In these 11 stories of portal fantasy, follow adventurous protagonists into the woods, through a mysterious locked door, or hide in a seemingly innocent supply closet. Each unique story takes characters out of their world and into another where they will discover their strengths and destinies in strange and enigmatic worlds. Contains stories by: Helen Mihajlovic Brenda Morris Randee Dawn Ken Grant Miranda Morrissey KN Nguyen Elana Gomel Katie Jordan Kate Seger Daniel Robichaud Kara Race-Moore

A stuffed toy recounts his favorite little girl's battle with illness.

"It has been years since the last foolish human trespassed across the barren bridge, trying desperately to reach the gates of Asgard, to be allowed to join Odin in the greatest gift a warrior can be given: Entrance to Valhalla. Our days as guardians are one and the same. Sometimes I do not even notice when one day becomes one night and then one day again. It is not my job to notice the passing of time-- A howl sounds in the distance. I whip my head in the direction of the warning. No new guests were to be arriving today. In the mist, a human form blooms grey and misshapen. The human takes us in, wolves lined as far as the eye can see. Teeth bared, claws out, ready to strike and die for our master..." A Viking Adventure, Guardian of the Gates tells the tale of Vargr, a wolf created by the great and powerful god, Odin, to guard the gates of Asgard. Granting favor to a human warrior, Ronna the Red, Odin sends Vargr on a quest to assist the warrior in her clan's struggle for survival.