They carry the banner for all womankind, as children of privilege, they could lead pampered lives in palaces, be bartered in marriage alliances, or take refuge within the cloistered halls of religious orders. Instead, they chose to defend their lands, their people, their families and their freedom, preferring armor to ball gowns, the art of war to the art of love. Here are original tales of powerful women ready to fight for what they believe in. Common Ground—John Helfers, My Princess—Elizabeth Moon, Hunger—Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Three-Edged Choice—Ru Emerson, The Sword of Undeath—Felicia Dale, Twelve-Steppe Program—Esther M. Friesner, Strays—Megan Lindholm, The Jewel of Locaria—Jacey Bedford, One Tree Hill—R. Davis, Golden Years—Lea M. Day, Become a Warrior—Jane Yolen, Debriefing the Warrior/Princess—Elizabeth Ann Scarborough, She Wants Things—Bruce Holland Rogers, The Road to Vengeance—Mickey Zucker Reichert, The Little Landmaid—Sara Young, Pestilence—Michael Scott, Boudicca—Morgan Llywelyn.