Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories

Contents

• "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case" — Originally published for World Book Day, this novella chronicles Nicholas Sayre's attempt to return to the Old Kingdom, involving a battle with a Free Magic horror in the process.
• "Under the Lake" — Based on the legend of Avalon. This story twists the myth of the Lady of the Lake, making her into a sinister monster who gives Arthur Excalibur for motives that are not entirely pure.
• "Charlie Rabbit" — A war story about two brothers trapped in their basement after their house is destroyed during an air raid.
• "From the Lighthouse" — A story about a developer who, having been a victim of con artists, arrives at the tropical island he was "sold".
• "The Hill" — A story about a boy who tries to keep his great-grandfather's land from being sold by the boy's father.
• "Lightning Bringer" — A story about a man who seduces young women, eventually electrocuting them via lightning.
• "Down to the Scum Quarter" — A parody of the Choose Your Own Adventure books.
• "Heart's Desire" — A tale explaining the disappearance of Merlin and Nimue's role in it.
• "Hansel's Eyes" — A modern version of Hansel and Gretel.
• "Hope Chest" — A western shoot-em-up with a fantasy bend.
• "My Really Epic New Fantasy Series" — A farcical transcript of a speech given at a writing convention announcing a new fantasy series.
• "Three Roses" — A fable.
• "Endings" — An extremely short story about the meaning of sorrow and joy.