Set in realms of fantasy and myth, the original stories compiled in this collection reflect a range of perspectives on age-old themes. From the mother determined to protect her brood, the cynical mercenary who warns young men not to follow in his footsteps, professionals going about their business, individuals trusting in false hope and love, apprentices hoping to learn from the masters, to the young trying to atone for their mistakes, the stories explore the human, and not-so-human, spirit when it is faced with adversity and promise.