The stories about the Heralds and Companions of Valdemar
have been entertaining many fans for a long time. Not only are there novels set
in this fantasy world, but several anthologies have been published over the
years. _No True Way_ edited by Mercedes
Lackey is the eighth Valdemar anthology to be published. The stories in the anthologies have grown
from just tales about Heralds and Companions. In this latest anthology, stories
explore other people’s lives in the
world of Valdemar. The stories range from pleasant to serious, with interesting
characters in each of the tales.
“Written in the Wind” by Jennifer Brozek is a dark story
that will give readers the creeps. Twin brother and sister are chosen by Companions
on their tenth birthday Milla and Orun tell their Companions of the two
possible paths their lives might take. On their journey to the city of Haven,
the children are pursued by evil creatures trying to kill them. The story is a
tense, suspenseful tale of survival with and unusual , surprising ending.
Brozek provides a different aspect of Valdemar.
Mercedes Lackey contributes a new story to the anthology
with “Vixen.” This is a story about the healer called Vixen dealing with some
past emotional baggage as she travels her circuit. A Companion brings her to a
small village to help the Herald Mage Vanyel. While helping Vanyel, they must
save the people from a giant, ravenous monster. They
receive help from an unusual quarter. The story resolves with a satisfying
climax. Fans of Vanyel will enjoy his part in the story.
In “A Wake of Vultures” by Elisabeth Waters, Lena must help
solve a problem using her gift of animal Mindspeech. While traveling with a
Herald, she comes across a group of vultures that won’t leave a dead human
body. The body does not show any signs of decomposition. The vultures won’t
leave or let anyone get near the body. A witch shows up, claiming the body as
her son. Together, they must find a way to break the spell or more people will
die. This is a clever, interesting story in the anthology.
