Mistress of the Solstice (36 page)

I belonged here, in his arms, I realized. And it was all up to me now. I
did not have to leave him again. If I wanted to, I could be with him
for as long as we both lived.

For the first time in my life I felt complete.

Like the yellow flowers of the small forest plant, I’d
found my way into the shelter of the purple leaves, which together make
a complete living thing, a single inflorescence.

Ivan-and-Marya.

This book roots in some very personal experiences in my life, and it
took many years to bring it to its present state. I have so many
people to thank for the inspiration, as well as for working with me on
bringing this book to completion. First of all, my high school
teacher, Galina A. Sokolova, for introducing me to the Russian
tradition of the Solstice celebration. My family and friends, for
sharing my fascination with the Russian folklore and for patiently
reading earlier versions of this book. Members of the Online Writing
Workshop for Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror, especially Rhonda
Garcia, Clover Autrey, Mike Blumer, John Borneman, and Larry West, who
were so great in spotting the gaps in the story and encouraging me to
flesh out the essential details.

Last but not least, I thank my editor, Edwina Harvey, for bringing in
the final touches that clicked everything into place.

Anna Kashina grew up in Russia and moved to the United
States in 1994. She has a Ph. D. in molecular biology and is a published
author of fantasy and historical fiction in Russia, Germany, and the
United States.
She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
where she
combines her successful career as a scientist and her passion for
writing.

Learn more about this author by visiting Anna
Kashina's web page
(
www.annakashina.com
).

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