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A Fool

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I’m typing this on my new Goldtouch keyboard, and so far I don’t like it. I like how the keys feel, but this one doesn’t come apart. It splits, and I can’t seem to find a comfortable position with it. The ergonomic mouse, however, is a dream.

In the news interesting to nobody except my family, my bloodwork came back and my A1C is 5.5. I’m officially in the normal diabetic range. I did a little dance to my husband’s amusement.

I’m still having trouble really revving my writing engine up. It takes a little bit to slide back into writing full speed mindset and it’s a little elusive at the moment. But a friend sent me a rumor that apparently we are not working on Hugh 2 and the prologue was a fake out somehow. I love you, BDH. Never change!

Chapter 1

Hugh D’Ambray, Preceptor of Iron Dogs, former Warlord of the Builder of Towers, and Savior of Aberdine, stared through the window of his study and brooded. 

He was on the fifth floor of the main keep, a hundred-foot-tall square tower that anchored Baile Castle to the top of the hill.  The keep had a crenelated turret on each corner.  He was in the southeastern turret now, standing by a small desk he’d brought there a month ago.

His new study had two windows.  The left presented a beautiful night landscape of the castle grounds, the sloping hill, and the dense, dark woods stretching as far as the eye could see, the kind of old growth forest that Kentucky hadn’t seen for centuries, fed by the magic waves that flooded the world without warning. The right window offered him the view of the southwestern turret.

The night came quickly at the end of November, the sky a deep indigo studded with an occasional star. The moon was out, full and pale like a coin in the sky, and its light snagged on the pale stone of the castle. The magic had retreated three days ago and was yet to return, and the turret’s arched window glowed with warm electric light. He could see a small desk with a stack of papers on top of it and a chair.

The harpy wasn’t in it.

His wife was a creature of habit.  For three weeks he watched her enter the study at around 8:00 pm, sit in that chair, and then work for at least an hour.  Sometimes she read reports. Sometimes she wrote. Occasionally she puttered around with some herbs or did other witchy things, but no matter what else happened that day, he could count on seeing her white hair and her profile in that window. It had become a habit. He would work at his desk, she would work at hers, and once in a while he would glance up and see her there. He liked knowing where she was.

On Monday, when Elara wasn’t at her desk, he didn’t worry.  Occasional deviation from routine was normal. On Tuesday, she wasn’t at her desk again. On Wednesday, she wasn’t there either.

Something or someone was keeping her from her desk.

Yesterday, after waiting for half an hour, he thought of an excuse, marched down the long hallway separating their quarters, and knocked on her door.  She met him at the doorway and didn’t invite him in. He made an ass of himself, hoping to irritate her enough so she’d slip up and give some hint as to what she was doing, but she just shut the door.  He learned nothing.

It was Thursday now. The chair was empty.

There was a textured ledge running just under his window all the way to the other turret. It was 20 inches deep.

If she had someone in there with her who was keeping her occupied, he would have no way of knowing. He had kept his main door open since Tuesday night, but he didn’t hear anyone come up the stairs and parking himself in the doorway to watch the approach to her rooms would be too obvious.

Hugh unlatched the window.  It swung inward and the cold air hit him. He crouched on the windowsill, grabbed the edge of the window, and stepped onto the ledge.  Below him, the hard stones of the bailey were barely visible in the gauzy moonlight. If he slipped, the trip down would be short and brutal.

He pressed his back against the stone and took a sideway step toward the other turret.

Step.  Another. The turret didn’t seem any closer.

He was a fucking fool.

Happy Friday!

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Comments

  1. So happy that the next Hugh and Elara book is in the works. Happy writing and I hope that you find a keyboard that works for you.

  8. I actually did a quick happy dance in my chair at work when I saw the snippet was from Hugh 2. Looking forward to the full story. Congrats on your great A1C numbers. Great way to start the new year.

  9. Your A1C is 5.5!! Celebrate with all the dances!!

    Here’s to finding the right keyboard – may the journey be short and successful!

