Some of the situations in the book that might seem downright implausible, like the king mocking Ransom for keeping his armor on before going to the riverfront, are actually based on true events. It can be frustrating to read about people making decisions that feel so illogical, but we all make mistakes. Some of them just have a greater impact.
While history inspires me, fantasy gives me the freedom to twist the plot to tell a better story. I enjoyed weaving additional Arthurian legends into this story. The Gradalis for example (the silver bowl in the grove at Brythonica) is a stand-in for the Holy Grail. Many think of it as a special cup, but in the original legends, it was a dish. One of Arthur’s knights, Sir Percival, found it protected by the Fisher King. There have been so many reinterpretations of the legend, and I found it fun to add my own.
I look forward to sharing the next book with you. The story continues with Lady’s Ransom. If you think this is a reference to Claire, you may be surprised. As always, there will be many more twists and turns ahead before we reach the climax in book four. Thankfully, the next two books will not be long in coming.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’m always grateful to those who help get my books out into the world, to the many editors and professionals who use their talents to make this possible. I wouldn’t be anywhere without you, and I appreciate the advice, care, and professionalism that goes into it.
Recently I got a note on social media from a fan who said my books have helped them get through the hardest time in their life. So many of us have experienced heartache and heartbreak of a thousand kinds. I’m not exempt. Some dear friends lost their baby grandson recently. A precious niece lost a child as well. And just this weekend, a wonderful friend passed away from ALS. He’s the friend I dedicated this book to. After the news came, my youngest son held me and cried and said he didn’t want to lose me. Life is fragile, and each day is a blessing. So I acknowledge you, especially the silent sufferers who carry pain other eyes don’t see. One of my favorite hymns has the line: In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can’t see.
May you find a little comfort in your trials of the heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2016 Mica Sloan
Jeff Wheeler is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Immortal Words, The Buried World, and The Killing Fog in the Grave Kingdom series; the Harbinger, Kingfountain, and First Argentines series; and the Muirwood, Mirrowen, and Landmoor novels. He left his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. Jeff is a husband, father of five, and devout member of his church. He lives in the Rocky Mountains and is the founder of Deep Magic: The E-Zine of Clean Fantasy and Science Fiction. Find out more about Deep Magic at https://deepmagic.co, and visit Jeff’s many worlds at https://jeff-wheeler.com.