Author’s Note

If you’re holding this book and reading this, then thank you. This book would not exist without so many, many enthusiastic voices about Ardulum. From the shy fans who sneak up at conventions just to whisper how much they love the series and then skitter away, to the fans who post the beautiful fan art on Twitter, thank you. I’ve read your reviews, I’ve heard your stories, I’ve seen that glint in your eye when you ask about Yorden (because you didn’t really think I’d kill him off, but then again, you don’t know me that well yet, do you?).

The stories in this anthology serve two purposes. The first is to fill in the gaps in the (now rather extensive) Ardulum timeline. But the second is to give all the wonderful people who have asked for more in the past two years a chance to see the stories that otherwise didn’t really have a place in the original trilogy. Origin stories. Yorden as a central character, being a badass. Atalant and Emn just getting to kiss a lot. The secret life of gatois.

So, you don’t have to say goodbye to Ardulum just yet. Take one final journey with me on the Pledge, on the Lucidity, on Ardulum itself, and let’s give these characters the send-off they deserve. You’ve earned it. I’ve earned it. Atalant has definitely earned it.

Oh, and did I mention there are pictures?