    Hugh is Hugh – he can’t help himself. One step forward and two steps sideways!!

    • +1
      Dancing fullout for your bloodwork 🥳🥳
      Doing a boogie for the snippet💃🏾🤩

      And crossing my fingers to getting it to work with the new keyboard or the others that might have to follow (blegh)🥰

  11. Happy Friday to all. Thank you for this snippet. Maybe Elara has something special for Hugh planned? Curiosity is almost going to kill the Preceptor if he slips off. Apparently, Hugh doesn’t like surprises too much. 😀

  13. Congrats on the bloodwork! I know how hard won those improvements can be. Hope you have a safe, warm and comfy weekend. Thank you for a glimpse of Hugh in all his idiotic glory😂

  14. Oh my god, I know full well how hard it is to keep that bastard A1C down, so congratulations! A well-eared one >.<

    • Thank you! This snippet made my Saturday. iI just realized I hadn’t looked yesterday!

      Woohoo!!! congratulations on your A1C!!!

  16. I love his story of redemption and can’t wait to see how it happens. I’ve had a very rough 6 months and am delighted to see this story.
    Thank you for giving me some joy today.

  18. I find that I need to go to the store to test out keyboards and mice. I tried a couple times online that looked great but didn’t work for me. Love my keyboard but my husband hates it. Good luck finding one that works.

  19. Elara’s going to be sitting there eating her chicken that she didn’t want to share… 😉

    Can’t wait to read the rest!!

  23. Who is spreading these dumbass rumours and how do we find and hug them??!

    Thank you so much! And also we’re very interested in your bloodwork, how could you think otherwise! So, so glad it was normal. 🙏

  25. Yay, Hugh 2! Can’t wait. Congratulations on your A1C results and good luck with the keyboard search.

  32. Thank you! Blessings upon your house for the snippet 😭❤️
    You help keep me sane, and Hugh is one of my favorite characters – what a fun Friday treat!!!

  33. :happy dances: Thank you for the snippet!! And congratulations on the lowered A1C.

    I’m currently working on lowering mine – the last six months it’s been going the wrong direction evening upping my oral meds and diet changes. grrrr

    This week we (dr. & I) decided to add a different med to my routine and alter diet once again (I really LIKE carbs, pout). Fingers crossed in March my labs show a downward trend again.

    Take the time you need to get back in the writing groove – the BDH isn’t going anywhere. LOL

  35. This is incredibly exciting! I’m dreading this year for so many different reasons but one of the few bright spots is that we are gifted these wonderful snippets of Hugh 2. Happy writing and best wishes on continued good health 💕

  38. Love it!
    I’ve missed glimpses into
    Your magnificent universum sooo much. And Your humor.It lifts me up every time. Thank You IA.

  40. Ah, I love it. Can’t wait to see more of Hugh making a fool of himself. Who needs grumpy/ sunshine when you can have Grumpy/ conniving? Elara has her work cut out for her. And congratulations on your A1C!

  41. Thank you! I have been feeling Iron and Magic withdrawal for to long. Congratulations on the excellent A1C.

  42. This is one book that I am in such a hurry for. I love Hugh and Elara’s story! Thanks for the teaser chapter!! Made my day.

  43. OMG, this was amazing 😂 Poor Hugh, his wife’s messing with him 😂 The minute he talked about the ledge being 20″ deep I was like “Ohhh, Hugh, you fool, you’re gonna do it aren’t you” 😂 I seriously can’t wait for this book, BUT!…. I will, p******ly 👍🏻😊

  44. Woohoo! Nothing like a little Hugh to start the day (west coast). You all do what you do. You’re the best!

  45. The spouse and I have standard keyboards, but they are very different. I like mostly silent, low-travel, lit keyboards and his keyboard reminds me of an old Underwood typewriter with a tremendous amount of travel and lots of click. I hate it with a passion and every time I have to sit at his keyboard and fix something (which is a lot less frequent since he went to Linux Mint, because I don’t know how to fix it anymore) I whine about it and he rolls his eyes at me.

