Originally published September 2004
Remembering this past year….
When I first gave MBB to my Beloved Sis, it ended on a huge cliffhanger. Literally, Rhaekhar turned around and said something like, “We may already be too late!” Molly knew something terrible was getting ready to happen. Shannari was trapped in a prison cell. She’d nearly died twice already, while Rhaekhar had been stopped on the road to her aid by an army of outlanders.
Here’s Molly’s response (with her permission):
Joely, you gotta write more! They HAVE to get back together! Vulkar forbid they should spend even a week apart….
Now to the casual reader, this may not mean so much other than a tug on the heart strings thanks to her loving encouragement. But what struck me the most was her use of MY language. MY world. She didn’t say “God forbid.” She said “Vulkar forbid.” Vulkar, the Great Wind Stallion, the Fire God of the Sea of Grass that lives in a three-crowned Mountain belching fire and smoke to the heavens.
How could I NOT finish this story? How could I leave Shannari in that prison, and Rhaekhar frantic to reach her? How could I ignore Vulkar’s demand to finish the story of His Chosen Khul? How could I turn deaf ears to the Blessed Lady’s plea to continue Her last Daughter’s fight against the greatest Shadow the world has ever known?
I couldn’t. So here I write every single night to document their story.
Thanks again, Sis.
Heh, I forgot you wrote this. I remember that conversation, even now.
You are always so welcome, Sis. I’d have gone nuts if you hadn’t written Shannari down off that cliff.
And just look where she is now. *hugs*
Bless you, Sis. I wouldn’t be here without you.