"Cauldron of Light" by Diana Paxson is about Merlin's quest for the Grail. He undergoes a journey of the mind to find the truth. Paxson gives this story a realistic touch with her historical setting and research. Blending lore about Merlin and Taliesin, readers get a different perspective of the Grail story.
Charles de Lint has a presence in the anthology with one of his Newford stories. "Forest of Stone" is about Merlin living as a homeless man who waits to die. He asks the help of Geordie, a man troubled by indecision, to perform his final funeral rites. Geordie finds it difficult to accept magic in the real life. Mr. de Lint provides a wonderful tale of Merlin that adds to his growing Newford collection. He is a Fantasy author of considerable talent. (See previous article on Charles de Lint for more information.)
One of the stories about Merlin is a humorous tale. Merlin lives in the present day and has a teenage daughter that frustrates him. He tries to intervene in his daughter's relationship with her boyfriend with comic results. "Repro Man" is written by Esther M. Freisner and her daughter Anne Elizabeth Stutzman. Freisner is a veteran writer of many Fantasy novels and stories. Apparently her daughter has inherited some of her mother's talent. Readers will continue to smile long after they finish this story.
"Touched by Moonlight and Sunshine" is a lyrical telling of Merlin and Nimue. Emmeline, spirit of an enchanted forest, protects Nimue who lives there. Myrddin learns from Nimue and falls in love. He leaves the forest with some of its magic power to make Arthur a king. Kathleen M. Massie-Ferch writes an incredible story of love and beauty. This is one of the most memorable stories in the anthology.
In the Merlin legend, he falls in love with Nimue who steals his power before imprisoning him. A different perspective of this part of the story is presented in "Other Agendas" by Lyn McConchie. Nimue schemes to gain Merlin's power by inhabiting his body. She makes a mistake with each attempt that gives the story humor and a different twist. The ending is very surprising. This is an enjoyable story.
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