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

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 en-
abled me to pick out key points for emphasis. All three of
them, in addition to Jennifer Roberson, are great story-
tellers, and if you've not read them, you are missing a
bet.

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 dictio-
nary for me.

Sam Lewis and Brian Fargo who were patient in al-
lowing 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

_x

Midsummers Eve

Five Centuries Ago