Will Beck is a farmer and something of a trader. The nobleman he lives under wants him to expand his trade. But going east would lead to competition with other lands and merchants. Beck has the idea of going west, across the lands of the elves, to trade with the domain of the dwarves. What might be the impact of such a bold idea?

Robert Collins is the author of the science-fiction novels "Monitor," "Lisa's Way," and "Expert Assistance." He's also author of the fantasy novels "Cassia" and "The Opposite of Absolute," and the young adult novel "True Friends." He has several short-story collections available, including "The Frigate Victory Omnibus Collection" and "The Case Files of Gwen Conner."