They carry the banner for all womankind - Children of privilege, they could lead pampered lives in royal palaces, be bartered in marriage alliances to distant courts, or take refuge within the cloistered halls of religious order. But instead they choose 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, and the councils of rulers to more "ladylike" pursuits. Here are all-original tales of powerful women ready to fight for what they believe in, unforgettable yarns by top fantasists.