The Gifts of Asti :

Discover The Gifts of Asti, a spellbinding fantasy novella by Andre Norton that blends ancient mysticism with forgotten science. Set in a world where civilization has crumbled and the divine still whispers through ruins, the story follows Varta—the last priestess of the god Asti—on a journey of survival, destiny, and cosmic revelation. Alongside her enigmatic, scaled companion Lur, Varta flees a fallen city to seek the truth of her world’s ancient powers. As they traverse desolate lands and uncover long-buried relics of a space-faring race, Varta awakens a mysterious figure from another world—an act that may restore a lost legacy. Rich in atmosphere and existential wonder, this timeless tale speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith in the face of ruin.