First, my amazing wife and partner, Jen West Scholes, and my great friend Jay Lake, who finally accomplished the seemingly impossible task of getting me to write a novel. Right there beside them, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank John Pitts for his constant support and friendship, and Jerry Jelusich for the same. These four kept me cranking the words out at a breakneck pace, driven by their enthusiasm, and then loaned their keen eyes to the revision process.
Robert Fairbanks introduced me to sword and sorcery as well as Dungeons and Dragons. Your map of the Named Lands, sir, brings back great memories. Thank you for that, and for nearly thirty years of brotherhood.
My father, Standley Scholes, who told me if I wanted it bad enough I’d crawl across broken glass to get it. You were right, Dad, and it wasn’t so bad after all.
I’d also like to thank Shawna McCarthy and Doug Cohen at
Allen Douglas: Your artwork for the
And then there’s my agent, Jennifer Jackson, Thirty-second Daughter of Vlad Li Tam: I’m glad you loved the book, and I’m pleased to be in such great company at the Donald Maass Literary Agency.
To Beth Meacham, Tom Doherty, Jozelle Dyer, and the fine crew at Tor: Thank you for your enthusiasm and support for this project. It is contagious and often fuels my fire. I am grateful for your hard work on this book-and on the ones to follow. I look forward to our work ahead.
There are dozens of other people who helped along the way. Thank you all.
And last but not least, thank
Ken Scholes
Saint Helens, Oregon
March 2008