    And congrats on the A1c – I had to go very low carb to get mine down without medication (metformin and I are *not* friends), but, 5 years and 50 pounds later, it’s still between 5.5-5.7. I do miss bread and pasta, but I don’t miss that 50 lbs.

  47. Yay!! Happy dance!!! This was my reward for doing dishes now I have the energy to vacuum too wahoo thanks for the motivation today!! And happy A1C numbers, great job looking after your health!!

  49. Thank you for the snippet. Looking forward to the book. Congratulations on the bloodwork. I also had good news on my cholesterol levels so yay.

  50. The snippet made be snicker. What a nice pick me up. Gotta pack and be ready to go on vacation, and my arthritis and fibromyalgia were already in a flare. Seeing the Delta plane where 200 had to use the emergency slide due to an engine fire definitely got my attention. My mantra is if you can power on, so can I. Yay for good lab reports. Rock on. Thank you for the great stories.

  51. I love it! I’m sure the misguided rumor mongers are not true members of the BDH. We would never dream of creating a rumor just to elicit a snippet release. Great work on your A1C! Happy hunting for the perfect keyboard.

  53. Yay-I love Hugh and all his personality flaws and how he’s aware of them too. Thanks for this Friday surprise as we are snowed in today. Glad your A1C is down and the number is wonderful! Cheers.

  55. Congrats on your A1c!
    Is it possible to use a different keyboard for games and your old one for work?
    I found it was games stressing my fingers. Just a thot…
    Excited about a new Hugh & Elara story!

  56. Thanks, I needed a distraction, we are about to snow……or ice! Trying to get all the critters situated.

  57. Congratulations on your AIC numbers! That is a big accomplishment. You had to have worked very hard for it.

    Because I have been sick for the last 4 weeks, I went through every Kate Daniel’s and her world book. It was so much fun. All your books are so re-readable.

    So more Elara and Hugh…exciting!

    Thank you for sharing.

  61. Good grief we are ridiculous. At some point, you should post a “special preview” and just put the lorem ipsum filler just to mess with us. 🙂

    But thank you for the real thing. Glad your numbers are good and that you had happy dance material. Now we just need that goodness to extend to keyboards.

    • 🤣 That actually happened!
      It wasn’t on purpose but during one of the website revamps there was a forgotten Lore Ipsum paragraph under an upcoming (at the time) Hidden Legacy book and a couple of comments trying to “break the code” of what it meant for the plot hehe.

  62. I love this. How very like the preceptor to take matters into his own hands and inch along an edge five floors up to find out what’s going on!! Thank you for the snippet! Hope you feel better in the new year and that the keyboard helps.

  63. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I was secretly hoping for a snippet today but you were so generous this week already that I did not think it very likely.

    Very happy to hear about your blood-work. I remember you struggled with it before but found a better doctor/insurance – I think? Must be a huge relief to have it stabilise :-).

  66. Yes, we are needy! However most of us can be patient, at least for a little while!
    Great news on the A1C.

  70. I’m going to love the moment when, completely unsurprised, Elara politely asks him if something is up, while leaning out of his window (or looking down from the roof), watching him sneak along the ledge.

    💖 to the AL!

      • is the ledge warded?
        because the magic’s been down for three days and I’m wondering if it will kick in when he’s half way to her window.
        but he would have access to his healing magic by then too so I’m not too worried about the consequences.
        Totally intrigued and am so excited for this book.

  71. Ah Hugh, never change! Who else do we know foolish enough to fall in a moat just to spy on his wife? LoL

    • it would not be the moat ,there is some land between the moat and the wall, don’t want to mess with the walls foundations, so if he’s on the out side its splat not splash, and if he’s on the inside of the wall its just splat.
      but the fall is not what kills a person its the sudden stop, so one wonders if the magic was up IF his healing powers would even kick in before he died at impact.

