Inspired by the howling wind of the wildlands, the Bard carves a tale of misfits, monsters, and what it means to be a hero.

Explore new worlds—both magical and those among the stars—in this collection of science fiction and fantasy stories:Claimed by the Sea: Itziar knows Guardians are supposed to protect the islands and call dragons from the sky, but she's looking for power…and redemptionKonstantin: Konstantin's brain is hardwired to the ship, and there's just one problem: someone is trying to shut down the ship—and him—for goodInheritance of Nightmares: Sian's hound form isn't fast eno...

This collection includes nine stories by Beth Powers:A Small Kindness: The potter-mage down the lane seems intent on putting Bram out of business, but when Bram offers a small kindness to a stranger, will it help or hurt his efforts to thwart his rival's plan?Retirement: With the intergalactic war over, they were supposed to be enjoying retirement. Instead, Mona learns that her husband has died in a gravcar accident, leaving her to hunt his killers. But the couple has too m...

When the Bard's tale is interrupted by soldiers from the fire king's army, she must try to escape the town without letting her unpredictable magic destroy it. But the question is, have the townspeople been listening to her tale of prophecy and action? Will they aid her, or turn her over to the soldiers? Each person must decide for themselves.

The sea does not relinquish treasures. The mender understands and has no intention of saving the water-logged woman until he notices the islands on her arm. She is a Guardian. Guardians protect the islands. Guardians call dragons from the sky.Itziar knows this island needs a Guardian--children are being snatched under the cover of storm and darkness--but can she save them without losing herself?

Everyone thinks Niall is dead, which leads him to believe he can finally get his life back on track. But when his old enemies return with a plan that involves a dangerous magical update, Niall must choose between the safety of those closest to him and the woman he loved and lost.

On the run from the citymen, intergalactic spy Greg Meredith has one hope of figuring out who is responsible for blowing his cover. He needs to escape his enemies and review the data on his neurochip. Running toward the ranchlands in the rain, he will encounter unexpected allies and enemies before he uncovers the truth.

With the intergalactic war over, they were supposed to be enjoying retirement. Instead, Mona learns that her husband has died in a gravcar accident, leaving her to hunt his killers. But the couple has too many enemies, and she doesn't know where to start. She'll have to untangle this new threat before she can retire in peace.

Even dragons could not defeat the nightmare beast that pursues Sian and her unique blend of magic. With nowhere else to go, she returns to the foothills she once called home. She knows it will track her there. It always does.Having escaped his own nightmares, Dagr lives a quiet existence in a mountain cave until his path crosses with Sian's--and that of her nightmare beastie.

This collection includes seven stories by Beth Powers:Captain Sable's Crew: Some would call him a pirate, but Captain Devlin Sable tries not to call himself much of anything. He's more concerned with putting together a reliable crew. However, the Empire has other ideas--it wants him dead, and it's willing to pay in gold.Konstantin: When his brother falls for a pretty face and unwittingly lets a threat on board, it is up to Konstantin to stop the hacker before it is too late...

Someone--or something--is attacking travelers on the caravan road. But Rastaban doesn't know that. He wants to start someplace new, where no one knows about the power he inherited from his mother. So he walks away, leaving his brother to cross the desert alone. When Rastaban hears rumors about the attacks, he abandons his plans and races across the desert in an effort to reach his brother in time.

Chiara's parents were taken by the Guardians when she was a child, and she never felt like she belonged on her aunt and uncle's farm. They fear the power she wields, but Chiara intends to marry a nice farmer and let them forget she even exists. Or, that was her plan until a stranger fell from the sky and disrupted all of their lives.