The Eretik is a novella, part of "The Dragon's Child" series of short stories. Chronologically it falls between the second and third stories of The Dragon's Pearl, but it has different main characters than the other stories and can stand on its own. Set in the wilds of the Russian Steppe in a medieval world where magic is real, if not always believed or appreciated. Ivanka's husband is dead, much to her relief. That is until he suddenly isn't anymore. All of a sudden she and everyone she holds dear is in danger as a demon roams the local countryside in pursuit. Possibly the strongest of the series, I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. ( )