I’d like to acknowledge the efforts of a most excellent group of ladies whose editing skills went into crafting this novel from beginning to end: Susan, Erin, Liz, and Nina. This tome of treachery, swordplay, and divine grace would not have been possible without you.

Thanks especially to my patient and supportive wife Shelley. I owe her about a hundred thousand kind words for all her help, a count that resets every novel or so.

Special thanks to an old gaming group of mine for a special thread of backstory for one of the characters: Gered, Shea, Ben, Zach H, and Zach K. I hope I did you proud!

Also as always, I give thanks for the tireless work of my fellow authors: Ed, Steve, Rosemary, Jaleigh, Bruce, Paul, Bob, and all the rest. I couldn’t do what I do without you to guide and inspire me.

And finally, thanks to the James brothers—you know, for Helm.