Science fiction and fantasy short stories by Joan Marie Verba. Includes seven stories previously published in authorized Darkover anthologies, reprinted in this book by permission."The Wisest Wizard" Who will be the next Wisest Wizard? Maybe not who you think. "The Sum of the Parts" Susan Page is a pacifist, who is attacked repeatedly by a criminal who evades arrest. Will she need to compromise her principles to defeat him? "This One Time" Allira Elhalyn-Alton, and her daughter, Bruna, have always been protected by the men in their lives. Can they stand on their own in a crisis? "Death's Scepter" Brothers Regis and Stefan Hastur have always been close. Will politics make them turn on each other? "Mind-eater" Domenic MacAran seeks shelter in a house where the residents are terrorized by a bully. Can they turn the tables on him? "The Honor of the Guild" A murder is committed and the Renunciates are blamed. Can Janna n'ha Cassilde solve the crime and restore the reputation of the guild? "An Invitation to Chaos" Gwynn Alton has harbored resentment of his father since childhood. Will their simmering conflict mean danger for the Domains when the Towers experiment with their powers? "The Mystery Woman of the Kilghard Hills" Young Kennard Lanart encounters a mysterious young woman in the woods, but his family is skeptical of his story. Will he, or they, uncover her secret? "Safe Passage" Orain, a peddler, is beaten and robbed and left in an approaching blizzard. Can he get his merchandise back and evade the determined robbers? *** "This One Time" was originally published in the Darkover anthology Free Amazons of Darkover, December 1985. Reprinted by permission. "Death's Scepter" was originally published in the Darkover anthology Four Moons of Darkover, November 1988. Reprinted by permission. "Mind-eater" was originally published in the Darkover anthology Domains of Darkover, March 1990. Reprinted by permission. "The Honor of the Guild" was originally published in the Darkover anthology Renunciates of Darkover, March 1991. Reprinted by permission. "An Invitation to Chaos" was originally published in the Darkover anthology Leroni of Darkover, November 1991. Reprinted by permission. "The Madwoman of the Kilghard Hills" (retitled "The Mystery Woman of the Kilghard Hills") was originally published in the Darkover anthology Towers of Darkover, July 1993. Reprinted by permission. "Safe Passage" was originally published in the Darkover anthologySnows of Darkover January 1995. Reprinted by permission.