training scenario.
The Characters
Tarma, a Shin'a'in Swordsworn, and Kethry, a sorceress of the White Winds school, are a low-level mercenary pair without a reputation. Need is the magic sword that commands Kethry. Warrl is a kyree who has decided to be Tarma's familiar. The warsteeds are Hellsbane and Ironheart.
The Duchy of Silverthorn taxes hell out of everyone. Nanca Jente is a sorceress whose temporary bodyguards were taken out. Jendran is the colleague she intends to meet.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a split complement of oranges and dusky purple. The purple forms a border with a thin aged gold border with a dark blue background inside. Overlapping the inset is a flaming orange heater shield with a deep brown distressed border with rivets. Emerging from inside the shield is the head of a wild-eyed Companion in profile. Across the bottom of the inner background are three more heater shields: the leftmost with a purple background and silver rivets like stars and a white pegasus in profile, the center is a dull orange with a coiled black and orange zigzagged snake while the rightmost has a black background and a deep orange gryphon with its feathers detailed in black against a black background. At the very top is a rectangle with an aged background for the title in a combination of deep red and black and a short notice of the book's contents. At the bottom, just under the three small shields is another rectangle with an aged background informing us of the identity of the editor, in black.
The title is the various Crossroads and Other Tales of Valdemar encountered in these short stories.
The Series
"Transmutation" (After The Owl Mage Trilogy)
"Death in Keenspur House" (Master Selden, 2)
"Dawn of Sorrows" (Concurrent with Owlflight, 1?)
"A Change of Heart" (Heart, 1)
"War Cry" (concurrent with the Exile Duology, aka Alberich's Tale, 1)
"Strength and Honor" (Solaris, 2)
"Safe and Sound" (Wil & Leila, 1)
"Landscape of the Imagination" (Vows and Honor, 1.xx)
The Stories
Larry Dixon's "Transmutation"
Mortally wounded in battle, helping Valdemar, Kelvren is abandoned, treated as less than who he is, having expended his remaining energy in saving a fellow patient.
It's all about bigotry. Two "soldiers" who are wounded but treated differently because of their race. Housed together as dying patients, each pushes forth effort to help the other in their own ways. The frustrated Stavern and the dying Kelvren who both manage to lift the soldiers' morale. Oh, lordy, I do like how Kelvren got back at that cheap mayor!
"Pain shared is pain halved. I shared half of my pain with the mayor . . . and I feel much better now."
Characters
Silver Gryphon Kelvren Skothkar is a wingleader from k'Valdemar. Hallock Stavern of the Sixteenth Regiment was mortally wounded and is now a captain.
Jeft, a.k.a. Boy, is considered expendable by his village. His mother, Ammari, a seamstress and artisan, has discovered an amazing product.
Treyvan, an Adept, is one of the gryphon ambassadors to Haven. Pena is Treyvan's senior hertasi and a great cook. Whitebird is a trondi'irn. Rivenstone is Whitebird's assistant.
Based at Deedun, Farragur Elm is a trade baron who has formed a coalition and seized resources.
Nancy Asire's "The Feast of the Children"
It's the time of year when the priests tour from village to village, searching for eligible children — and not so eligible. Those will go into the Cleansing Fires.
Geez, I hate religions like this, especially when they're so corrupt! But any religion that forces people to do what they tell them is bad, in my book. The religion insists that magic is bad, evil. Unless the priesthood can use anyone who is capable of magic.
The Characters
Pyotr has been a priest in Two Trees for fifteen years. Selenna is Pyotr's sister. His cats include Tom, Puss, Patches, and Sunshine. Najan is their cousin, a trader who has moved freely about.
Vikandis Sunlord is the god the people of Karse worship. The Son of the Sun is the head of the religion. The current Sunlord is Hanovar who surrounds himself with yes-men. Chardan, Pyotr's childhood friend, is the power-hungry priest. Durban had been Two Trees' regular tester.
Richard Lee Byers' "Death in Keenspur House"
It's a critical wedding in Mordealth, intended to lay the feuds to rest. Only a theft and murder have set the Blues against the Greens. Again. Only the truth can set them free.
