The Reckless Oath We Made

The early readers and supporters of this book: Kell Andrews, Liz Michalski, Barry Wynn, Lisa Brackmann, Colby Marshall, Jenna, Tracey Martin, Erin Mansur, Kelly Haas, David and Nick.

Renee and Bogi Perelmutter, who have been readers, consultants, emotional support, and the source of my dinner on many occasions.

Kris Herndon, my mermaid sister and the cofounder of my secret undersea volcano lair.

Matt Hyde and the staff of 715, for the celebratory dinners and all the happy hours.

V.K., Jo Nixon, and Tom, for their assistance in creating a version of Middle English that is accessible to modern readers. Any errors or anachronisms aren mine own.

Robert T. Corum, Jr., professor emeritus of French at Kansas State University, who first introduced me to Yvain.

The Consortium for the Teaching of the Middle Ages and the Early English Text Society for making Middle English texts more readily accessible.

Ruth Harwood Cline for her beautiful English translation of Chrétien de Troyes’ Yvain.

My Purgatorians and YNots, two of the most supportive writing groups a person could ask for.

Clovia Shaw, a fellow daughter of a dragon, who always shows me the world from a slightly different angle.