Karel's girlfriend's older brother loomed as the Great War's veteran. Count Otakar, scarred and proud. A man of imposing stature.

And, just like his sister Iveta, of...something else.

Enter the world where the suitor's suitability swims or sinks on the whim of a Czech river's magic. For this ancient river vets or rejects every new member of the family going back for generations.

This magical realism story takes place in Czechoslovakia in the time of the Roaring Twenties of the last century. In a world filled with technology, hidden magic still holds its sway. This story, first printed in the Heart's Kiss Magazine, also appears in the "Stories From My Left Pocket" collection by Olivette Devaux.

A winner of numerous "Writers of the Future" Honorable Mentions and various genre awards, Olivette Devaux writes stories of all lengths and on a variety of topics. If you like urban fantasy, science fiction, crime fiction, and romance, you will find many a good read in her repertoire!

Please pay careful attention to keywords, cover branding, and story summaries. All these will hint as to the genre, mood, and your emotional take-away.

Olivette gave up her vagabond ways to settle in Pittsburgh, where she shares a home with her family and her numerous imaginary friends.