Whew, this one is full of tension and magics.
The Characters
Master Selden is a retired mercenary who teaches weaponry to the Blue faction. Marissa is the principal sword-teacher to the Green faction and Selden's friend and sparring partner.
The Keenspurs (Greens) include Lord Baltes, a widower about to be the groom. Tregan is Baltes' brother and the house mage; Yshan had been the previous house mage. Pivar is the leader of the Blues. Lukinda is Pivar's youngest daughter and the bride.
Brenda Cooper's "Dawn of Sorrows"
A look back in near history of the story of a lone bard and her experience of the negative side of a Choosing that inspired "Dawn of Sorrows".
It's a pip and Cooper slowly leads us to Jocelyn's remembrances. And the changes made to help parents left behind.
The Characters
Bard Dennis has assigned Bard Dawn "Silver" to Bard Jocelyn for their journey.
"Dawn of Sorrows" was Jocelyn's only song and a result of a desperate journey to warn Valdemarans living on the border with Hardorn. Dawn had lived in Johnson's Ford near Hardorn. Drake had been Dawn's husband. Their eight-year-old daughter, Lisle, was chosen by a Companion, Tamay. Ancar had been the evil ruler of Hardorn.
Rosemary Edghill's "Horse of Air"
There is a witch in the Armor Hills who must be stopped.
A sad tale of anger and why even Heralds need spies and where, how, they acquire them. Edghill also provides "Paynim's" back history and why Shavanne's soul has lingered.
"A wise man never needs to borrow trouble since fools give it away for free."The Characters
Sendar was king when "Paynim the tinkerer" became a Herald — the voice and hands of the ruler of Valdemar; now Selenay is queen. Shavanne had been "Paynim's" Companion.
The Moonwoman is extorting people and goods from those of the Armor Hills. Meramay is a young widow. Garan had been her husband, taken. The Midsummer Meeting is a mustering of clans, to do business, exchange information, and search for mates. Liah had been born nineteen years ago. Her parents were Andren and Colmye with little knowledge of the world.
Sarah A Hoyt and Kate Paulk "A Change of Heart"
A Changeling, Ree is more human than most when he saves a brutalized boy.
A sad life of a child forced to hide, steal, and squat. Hoyt/Paulk introduce us to Ree's hideous life and his humanity.
The Characters
Ree is a Changeling, turned in the Mage Storms from human to a blend of human, rat, and cat who lives in Jacona. The pretty Jem is too vulnerable.
Tanya Huff's "All the Ages of Man"
Herald Jors feels too young for this. Too young for teaching, yet Gervais reassures him that he can teach what he knows to this new green Herald, who is quite forward. And she finally confronts Jors.
It's a frustrating tale at first and only really gets interesting when Alyise makes her first judgment. It's a good one, pointing to what can be celebrated. I do love how Companions enjoy plotting, lol.
"If you don't celebrate your victories, all you remember are your defeats."The Characters
Herald Jors and his Companion, Gervais. Herald Jennet's mother is ill; Inar is Jennet's Companion. Herald Alyise is green and being mentored by Jennet. Donnel is Alyise's Companion.
Michael Longcor's "War Cry"
It's said this will be the last battle between Valdemar and the Tedrels. And it's a bad time for Rury Tellar to learn about his Gift.
It's a tale that'll make you cry.
The Characters
Rury Tellar is facing his first big battle. Aed Karlan is their self-appointed jester, Milo, and Snipe are his fellow Guards. Twenty-eight-year Guard veteran, Sergeant Mit Krandal, a.k.a. Iron Mit, is in command of their unit. King Sendar and Princess Selenay will take part in the battle. Herald Erek Ranwellen, who has a mild touch of Empathy with a good bit of Mindspeech, and his Companion, Deanara.
The Tedrels are the enemy, hungry for their own homeland.
Ben Ohlander's "Strength and Honor"
A tortured, dead Herald and Companion are found, one more instance of the corruption within the Karse priesthood. Their lies more and more obvious. Their corruption more evil.
