Stone-wights
A vanished race whose ruins are found in the New Lands. Some claim plague or war took them. Others find evidence they were destroyed by the Six themselves.
The Six
Seven creators fashioned the earth and all life therein. However, upon seeing the flaws in what he and the other six Creators had wrought, the seventh, called Regret, wanted to destroy the work and begin again. The remaining Six, whose names are sacred, refused, but they were not able to overcome Regret. And so it is that the powers of both creation and dissolution still struggle on the earth.
Sleth
Another term for “soul-eaters.” In Urzarian tongue it literally means “The East Wind,” which dries and kills life. Applied to those who, in rebellion of the Glories, use an unsanctioned form of the lore of the Divines. They are beings and orders of beings supposedly twisted by their polluted draws. Said to have gotten their lore from Regret, one of the seven Creators who, having once seen the creation, realized its flaws and wanted to destroy it.
The Three Vitalities
All life is made up of one or more of the three vital powers. There are many names for these life forces. The most common terms in the western glorydoms are Fire (sometimes called Spirit), Body, and Soul. There are rumors, among those who know the lore, of lost vitalities: powers that have passed out of human ken.
Weaves
Objects of power. Some can only be quickened and handled by lore masters. Others, wild weaves, are independent of a master and can be used by those who do not possess any lore. Weaves may be made of almost any material; however, gold is used most often for the wild weaves given to dreadmen.
Woodikin
Creatures that live in great families beyond the gap in the wilds of the New Lands. About half the size of a man, they are ferocious and spilled much blood in the battles fought with the early settlers. Although rare, single woodikin are sometimes seen in human lands.
Acknowledgements
I GREW UP with a father and grandfather who were florists and pugilists and a mother and grandmother who were literary nuts.
The men taught me to prize both the beauty of a Japanese lily arrangement and a blow that could lay a man’s nose to the side of his face.
My mother made sure our annual family vacations were spent at the Shakespearian Festival in Cedar City, Utah. Despite the many things at the festival that forever dangled above my comprehension, I was caught up in the spectacle, considered myself a bard’s man, and enjoyed the ubiquitous tarts (pastries, my friends, not painted women).
With such an upbringing, I think it was impossible for some literary production not to bubble forth from my brain, even if there was no guarantee that emanation would ever be anything as grand as, say, a limerick. Luckily, you hold in your hands something that is, if not more grand, at least a bit longer.
Many helpful souls read early versions of the manuscript. The accurate reporting of their reader experience changed the story. These folks include Christine Mehring, David Walton, Dean Wesley Smith and the May 2006 novel workshop group, Diana Chamberlain, Elaine Isaak, Eric Allen, Gary Eifert, Isaac Stewart, James Maxey, Jared Smith, Mette Ivie Harrison, Miles Pinter, Trisha Eifert, Stacy Hague-Hill and David Hartwell (my editors who worked with me on a previous version of this tale) as well as my agent Caitlin Blasdell. A monster thank you goes to Jason Smith, a writing buddy whose friendship helped keep my creative flame alive through a number of difficult years. Another monster thanks goes to Alex and Amy Lamborn—two awesome friends with smarts (and goats).
The following provided expert input. Chad Floyd gave me an invaluable view into the world of the blind. The ranchers of Rich County, Utah unknowingly gave me the main seed of this story. Special recognition goes to Robert, LaRue, and Lenn Johnson for letting a city boy play rancher, vet, and manure man, and to Kent Johnson, Stuart Wamsley, and Burdette Weston for fascinating cowboy insights.
Two authors have helped me in significant ways. Orson Scott Card conducted a literary boot camp that saved my literary bucket. David Farland started me on the path to writing for publication and offered inspiration, advice, coconut kurma, and encouragement along the way.
Cover art plays a special role with epic fantasies. We fantasy readers love our art! And the following folks helped on the cover for Servant in significant ways. Dixon Leavitt provided key guidance and insight into illustration as well as specific feedback on the gorgeous cover that graces the book. He also created an awesome illustration of Hunger that can be found on my website. Amber Argyle offered insights into art direction at a critical juncture. Isaac Stewart provided encouragement, insight, and the killer map of the New Lands. Devon Dorrity offered insights into human proportion that only a sculptor can, as well as putting the final touches on the cover design. And, of course, a big thank you goes to Victor Minguez, the talented and flexible illustrator who was so fabulous to work with.
Special thanks goes to my four girls Alexandria, Kassandra, Lilia, and Ellianna for their hand in this tale, not only in providing feedback and wearing tee-shirts which proclaim they are servants of a dark god, but also for clamoring after bedtime stories in the first place, some of which found their way here.
Finally, and most importantly, a lion’s share of the credit goes to my wife Nellie, who read every word, listened to every hope and fear, and didn’t go mad. She’s a rock, and, I am sure, has already earned a plot of ground in that part of heaven reserved for the spouses of those who write.
BY JOHN D BROWN
Thrillers
Bad Penny
Awful Intent (coming soon)
Epic Fantasies
Servant: The Dark God Book One
Curse: The Dark God Book Two
Shorter Works
Bright Waters
From the Clay of His Heart
Loose in the Wires
The Scent of Desire
Find more information at johndbrown.com While you’re there, you may also want to join the many readers who have asked to be notified about John’s new release sales and other good stuff.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JOHN D. BROWN IS an award-winning short story writer and novelist. He lives with his wife and four daughters in the hinterlands of Utah where one encounters much fresh air, many good-hearted ranchers, and the occasional wolf.
John is active on his website johndbrown.com where he reviews and writes about whatever takes his fancy. Feel free to drop by to post comments or contact him directly. He always enjoys hearing from his readers.
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