  74. Thank you sooooooo much, totally hooked already!! 😃

    Happy Friday, hope you get a restful weekend

  75. Ha! I wonder if Elara noticed Hugh staring at her through the window and moved elsewhere so he can’t see her anymore.

  77. Hugh! Thank you for making him real. Not some fictional character that would logically think I could just say I’m worried about you because you haven’t been at your desk.

    He has to be an ass and risk bodily injury to avoid discussing his feelings to get what he wants. He’s a wonderful idiot.

  78. reads the following:

    “Chapter 1
    Hugh D’Ambray, Preceptor of Iron Dogs, former Warlord of the Builder of Towers, and Savior of Aberdine, stared through the window of his study and brooded.”

    aaaaaah *faints in excitement*

  79. Hey, it’s Hugh! Walking on a rooftop some hundred feet off the ground just to figure out what his wife’s doing is the sanest option his brain conjures up. Safety is for suckers 😜
    Can’t wait! 😍

  81. 5.5 is awesome!!! Not just diabetic normal but anyone normal!! =) I play-scolded my boss for eating a couple of girl scout cookies but his A1C is similar and he just answered back that he could afford it! =) Mine is right there, too.

    Love the snippet!!

  82. excellent 👌 waiting patiently…ish for the story to unwind for you and thereafter for us! gracias

  84. The prologue inspired me to reread Iron and Magic. It was amazing. I’m really looking forward to the second one

    • Also Hugh really didn’t think this one through did he. Like what is he going to do when he gets across to her window is he going to wait patiently for her to open the window for him? She’s not going to let him in. Or is he going heroically bust in and kill something? She can protect herself. Or is he going to spy? He’s huge and she’ll see him. I’m so excited to see what happens next!

      • And then there’s Rook, probably watching Hugh and reporting to Elara. Oh yeah, fun times ahead.

        Gold Stars for the A1C

  87. Congrats on your A1C!
    Love that Hugh is still calling Elara the Harpy. Leave it to him to always go to Defcon 10 as the logical approach to any situation. Can’t wait for more!!

  88. LOL, hilarious. Thank you for this.

    Not working – really? You guys are the hardest working entity in the business. I’m not sure you know how to not work, except when you forcibly remove yourselves to the beach or something. Or get really sick – you’ve done that too. Not recommended!

    Congratulations on your bloodwork! You worked on that too, come to think of it. And that work was important. Good job!

  89. Thank you, you’ve no idea how badly I needed a pick me up. Life is really rough right now and this made me both smile and cry. Some days are just a lot. Thank you for caring enough about your readers to do stuff like this.

  91. Congratulations on the lowered A1C!! That is great news🎉.

    Thank you for the snippet. I was this close to asking the Dushegubs to negotiate for more I&M 2. 🤭🤭🤭

  92. Thank you House Andrews. I had a stressful day and reading this little snippet made it a little bit better. I especially love that you have set Hugh and Elara in Kentucky. I am from there and miss it so much. This brings me a little bit of home.

  93. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️to a million! Recently reread 1 and I am so psyched for 2!!!
    THANK YOU, WRITE WHEN YOU CAN (which I dare to hope will be a lot and quick)😄

  95. Oh Hugh 😁🫣
    Thank you so much House Andrews. Happy to hear the test result – good for you Ilona!

  97. Happy Friday to all! But especially the very wrong rumormonger.

    This snippet tastes like Elara’s baking and glee.

  100. Congrats on your A1C!
    Good job BDH! Start a rumor and we get a Hugh snippet! Keep up the good work! 😂

  103. so I’m hearing that if I spread a rumor, I could get another chapter?

    Just kidding! but also thanks for the chapter and can’t wait to see where this goes!

  110. Happy dance indeed! I envy you. I haven’t seen 5.5 in while. My doc keeps saying she’s happy with me at 6.1, even with meds.

