Strong heroines and riveting storytelling are the hallmark of groundbreaking fantasy author Kate Elliott ( and "Crown of Stars, and " and "Crossroads and "). Elliott is a highly-compelling voice in genre fiction, an innovative author of historically-based narratives set in imaginary worlds. This first, retrospective collection of her short fiction is the essential guide to Elliott's shorter works. Here her bold adventuresses, complex quests, noble sacrifices, and hard-won victories shine in classic, compact legends. In and "The Memory of Peace, and " a girl's powerful emotions rouse the magic of a city devastated by war. Meeting in and "The Queen's Garden, and " two princesses unite to protect their kingdom from the blind ambition of their corrupted father. While and "Riding the Shore of the River of Death and " a chieftain's daughter finds an unlikely ally on her path to self-determination. Elliott's many readers, as well as fantasy fans in search of powerful stories featuring well-drawn female characters, will revel in this unique gathering of truly memorable tales.