Jim Baen's Universe

Authors | Elizabeth Bear

Elizabeth Bear was born on the same day as Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, but in a different year. She is the author of several science fiction and fantasy novels, including the forthcoming BLOOD AND IRON, which features some of the same characters as "The Cold Blacksmith." She was the 2005 recipient of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer.

Visit Web Page at: http://www.elizabethbear.com/

The Rest of Your Life in a Day Full Story From: The tattoo artist was Yukako Kobayashi, and she was in her sixties or seventies—or possibly older.

Cryptic Coloration Full Story From: Katie saw him first. The next-best thing to naked, in cutoff camouflage pants and high-top basketball sneakers and nothing else, except the thick black labyrinth of neo-tribal ink that covered his pale skin from collarbones to ankle-bones. He shone like piano keys, glossy-sleek with sweat in a sultry September afternoon.

War Stories Full Story From: No shit, there I am.

The Cold Blacksmith Full Story From: "Old man, old man, do you tinker?"