A Note from the Author:
If you ever listen to authors talk about their work, you’ll often hear them mention how their characters take over the story. That may seem a little silly, or even impossible. I’m writing the dang thing, right? I’m in control. I decide every twist, every turn. But believe me when I say this in total honesty:
I had no clue what Harruq would do.
The final confrontation was nearing. When I first plotted out the story, Qurrah was to die. But things changed on me, and decisions I made on a whim carried far-reaching consequences. Tessanna was never meant to be pregnant. Karak’s total failure in that regard broke him far worse than I could have imagined. So as that meeting neared, as I felt the story shifting unsteadily beneath me, I started wondering just how certain Qurrah’s fate was.
About that fate… I’ve got a feeling this might not be a popular turn of events. So many readers have been calling for Qurrah’s death (though to be fair, a good many have pitied and wished better for him as well). But I mean what I wrote, even if not said by me but one of my characters instead. If Grace has limits, it is a sad, useless thing. Does Qurrah deserve forgiveness? Of course not. That’s the whole damn point.
Could I do what Harruq did, if in the same position? I don’t know. A shameful part of me thinks not. A cowardly part of me thinks I could, though not out of idealism but instead simple weakness. In this, Harruq is better than I. I carry petty grudges and too often greet others with a sharp tongue. If all goes well, my dumb little half-orc will never become as I am.
Not to say my characters will treat this rather odd occurrence kindly. Qurrah has hurt many, and they will have their say. Qurrah’s trial is coming. Mordan has fallen. Thulos now walks the land. Does look kinda bad, doesn’t it? Just one book left, and I promise it’ll be a good one. Keep an eye out in early 2011 for A Sliver of Redemption.
Enough yammering. Thanks to John and Scott for help with edits, and as usual, to Peter Ortiz for the wonderful cover. Feel free to email me at ddalglish@yahoo.com, swing by www.facebook.com/thehalforcs to stay up to date, and visit ddalglish.com to read some free stories or order a spiffy signed copy.
I also want to thank you, dear readers, for sticking with me so far. Give me your trust, and I’ll keep you entertained. I still have plenty of stories to tell.
David Dalglish
October 7th, 2010