"Michael A. Stackpole - Once a Hero" - читать интересную книгу автора (Stackpole Michael A)

Chapter 41:Bright Fruit, Cruel Poison

Chapter 42:Slash And Burn

Epilogue:Night's Adventure In Aurdon

About the Author

Dedication

This book is dedicated to
Jim Fitzpatrick

As an artist, the pictures he paints are worth far more than a thousand words, and as an author,
his understanding of heroes and heroism laid the foundation for much of this work.

Acknowledgments

THIS WORK COULD not have been completed without the help or influence of the following
individuals:

Janna Silverstein, Ricia Mainhardt, Jennifer Roberson, and Liz Danforth, who, as the Four Horsewomen
of the Apocalypse, promised me disaster if I didn't get this book right. All four of them endured the telling
of chunks of this tale while I worked on it, and their forbearance was greatly appreciated.

Dennis L. McKiernan, Aiis Rasmussen, and Kate Elliot, who provided insights into fantasy and
character that enabled me to pick out key points for emphasis. All three of them, in addition to Jennifer
Roberson, are great storytellers, and if you've not read them, you are missing a lot.

Ron Wolfley, Brian and Frances Gross, and Bob and Patty Vardeman, who asked questions and made
me defend points that helped determine the direction and content of this book.

Chris Harvey who went above and beyond the call of duty in locating a Maltese/English English/Maltese
dictionary for me.

Sam Lewis and Brian Fargo who were patient in allowing me to indulge myself in writing the book.

And, as always, my parents, Jim and Janet; my brother, Patrick, and his wife Joy; my sister, Kerin, and
again Liz, who supplied the support and encouragement that made it possible for me to finish the job.

Prologue:
A Night's Adventure In Jammaq

Midsummers Eve
Five Centuries Ago
My Twenty-second Birthday

***