You can't help but hate the corruption of the Karsite religion and be proud of the men who battle it. Then there's the ending, and I'm still crying.
The Characters
The wounded Colonel Tregaran is preparing for war with his own. A firecat is keeping Tregaran company. Cogern, Warmaster of the Nineteenth Foot, Hero of the Regiment and Beloved of Vkandis, is a trusted comrade. Delrimmon of the Thirteenth and Hergram of the Thirty-first are with the Nineteenth.
Solaris is the priest who believes in the old ways. Laskaris is the current Son of the Sun.
Fiona Patton's "The Blue Coat"It's but a pitiful remnant of the Goshon Clan and only getting worse. Vulshin and Shersi have dreamed of a blue coat. A garment they'll find if they head to Valdemar.
It's a story that starts out sad and yet has hope at the end.
The Characters
What remains of the Goshon Clan of trappers. Treyill k'Goshon has shaman potential and Kellison, another cousin with a good mind, are hunting while Dierna, their cousin, is giving birth. The strong Bayne is Trey's brother. Shersi is their midwife. Vulshin is the family shaman. Aivar had been Vulshin's grandson and Dierna's husband.
Kith Arkarus of Waymeet is the quarry master. Gabrielle Post is Kith's niece and an apprentice of Haven's Master Builder, Gabrielle's father. Captain Danel is of the Valdemar Guard.
Stephanie D Shaver's "Safe and Sound"
Leila has her own personal horror, writing a song that will encourage the Bardic College to make her a full bard.
Musicians are writers too, as we see while Leila and Malesa argue over "events without a discernible plot, antagonist, or resolution". I liked Leila's counterargument about the "untold stuff between the lines".
The main plot is Leila composing her graduation song with Wils' closure part of it. A subplot is the bard-to-be who knows nothing about tact and diplomacy. Surely there are songs that include those topics. Another subplot is Leila's worry about her brother who has a good answer for her. Oh, lordy, there's that Companion humor again when Vehs is "kidnapped", lol. It's a good story that reinforces the need to talk your problems out.
The Characters
Bardic-trainee Lelia is desperate for inspiration for her master song. Lyle is her twin who just got his whites; Rivan is Lyle's Companion. Malesa is a friend of Lelia's working on her own piece. Herald Daryann had written a journal. Herald Wil is Daryann's brother who was also Chosen with his Companion, Vehs.
Janni Lee Simner's "Song for Two Voices"
Holderkin may have as many wives as they wish but it's the Firstwife who rules those wives. When Latya notices Garen's unexpected preference for his newest wife, she does her best to make Nara's life miserable.
It's a Herald, a woman, who unexpectedly fights for Holderkin, but it's Nara who saves Garen, provides Latya with a lesson, and pays the Herald with story.
Heralds and other Valdemarans believe Holderkin men only care about themselves. I'm too much of a feminist to enjoy stories about the Holderkin, but "Song for Two Voices" ended on a positive note.
The Characters
Holderkin are isolationists who practice polygamy and despise magic. Garen Aranson inherited his Steading from his father. He has three wives — Latya is the strict Firstwife who gave him another son, Isa is his second underwife who bore a daughter; two brothers, and an oldest son, Ari, who works the fields. He even cares for those littles too small to work. Gracious of him. Jeth is a cousin and Nara, his daughter, who is not content in her life although song gives her happiness.
Mickey Zucker Reichert's "Finding Elvida"
It's a terrible battle with such loss, such that Elvida's emotions unleash her Gift until she loses it again.
It's about self-doubt holding one back, and Elvida wallows in it.
The Characters
Herald Elvida and her Companion, Raynor. Other Heralds include Sharylle and her Companion Tabnar; her partner is Anthea and her Companion, Leahleh.
Judith Tarr's "Darkwall's Lady"
An alliance is proposed from one Lady to a Lord in exchange for the Lady gaining an heir. Their child, Merris, will be raised in her home keep until she comes of age.
Merris learns much of her keep-to-be, but has never visited. She hears praise from the tutors Darkwall provides but she also hears nervous rumors from others. Luckily for the independent Merris, Herald Coryn and Selena insist on going with her.
