Table of Contents
The One Left Behind
For Want of a Nail
Softly Falling Snow
The Reluctant Herald
A Storytelling of Crows
Waiting To Belong
The Last Part of the Way
Midwinter Gifts
Wounded Bird
Defending the Heart
Matters of the Heart
Nothing Better to Do
The Thief of Anvil’s Close
Twice Blessed
Be Careful What You Wish For
Interview with a Companion
RAVES FOR THE PREVIOUS VALDEMAR ANTHOLOGIES:
“Fans of Lackey’s epic Valdemar series will devour this superb anthology. Of the thirteen stories included, there is no weak link—an attribute exceedingly rare in collections of this sort. Highly recommended.”
“This high- quality anthology mixes pieces by experienced
author and enthusiastic fans of editor Lackey’s
Valdemar. Valdemar fandom, especially, will revel in
this sterling example of what such a mixture of fans’ and
pros’ work can be. Engrossing even for newcomers to
Valdemar.”
“Josepha Sherman, Tanya Huff, Mickey Zucker Reichert, and Michelle West have quite good stories, and there’s another by Lackey herself. Familiarity with the series helps but is not a prerequisite to enjoying this book.”
“Each tale adheres to the Lackey laws of the realm yet provides each author’s personal stamp on the story. Well written and fun, Valdemarites will especially appreciate the magic of this book.”
NOVELS BY MERCEDES LACKEY available from DAW Books:
THE NOVELS OF VALDEMAR:
THE HERALDS OF VALDEMAR
ARROWS OF THE QUEEN
ARROW’S FLIGHT
ARROW’S FALL
THE LAST HERALD-MAGE
MAGIC’S PAWN
MAGIC’S PROMISE
MAGIC’S PRICE
THE MAGE WINDS
WINDS OF FATE
WINDS OF CHANGE
WINDS OF FURY
THE MAGE STORMS
STORM WARNING
STORM RISING
STORM BREAKING
VOWS AND HONOR
THE OATHBOUND
OATHBREAKERS
OATHBLOOD
THE COLLEGIUM CHRONICLES FOUNDATION
BY THE SWORD
BRIGHTLY BURNING
TAKE A THIEF
EXILE’S HONOR
EXILE’S VALOR
VALDEMAR ANTHOLOGIES:
SWORD OF ICE
SUN IN GLORY
CROSSROADS
MOVING TARGETS
CHANGING THE WORLD
Written with LARRY DIXON:
THE MAGE WARS
THE BLACK GRYPHON
THE WHITE GRYPHON
THE SILVER GRYPHON
DARIAN’S TALE
OWLFLIGHT
OWLSIGHT
OWLKNIGHT
OTHE R NOVELS :
GWENHWYFAR
THE BLACK SWAN
THE DRAGON JOUSTERS
JOUST
ALTA
SANCTUARY
AERIE
THE ELEMENTAL MASTERS
THE SERPENT’S SHADOW
THE GATES OF SLEEP
PHOENIX AND ASHES
THE WIZARD OF LONDON
RESERVED FOR THE CAT
And don’t miss:
THE VALDEMAR COMPANION
Edited by John Helfers and Denise Little
Copyright © 2009 by Mercedes Lackey and Tekno Books.
All Rights Reserved.
DAW Book Collectors No. 1494.
DAW Books are distributed by Penguin Group (USA).
All characters and events in this book are fictitious.
All resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.
The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
First Printing, December 2009
DAW TRADEMARK REGISTERED
U.S. PAT. AND TM. OFF. AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES
—MARCA REGISTRADA
HECHO EN U.S.A.
eISBN : 978-1-101-18498-1
S.A.
http://us.penguingroup.com
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
“The One Left Behind,” copyright © 2009 by Mercedes Lackey
“For Want of a Nail,” copyright © 2009 by Rosemary Edghill and
Denise McCune
“Softly Falling Snow,” copyright © 2009 by Elizabeth A. Vaughan
“The Reluctant Herald,” copyright © 2009 by Mickey Zucker Reichert
“A Storytelling of Crows,” copyright © 2009 by Elisabeth Waters
“Waiting to Belong,” copyright © 2009 by Kristin Schwengel
“The Last Part of the Way,” copyright © 2009 by Brenda Cooper
“Midwinter Gifts,” copyright © 2009 by Stephanie D. Shaver
“Wounded Bird,” copyright © 2009 by Michael Z. Williamson
“Defending the Heart,” copyright © 2009 by Kate Paulk
“Matters of the Heart,” copyright © 2009 by Sarah A. Hoyt
“Nothing Better to Do,” copyright © 2009 by Tanya Huff
“The Thief of Anvil’s Close,” copyright © 2009 by Fiona Patton
“Twice Blessed,” copyright © 2009 by Judith Tarr
“Be Careful What You Wish For,” copyright © 2009 by Nancy Asire
“Interview with a Companion,” copyright © 2009 by Ben Ohlander
The One Left Behind
Mercedes Lackey is a full-time writer and has published numerous novels, including the best- selling Heralds of Valdemar series. She is also a professional lyricist and licensed wild bird rehabilitator.
Marya was doing her shopping when the Heralds rode into the village, and the flash of white and sudden turning of heads in the corner of her vision made her stomach twist into an angry knot, her jaw tighten, and her
