Back to Sharn, Again & a New Book, Again.

Barrakas, 1000 – Dravago, 1001 YK

We made it back to Bloodcliff Bay and got a ride back to Zarash’ak. Our orc escorts had given us a fair amount of gold that they said should help us get back to Sharn. It was plenty, so I was surprised when the tickets Jhazaali got us were for an extended trip on a non-elemental ship. She made some comment about even Dhakaani needing the occasional break and so we had a very pleasant, if I do say so myself, journey back to Sharn.

I did spend more than a year with Jhazaali previously and most of that within her Dhakaani home. Still, I was a little sad when her full pragmatism kicked back in after we reached Sharn. As she said, I had a book to write and she had her muut to follow. Then she said one of the least Dhakaani things I’d ever heard her say. She told me she “loved our time together,” and that she was “hopeful that our paths would cross again in this world.” Admittedly, I was a bit taken aback, but then told her about the same thing and gave her a hug. Happily, I noticed she returned it.

Back to MU and Shava House and I launched whole-heartedly into my book, The Defenders of the Demon Wastes. I know, a bit dramatic, but those Tommy Thatcher books are making more academic titles a little more difficult to sell outside the academic community. I did make it to number two on the Sharn bestseller list for a few weeks, so don’t tell me marketing is useless. Anyway, it was like before except the lecture tour also included some book signings, and even a couple sittings to have my picture painted with some “fans.” This can be both fun and terrifying depending on how fanatic said fans are. Luckily, R.J. Paddling’s, Tommy Thatcher & the Cave of Hope came out shortly thereafter and the fanboys and girls headed off for more familiar pastures.