  113. Thank you. I am saving this for special treat at bedtime. Almost beats chocolate. 😉

  116. Yay for no diabetes!! May this forever be true!
    This makes me so happy!! I’ve reread Iron and Magic no fewer than twenty times! I’ve been waiting for this moment. Well, a moment like this second only to the whole entire book being released!
    Thanks so much for this. The stories you both create bring me much joy and I’m grateful to you for that.

    • I had the exact same thought!
      20″ is plenty wide, go for it, Hugh! November in East TN *probably* isn’t icy, well, depending on the weather. Rook might be using these too…
      Wait a second, isn’t that a security issue, Preceptor? If you haven’t been using these ledges, and why haven’t you installed spikes or grease or something on them already?

  118. Hugh and Elara sitting on a ledge….
    I can not think of a single thing to put in this line so imagine I wrote something clever here.
    First comes marriage
    Then comes love
    Then come children
    Delightful little doves…
    That bench press cows?

    I’ll keep working on it.

  119. This is very exciting! Thanks for the snippet and I hope you get your writing mojo back soon!

  120. Oh my gosh, reading the snippet made me feel as if I had come home!
    I needed that burst of comfort from a universe where the good guys win despite terrible adversity.
    I love Hugh and Elara. They have each other’s number.
    Congratulations on the TERRIFIC A1C!

  121. I have the biggest grin on my face after reading this. A 5.5 A1C is amazing. Congratulations! I endeavor to follow in your footsteps.

    Hugh is an absolute mess when it comes to Elara and I’m so here for it. Don’t slip Preceptor, it’s a big drop and the magic is down.

  124. It was a lousy day- except for the 2-4 inches of snow on top of the 6-8 inches we already had I love snow!- and along with the snow this snippet makes me so happy! This snippet was perfect . Thanks !

  126. I am a 58 year old man. Former Navy surface warfare officer. Former litigation attorney. I run and lift weights. To all outward appearances, nothing at all just happened. But in my head, I made what can only be described as a tween girl noise. Squeeeee! Ahem. Thank you for giving us more Hugh. I’m looking forward to the finished novel (no rush, take your time, I have plenty of things to keep me busy).

    • Yes, I too had the resting serious face but inside I had tears of joy. Iron + Magic holds à special place because it was my first HA book. And I particularly enjoy the snippy dialogue and bad guy good heart trope. so happy to see more.
      and congratulations on the blood sugar going down.

  127. I’m so excited! Hugh’s book is one of my favorites 🙂 I really love the books that are written through male perspective by you.

  128. Happy happy dance for your lab number!!! There’s a peace that makes your heart smile when it knows you are healthy. Thank you for letting us watch Elara needle Hugh 😀

  129. A1C,5.5!! Congrats, that’s a super achievement! & a win.

    & you spread that joy to all the BDH with rumors and snippets, I also got a win😊. Ty

  136. First, congratulations on your A1C – that’s AWESOME! I wish I had more motivated patients like you seem to be. Also, I know somebody probably mentioned this but if it hurts to type and Gordon’s broken too, what about dictating? Dragon dictation software has made HUGE strides and you can teach it how to recognize you through accents. (Although I know I tend to think better when I type versus dictate – no idea why.)

    Onto the snippet: Love, love, LOVE. And I didn’t comment previously, but I really liked the prologue that you wrote. And I’m not into grimdark or anything – I’m actually on a cozy/slice of life kick right now. It seems appropriate for Elara. And there are terrible and hard things that happen in the world.

  141. Poor poor Hugh! Bwahahaha! This was seriously fun, thank you! I wonder if just asking her wth is going on ever crosses his mind. 🤣

  142. Aaaaasck! too short! I need more more. that’s wonderful. thanks for the smile. it’s going to be sooo good.

  147. Yay Hugh! Excellent A1C, be proud of yourself cuz I am. I see too many people who don’t bother to (or can’t) manage their DM until it’s too late and they’re suffering the consequences. Of course its important to your fans! I mean, we’re not obsessed or anything, or like stalking the blog or Facebook for everything you say and do, or spending hours overanalyzing every word you say, or starting rumors, or spying on your office, or anything weird like training ferrets…um, yeah.