The stories she's heard and those tutors of Merris' are dang creepy. I gotta say, Merris' conclusion as to why the Lady of Darkwall ranged so far to find her makes a lot of sense. It is an interesting story, but after all the build-up, I was disappointed with the ending. Oh, it was a good one, but too easy.
The Characters
Lord Bertrand of Forgotten Keep has a wife, the Lady Beatrice, who became pregnant after they already had a full grown son and a married daughter.
The Lady of Darkwall Keep has no heir and has a bad reputation. The Lady-provided tutors.
Herald Isak is old and accompanied by Herald-Intern Coryn. Selena is Coryn's Companion and brimming with warnings.
Michael Z Williamson's "Naught But Duty"
It's the aftermath of battle for an employer Arden has come to despise.
It's sensible that Arden wants to keep his men employed, interested, and retain a good reputation. His current employer? Well, Arden takes care to count their payment in front of their employer. And he follows the contract to the letter. It's a hard line to walk and remain honorable. I had to laugh at the nitpicky choices Arden makes to avoid slaughtering innocents.
The Characters
Arden is the High Rider of the Toughs, who have been employed by Lord Miklamar. Balyat is a scout. Ty'kara is Shin'a'in; Bukli is skilled with signals and good with a sword; and, Mirke appears to be a good cook.
Miklamar allows his troops any license after a battle. Shakis is Miklamar's regional deputy. Count Namhar is with the Anasauk Confederacy. The grief-stricken Chal is part of Namhar's entourage.
Mercedes Lackey's "Landscape of the Imagination"
Tarma and Kethry have delivered their charge to her niece in the Duchy of Silverthorn. It's a bad place to be if you're low on money, as the duchy is very peace-abiding with high taxes.
Yet the ladies are determined to get out even if they are in need of money. A need that leads to a mistake when they encounter a lone woman in need of bodyguards.
It's a weird story that turns out to be fun, especially for Tarma who see it as the perfect training scenario.
The Characters
Tarma, a Shin'a'in Swordsworn, and Kethry, a sorceress of the White Winds school, are a low-level mercenary pair without a reputation. Need is the magic sword that commands Kethry. Warrl is a kyree who has decided to be Tarma's familiar. The warsteeds are Hellsbane and Ironheart.
The Duchy of Silverthorn taxes hell out of everyone. Nanca Jente is a sorceress whose temporary bodyguards were taken out. Jendran is the colleague she intends to meet.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a split complement of oranges and dusky purple. The purple forms a border with a thin aged gold border with a dark blue background inside. Overlapping the inset is a flaming orange heater shield with a deep brown distressed border with rivets. Emerging from inside the shield is the head of a wild-eyed Companion in profile. Across the bottom of the inner background are three more heater shields: the leftmost with a purple background and silver rivets like stars and a white pegasus in profile, the center is a dull orange with a coiled black and orange zigzagged snake while the rightmost has a black background and a deep orange gryphon with its feathers detailed in black against a black background. At the very top is a rectangle with an aged background for the title in a combination of deep red and black and a short notice of the book's contents. At the bottom, just under the three small shields is another rectangle with an aged background informing us of the identity of the editor, in black.
The title is the various Crossroads and Other Tales of Valdemar encountered in these short stories.
whisper88's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
inferiorwit's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Death, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Violence, and War
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, Pedophilia, Police brutality, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual violence, and Sexual content
terrafyd's review against another edition
3.0
I usually don't like collections of short stories but this one I do! I enjoyed each individual story. It helps I adore this world that Mercedes Lackey created of Valdemar since I was in high school 20 something years ago. This where I like to retreat to when I'm done with real life for a moment.
dotsonapage's review against another edition
4.0
Yet another anthology of tales based in Mercedes Lackey's world of Velgarth by various authors/fans. "Transmutation", the Larry Dixon story that starts off the book, was excellent and could've definitely been expanded into a full-length novel. I also enjoyed Lackey's own contribution, but I love pretty much everything involving Tarma and Kethry.
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