The opening story is "Memories of the Sea" by Dave Coleman-Reese. In this story, Talgra is a pearl diver and story teller. Pearls contain the souls of people that die at sea. Talgra tells the stories of each pearl to those in the tavern so they can be remembered. Darmin is Talgra's friend without a memory who she must help. This touching story ends in a nice conclusion readers will like.
Another story tells of strong women in "The Conjurer's Light" by Lisa Campos. Mages in this world can only conjure illusions. Aleah, the king's conjurer, is ordered by the king to find the legendary Warblade for his son. Coria is the king's daughter, better suited to be the next ruler than her brother. Together they search for the Warblade, helped by Aleah's former lover Daryen. Interesting characters and a different use of illusionary magic brings this story to realistic life.
Patricia Duffy Novak's "Luz" starts with Luz listening for a sign from the goddess Idrian. She fails. Those that fail are branded on the forehead and cast out to live the life of beggar in total revilement. Luz feels her pride was her secret sin. She lives a miserable life for years until she gets a chance at redemption. "Luz" has some interesting statements to make about religions and just deities.
"Deep As Rivers" by Cynthia McQuillin is a moving story of a lonely troll called Thule. She finds an injured elf while out hunting and falls in love. He tells her he's dying. Thule goes to a nearby village and fetches Saelim the healer witch to help him. This story has compelling characters with a strong message about loneliness and being human.
Deborah Wheeler tells a story of overcoming abuse in "Nor Iron Bars A Cage." Alaina has a secret magical talent to manipulate metal. Her abusive father forces her to cheat the tax collector with her talent. She is thrown into prison for this. She must overcome her fears and survive the harshness of prison. A warrior woman befriends her, teaching her about self reliance. Readers will enjoy the plot as this story resolves itself to a satisfying conclusion.
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