    Glad you’re doing well.

  148. congrats on the A1C!

    hehe for a jealous Hugh. I’m still made about Vanessa even if Elara was fine with it.

  150. It is wonderful news for you about the bloodwork results for you and family

    I love reading about Hugh and Elara.I’ve read book one 3 times and I’m ready excited about the next book.
    Thank you.

    PS. I really love the Kinsmen Stories.

  151. It is wonderful news for you about the bloodwork results for you and family

    I love reading about Hugh and Elara.I’ve read book one 3 times and I’m ready excited about the next book.
    Thank you.

    PS. I really love the Kinsmen Stories.

  157. squeee! a snippet from a new book! **happy wiggle in my chair**
    Kick that diabetes’ ass like the boss you are, way to go!
    Enjoy the weekend, you guys deserve it.
    Now BDH, who wants to start a rumour that the Innkeeper series will never be written….

  158. Congratulations on your improved numbers. As one of a family of diabetics, all of whom strive for greater control, I can appreciate how much effort that has taken! Thanks for the snippet.
    This message is sent from a cold and frosty England.

  159. He is jealous? Oh how the mighty have crumbled 🤣 That must be quite the new experience for him. I love it! 😆

  160. After the second paragraph don’t know but had to think of Curran: “I have a main keep, tower and turrets now too, and mine are bigger.”😂if the book takes place after wilmington years

    • It does not 🙂 . Both of Hugh’s books take place before Magic Triumphs, which is about 7 years before the Wilmington Years.

  164. Oh, thank the gods.
    Love me some Hugh! I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
    Bless you, happy to hear your AIC is coming down.

  169. I love this so much! thanks for sharing.

    I never doubted.

    sending you hopes for healing and inspiration.

  170. Thanks for the wonderful chapter, I am dancing right with you as my A1C hit 5 at my last checkup. As far as the Keyboard, I use the Logitech Wave K350 Keyboard for well over 15 years. I just learned they don’t make it anymore and I want to scream at the Logitech gods! They do have a new version which the keyboard looks the same but doesn’t have the bells and whistles I am used to called Wave Keys. They have it in pink which makes me a lil happy but not as happy my lovely friend K350. I will pray to the keyboard gods and bribery if necessary so mine stays alive forever. If you want to try something new give them a look. I am very pleased with the wave design and should I need I would more than likely go with that.

      • Yep, eBay is my go to as well when something isn’t being made anymore. And then if I find a good refurb source, I buy a couple. Also check Woot, sometimes has older refurbs, but can’t save searches like eBay, or least I don’t know how, so very hit and miss.

    • I really, seriously hate it when people stop making things that work well for me. Happens all the time with clothes.

  173. I totally don’t believe that there are 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chapters either. 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃

  175. Wonderful. I am looking forward to reading more about Elara and Hugh.
    Have a great weekend, best regards.

  176. Congrats on the normal A1C! Getting it back within range is no easy task.

    May your keyboard search prove fruitful and quick!

    lol. Oh, Hugh…

  177. Thank you so much! I’ve been waiting so long for more Hugh and Elara!!! Love love love! Woohoo! Sorry for all the exclamations!! 🤣

  179. sorry I’m a day late,congrats on the numbers, they are hard to maintain,been there. I LOVE all you write,I bet inside your head is
    awesome, I can hardly wait for Hugh and Elara yaaaaaaaay.

  180. Thank you for the snippet! I think I will go back and read book 1 again, nope I will listen to Steve West read it to me again. Thank you for that too!

