Monsters and Mist — Elizabeth Hirst

Now, in one collection, are five original short stories by fantasy/horror author Elizabeth Hirst. From the excitement and swordplay of 'Beyond Nemra' to the unique and powerful worldbuilding of 'Mr. Oon', this book offers a glimpse into fantastic new worlds... and a few unusual looks at our own world, as well. Beyond Nemra: After swallowing a dangerous magical talisman, Nemra the swordswoman embarks on a dangerous mission to capture the Idol of Zephmal, but the enchantments surrounding the idol are designed to prey on her mental weaknesses. Will her partner, Kerimar, be able to unlock the terrible memories of her past in time to release the talisman and save both their lives? Ground Cover: Jenny Short is the kind of person who likes to take the easy way out, especially when it comes to taking care of her home, but when an unusual garden appears in her front yard one sunny day, Jenny must solve the mystery of its sudden arrival, or risk losing a few neighbours to its carnivorous blossoms... Made of the Mist: Karen is bored, stuck as the designated driver at her friend's Niagara Falls bachelorette party, until she accidentally discovers a place where the natural beauty of the Falls remains, untouched forever. Teddy Bear's Picnic: Deanie wakes up one evening to see his favourite teddy bear, Jack, running into the woods, evidently alive. Deanie runs after him, thinking that the Teddy Bears' Picnic he has heard about in stories had finally come to pass, but he is about to discover that not all children's stories tell the truth. Mr. Oon: Genya lives in a world where the sky is an ocean, and the sun is a great, gold fish that the people worship as a God. When an attempt to build a scaffold to the sky causes the ocean to spring a leak, raining sea creatures and salt water over the hapless town of Merdona, Genya must find a way to plug the hole, or lose everything in a wash of sea water and destruction.