melder: A rare magical person born once a generation with the power to meld dead bone to bone to summon the strength of a fallen soul into the living.

Myrda: The kingdom of King Hundur. Holds an alliance with Jorvandal and is typically the home of blood crafters.

Night Ledges: Mountain range dividing the realms of Stìgandr from open territory.

realms of Stìgandr (stee-gander): The continent of the three kingdoms.

Salur: Otherworld, like Valhalla.

seasons: Term to signify years or passing time.

seax: A type of sword.

ser: Sir, mister.

soul bones: Marked bones of the dead used to create Berserkir warriors.

soul craft: The magical ability to manipulate, sever, and control souls of the living and dead.

Stav Guard: The warriors of Stonegate.

Stonegate: Royal keep of King Damir.

súlka: Miss, ma’am.

tagelharpa: A stringed instrument.

thorn blossoms: Used to create dyes to hide silver scars in the eyes.

Unfettered Folk: Clan living over the Night Ledges that serves no kingdom.

Wanderer King: Believed to be the first king of the realms, the father of magical craft.

Acknowledgments

I’ve written many of these acknowledgments, but this one is special. It is my first with a wonderful publisher who stepped onto this journey with me.

First, as always, I must thank my husband, Derek, and our four kids. You have walked through the mud and late nights and Viking metal music with me from the beginning. You all are literally in the author name of this book. I love you all so, so much.

To Katie Shea Boutillier, my agent—I will never forget the first time we connected. I will never be able to thank you enough for the place you’ve helped me to rise to in my author career. I will die on the hill of you being a unicorn agent. There’s no changing my mind on this.

To my family—both blood and found—I could not do this without you. My parents, for supporting me through it all and instilling my love of storytelling. You both never let a good story go by, whether it was the sagebrush (which was really troll hair) or reading books to us at night. To my sisters—Katie, Aubrey, and Shalee. How lucky am I to have you bouncing around the country with me to book signings and our random “staff” meetings where we ramble more than anything. I couldn’t do this without any of you. To Sara, for always reading every word I write and helping me see things in a different light.

To Kaylee and Jasmine—gosh I love you both. I am so grateful for your guidance in my stories and your help when I feel like I can’t see my own plot. Here’s to many more books.