Short story set in the third age during the incursion of the mistwraith, before it's dominance, but highlighting some of the cultural tensions as the Pavarians start their withdrawal, and the townsmen begin encroaching against traditionally sacrosanct lines. Details how some of the bloodlines managed to escape extinction at a more personal level.

Important addition to the series for those who've read the novels and and want more background. ( )

March 2015: the story paid off, since I'm now 8 books and counting deep into the Wars of Light and Shadow series. Still recommended before [b:The Curse of the Mistwraith|28660|The Curse of the Mistwraith (Wars of Light & Shadow, #1)|Janny Wurts|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328835513s/28660.jpg|1945432], a must-read before [b:Stormed Fortress|1040469|Stormed Fortress (Wars of Light & Shadow #8; Arc 3 - Alliance of Light, #5)|Janny Wurts|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328040963s/1040469.jpg|2472515].

Powerful short story, compelling and intense, about foreordained destiny entwining with hope and a woman's courage.
The story opens with the protagonist, young Meiglin, fleeing from a doomed life in the bawdyhouse where she has spent her childhood, with a terrible knowledge and hunted dreams. Janny Wurts' evocative writing style vividly portrays how Meiglin meets her destiny and fights for what she holds dear.
I picked this up as my first introduction to the Wars of Light and Shadow series, there are many references to people and events I gather related to the main series which have piqued my curiosity. ( )