In March 1987, Mercedes Lackey, a young author from Oklahoma, published her first novel, Arrows of the Queen. No one could have envisioned that this modest book about a magical land called Valdemar would be the beginning of a fantasy masterwork series that would span decades and include more than two dozen titles.

Now the voices of other authors add their own special touches to the unique land where Heralds “Chosen” from all walks of life by magical horselike Companions patrol their ancient kingdom, dispensing justice, facing adversaries, and protecting their monarch and country from whatever threatens. Trained rigorously by the Herald’s Collegium, these special protectors each have extraordinary Gifts: Mindspeaking, FarSeeing, FarSpeaking, Empathy, Firestarting and Foreseeing, and are bonded for life with their mysterious Companions.

Travel with Tanya Huff, Mickey Zucker Reichert, Fiona Patton, Judith Tarr, Rosemary Edghill and others in sixteen original stories—including an all-new story from Mercedes Lackey—to a world where:
A Herald grieving for his lost Companion finds that even death cannot sever their bond when they are truly needed to help another...
A Valdemaran soldier hampered by Empathy finds that the same Gift he fears can turn the tide of battle...
Two Heralds learn that love cannot overshadow duty... A young shaman, troubled by the Gift of Dream Prophecy, finds that his powers can help defend Valdemar against attack....

Contents:

• Introduction by Mercedes Lackey
• Transmutation by Larry Dixon
• The Feast of the Children by Nancy Asire
• Death in Keenspur House by Richard Lee Byers
• Dawn of Sorrows by Brenda Cooper
• Horse of Air by Rosemary Edghill
• A Change of Heart by Sarah A. Hoyt and Kate Paulk
• All the Ages of Men by Tanya Huff
• War Cry by Michael Longcor
• Strength and Honor by Ben Ohlander
• The Blue Coat by by Fiona Patton
• Safe and Sound by Stephanie D. Shaver
• Song for Two Voices by Janni Lee Simner
• Darkwall's Lady by Judith Tarr
• Naught but Duty by Michael Z. Williamson
• Landscape of the Imagination by Mercedes Lackey