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Druidawn

by Miriam Darnell, Editor

186 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #02-0938; ISBN 1-55395-224-3; US$28.50, C$34.24, EUR23.50, £16.50

Druidawn is a science fiction/fantasy anthology of short stories by gifted teen authors that is uniquely interactive and original. It also offers publishing opportunities for talented young artists and writers.

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about the book      about the authors      sample excerpts      catalogue info

About the Book Come lose yourself in the enchanted world of Druidawn, where fantasy reigns above and science fiction reigns below. It is a distant planet where magic roams untamed and humans are strictly prohibited. This edgy anthology showcases stories and art by dozens of brilliant young authors who know best what appeals to their teen peers. All of the stories and art are based on the planet Druidawn and its myriad of fascinating characters, featuring plenty of action, romance, humor, and visionary new ideas. This once private project has escalated in popularity among fantasy fans over the past five years, and is now available for all to experience. Druidawn is a uniquely interactive medium for teens, where the readers become the writers and the opportunities for young talent abound. Visit www.druidawn.com for information about writing clubs, mentorship, online participation, and future plans for the Druidawn series. ________________________________________________________________________

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About the Authors Druidawn is a showcase of talent by teen authors and artists, edited by Miriam Darnell, their writing mentor. Most of the contributors to this volume of Druidawn live in Colorado and gather for writing club meetings two Sundays a month at the Brideun School for Exceptional Children in Broomfield, Colorado. Druidawn is a work that has been 13 years in the making since its inception in 1990, and has gained a large fan base particularly over the past 5 years. This is Volume I of an ongoing series that will offer publishing opportunities to young authors for years to come.

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Sample Excerpts

Excerpt from BRETHREN FIRE by Stephanie Schafer

Jallora paced furiously through the reception area in her palace. Her hands working angry knots into her velvet glove, her eyes flashing about like the shine of a blade.

"TORRETH!" She cried out to her slave. Within seconds a man rushed in, his face pained with an expression not unlike a frightened young boy.

"Yes, ma'am?" His voice was cool, with an undertone of stress.

"When was Raytor scheduled to arrive?" She glanced at the large stone balcony where dragons often landed.

"Uh, n-nearly five minutes ago*"

The queen emitted a snarl. "Get out of my sight before I have you beheaded!"

"Ye-" Torreth began, but then thought better of it and ran off.

Only moments later Jallora found herself staring out the ceiling-high windows into the large golden eyes of a red Dragon. Raytor had arrived. It took him mere seconds to dismount his magnificent creature and walk in. He wore a bone-carved shoulder guard and a sleek golden breastplate that shined against the candlelight. His eyes twinkled as a faint smile passed his cold lips. Jallora returned it with a dazzling one of her own, proud of herself. She was the only one who could get that much of a reaction from him, except for anger, of course.

"You summoned me, M'lady?" His voice was slightly more soothing than the sound of crumbling rocks.

"Yes* My serpent was stolen, by some lowly Fire Elemental. I want it back. I will reward you with a dragon, any color you wish." She was curt and to the point. Stress showed in the small lines around her lips. This dangerously attractive creature was in no mood for her usual seductive manner.

"Lady Jallora, how did this happen? Are you all right?"

"He took Greydir!" Her voice lashed out like an angry whip.

"The Gray Dragon?" Raytor asked carefully.

"Yes!" She turned her back to him, hiding her face, but her shoulders tensed up tightly around her neck then sagged down slowly as she turned to face him again.

"Help me. His energy is still in the room. Can you feel it?"

Raytor nodded. Indeed, Elementals left behind them a detectable trail of energy. Every Elemental had a signature of their own, and only the strongest wizards could feel it.

"Please* get him." Jallora cast him her most innocent puppy eyes.

He nodded slowly, his eyes passing hungrily over her.

She winked in response. **********************

Greydir landed smoothly, his toned muscles flexing and bending as they lighted upon a grassy hill. Trees pushed up from the ground that surrounded it, their roots clinging to the rounded form of the protruding land. The sky swirled with pinks and oranges as clouds fought to keep their white colors against the brilliant sunset. Greydir had promised to leave Kellyn in Metamorphia so he could find his way back to the Dissenter City and Luane.

Down the hill that way... Greydir nodded southward with his scaly muzzle, there is a road, and it leads to many people.

"A town?" Kellyn asked, sliding down the gray dragon's large side, straightening his tunic and patting the scaled belly.

Yes, if that's the term you want to use. The Dissenter City, to be precise. I won't be going with you. It's far too crowded for my taste.

"What will you do?" Kellyn's heart tumbled anxiously in his chest. He would be with Luane soon.

Oh, I am not sure . . . perhaps I will* Greydir was unable to finish his sentence as he noticed a pale figure emerging from the forest to the east. Its waxen face grimaced and the stench of one long dead twisted into the area like a giant slug. Kellyn jerked around and his eyes widened at the sight. Dozens more began to emerge behind the first.

"Undead..." he breathed.

Hurry, Kellyn, climb on my back! Jallora has gotten aid from Raytor. We must find somewhere safe!

"Raytor? Impossible!" Kellyn gasped.

The pasty faces and their unbearable stench had inched up to a distance of ten feet from Kellyn and Greydir. One of the undead threw a rock and it hit the dragon's rear thigh.

The rock bounced to the ground. Automatically, Kellyn's arms flung out in a rapid gesture. Sucking in all his power, he let out a burst of flame that followed along the movement of his palms. The fire peeled through the air and caught onto the corpses as though they were covered in oil. Five fell back, writhing as flames danced skyward.

Another row of undead lurched forward from the trees. Kellyn gave a second mental push and flames burst from his palms. Again several fell, but more surged forward. They were getting closer and closer now. Greydir was loosing his fiery breath on the undead as well, trying to hit as many as he could with each exhale. Glancing quickly around, Kellyn realized they were surrounded. He was already getting tired, and he knew Greydir would be soon as well.

Without further thought, he scrambled up onto the dragon's back. Another rock flew and hit him in the ribs. Two more hit Greydir.

"Go, go, go, go, GO!" Kellyn yelled.

With three strokes of his strong wings, Greydir lifted his rider up into the air, heading away from the scene.

Where will you be safe? the dragon inquired, surprisingly calm.

"Thanks for your help my friend, but if I am not safe in Metamorphia, I don't believe I will be safe anywhere."

Perhaps, because you are a Fire Worker, Riann would offer you sanctuary.

"Yes, to turn down one of her own kind would be like ordering the execution of a brother! Can you make it without rest?"

I think so* Maybe because I am the friend of a Fire Worker, she'll give me food.

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Catalogue Information

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