Taming the Beast (30 page)

Dear Friends,

The battle at which Roderick was injured is my own creation, although many of the details are based on historical accounts of several different battles which indeed took place at or near Heraclea in 1101.

As for the paranormal aspect of this book, the story of the Wild Hunt is actually an ancient legend told throughout Europe. There are countless versions, and I incorporated bits and pieces from several—as well a healthy dose of my own twisted imagination—in the telling of this tale. The legends themselves are fascinating reading, if you're into that sort of thing.

Anecdotally, I would like to mention that as I wrote this story, I couldn't help but pronounce Michaela's name “Michael-ah,” as opposed to the modern (and perhaps
correct
) pronunciation more similar to “Mick-aye-lah.” Hence, Leo's “Mike-lah.” I did so because, the name being the feminine version of Michael, I feel Agatha Fortune would have wanted the origin of her daughter's name to be absolutely clear to anyone who heard it. Of course, as you read, you pronounced it in your own mind however you felt appropriate, and that is always correct.

Some of you might have recognized Alder, the intriguing vampire escaped from the Hunt. The story of what happens to him after fleeing the Cherbon wood can be read in the novella, “The Vampire Hunter,” as part of the HIGHLAND BEAST anthology, in stores now. For those of you who've already read “The Vampire Hunter,” thank you, and I hope you enjoyed the wider glimpse into the beginning of Alder's search for Beatrix—and his own redemption—in this book. As always, you can visit www.HeatherGrothaus.com for the latest news on upcoming releases.

I hope you've enjoyed Michaela and Roderick's love story. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. You are in my thoughts with each word of every book I write.

With love,

Heather