Spring is the season of new beginnings, but the start of a war likely isn't quite what that sentiment intends. Between border-folk seeing signs years ago, oddly knowing soldiers insisting, and support from the highest echelons of Sunhame, the Firestarters of Karse have more allies than they've had in centuries. But will allies from within be enough? Pt 12 of Friends Across Borders
By Anne Rice Straight from the book.
When Magical war spills over onto Velgarth, the Star-eyed Goddess takes drastic measures. Now 500 years after his death, Herald-Mage Vanyel, once the first Herald Mage in the Circle, must make a choice. One that could prove to be his undoing. Warning - this story is a crossover, if you squint, and its sequel will be a cross over. This story is slash, Obviously, it's Van.
It feels like half the nation is converging on Sunhame in the hopes of glimpsing another series of miracles - hopes that all those actually involved in the last year's miracles are, in turn, very much hoping will be dashed. Unfortunately for all involved, there will be few, if any, miracles. There will be no less work. Part 11 of the Friends Across Borders Series.
Accidental magic - the wild, internal magic of children acting in accordance to their deepest desires. With this, a desperate plea for safety, and an overheard wish... well, let's just say nothing's like before.
When armies march, masks burn. The 62nd is reminded of just what their priest can do, Herald Griffon accidentally initiates a firestorm he can't control and Herald Anur might have alienated another Heraldic sibling. But the Rethwallen army made it to Valdemar without getting eaten by Furies, so that's something. Part 7 in Friends Across Borders series.
This rounds out the Fruela Series. The Herald Toitila is presented in more detail. Not somebody inspiring ballads like Vanyel or Lavan, but useful for the Herald Circle nonetheless.
The wheels of revolution turn slowly, and occasionally need obstacles burned to ash. Just as well Solaris had a Firestarter on call, burning things to ash was what he did. With a Witch-Enforcer at his back, His Holiness Firestarter Dinesh was looking to expand his job description. The term 'troubleshooter' comes to mind. Part 8 in Friends Across Borders series.
What happens when a Companion and a Herald dies? Let's find out.
Solaris, True Born Son of Sun, has Ascended. The work has just begun. Time to rediscover the Old Ways, craft new ones and see if an old but new Firestarting Order will emerge from the ashes. Thankfully, one Ancar of Hardorn has obligingly offered plenty of fuel for rebuilding their reputation as protectors of the innocent, rather than burners of children. Let us set them on fire!
Heralds are not perfect human beings. They are people with flaws and failings like all of us. They have their gifts but they must also have courage and determination in order that their flaws may be turned to facets of what makes them Heralds. They may not do Great Things, but they may rise to greatness by what they do. As always, the Valdemar Universe belongs to Mercedes Lackey.
The Wizarding refugees have just arrived in Valdemar, what will become of them, will the younger ones join the Ranks of the Unaffiliated students until they find their place in their new world, or will they just want to settle down in an abandon estate? Will the friendship formed between Harry, Corina, and the others last when the Heralds resume their lives of a Herald's Duty.
A short story about a Choosing. Or two. It is inspired by the season. As always, the Velgarth Universe belongs to Mercedes Lackey. This story is complete.
Onie Thatcher has settled into her life as the oldest Herald-trainee in the Collegium when a new student arrives who might lead her to the origins of her fatherless nephew and an unexpected Choosing brings a new person to the Queen's service.
Anur's family hadn't seen him in years. When they got word he was dragging a friend 'not a Herald' home with him, they were surprised, then delighted. When Kir accepted his Herald's invitation, he had only been hoping to be distracted from the death shadowing him at the 62nd. Both agreed Anur should have given more information than 'not a Herald'. Friends Across Borders, Part 6.
What they had hoped was a one-time solution to a short-term problem wasn't enough. The authorities of the 62nd Cavalry may have been helpless against the whims of Sunhame, but they'd tasted hope in these past days. And desperate men with a taste of hope could do some pretty crazy things. Part 5 of Friends Across Borders. Explicit murder, hence rating.
Despite an official declaration of war from Sunhame, the 62nd Cavalry finds themselves running short of everything but enemies. With six weeks until the next supply train, their Sunpriest finds himself considering some truly wild options. As Kir should have expected, crossing the border and finding his Herald was the easy part. Part 4 in Friends Across Borders.
A Herald and a Sunpriest walked into a stable, and emerged unscathed, ten months ago. Firestarter Kir Dinesh receives a letter, asking him a deceptively simple question. How does he feel about a spot of treasonous heresy? He tells himself he's just going to see what's going on, but the moment he didn't burn the letter to ash the question was answered. 3rd in Friends Across Borders.
Herald Anur wanted to find out just what his one-night friend meant by claiming the title Firestarter, so he went to the local expert for some answers. Sunpriest Dinesh had more to worry about than contemplating the one-night meeting with a Herald, what with Ancar's raids, losing his unit's trust, and all the blasted screaming. Second in Friends Across Borders series.
Inns in Hardorn border towns are neutral grounds, so long as the Sunsguard don't see the Herald and the Valdemarans don't see the priests. Usually this works fine, but one winter evening found Valdemarans with a Herald and Sunsguard with a priest at the same inn. Turns out, it's too cold to kill ancient enemies. First in 'Friends Across Borders' series.
Il y eut avant, et un après cette nuit, à la Cloche. Il y eut leurs tentatives gauches de séduction, puis les ragots des Hérauts qui n'en revenaient pas. Oui mais cette nuit, où tout a changé? Les rôles se sont inversés, découvrons-le ensemble voulez-vous?