  182. Love it!
    I hope you‘ll find a great keyboard soon
    Rumors are strange in general, this one is partucular strange IMHO

  184. A1c @ 5.5 is awesome achievement. Have 20+ years of my own A1c efforts, and know that daily focus on blood glucose control isn’t small and is crucial. Preserving your health is important not just to your family and friends; among plain vanilla readers/lurkers and die-hard BDH members you have support and shared joy/dance too 😉 And of course there must be mid-winter squeeing for Elara & Hugh reappearance 🐬

  186. I’m so happy for your good news about your A1C! I’m still struggling with mine. I’m doing better at being good about what I eat, but apparently, I still really need to work on it. In September, mine was 10.4-on meds, and thinking I’m doing good watching my diet. My doctor didn’t even mention it on my visit, I found out when I pulled the lab report. I screamed when I read it, promptly made another appointment and demanded some help. We switched up the meds, and I’ve been watching everything I ate (even through Christmas!). My follow-up visit last week had my A1C down to 8. So, I’m trying to say in a wordy fashion, I feel your pain, and your happiness at the good results. Keep up the good work! Thank you so much for the snippet, it made my day. We love you too 🙂

  190. Thank you for the snippet! (This is my first Horde experience of Getting ‘all the words’ via a Friday ‘words drop’) Had NO idea of the anticipation this would generate!!!!!!! Was able to visualize the scene. And now I truly understand why w*it and p*tient are so HARD! Color me excited for the next delivery!

    Congrats on the bloodwork results! May your continued keyboard search be successful!

    Sending peace, health and safety to House Andrews, ModR, the Horde and those they love!

    • Whoops! Just realized this is NOT a serial drop.
      My bad…..
      Still very excited for Iron and Magic 2.
      Over enthusiasm being blamed on my second cup of Assam tea before eating……

  191. Looking forward to yet another epic from House Andrews. Hope your new keyboard gives you the support you require to produce w/o pain. And congrats on the excellent test results!

  201. New keyboards CAN become more comfortable. I recently got a new nook tablet. Unlik my older nooks it wasn’t a Samsung, but a Lenovo. Yes, still Android, but it interprets things a little differently and the keyboard was different. And I didn’t like it, and wasn’t shy about saying so. Fast forward 3 months, and not only am I happier with it, but when I go back to the Samsung I find myself missing the Lenovo. So, there is hope, give it a little time and revisit your opinion.

  204. Oh, another fake chapter! In your case I would really appreciate if you fake it until you make it – that cuts down on the w*iting for us 🙂 I am still wondering how Elaras story from the prologue will finally unfold bytheway.
    Thanks for this snippet! Go, Hugh go! Check on her – if the harpy thinks she needs to keep stuff secret, she should have known that such a challenge will be met!
    And happy keyboard hunting of course.

  206. Aaargh, I know better than to read the snippets but they’re just too tempting, now I want the whole book. Snippets are like that annoying itch that is never satisfied. I have no self control, I’m so ashamed.

  209. Congratulations on that A1C. That is fantastic. Thank you for the chapter.

    It’s a shame you can’t canabalize the two keyboards and use the parts you like from both.

  211. oooooh Hugh teaser, now I’m going to be stuck on a ledge till the next excerpt!!! Congrats on getting your numbers down, no small feat! Hope you solve your keyboard issues, I often find it takes time to get used to something new, then eventually it ‘clicks’ into place. Fingers crossed.

  212. A mystery! Hooray! So glad to see this finally being worked on.

    Good luck with the ergonomic devices. I like my Microsoft ergonomic keyboard (just replaced an older model and still getting used to the new one) and love my Logitech ergonomic mouse (which is pink!).

  216. Congratulations on your A1C results, lowering you numbers is hard work and you deserve a celebration. also thanks for the bit of chapter one.

  221. At this point, I think it would kill Hugh to admit even to himself that he’s worried. I can wait to find out what Elara’s response to this is, and have a great deal of fun speculating besides.

    I hope you find a keyboard that works for you – or figure out how to get what you need from the new one you have.

  222. I am totally thrilled to read about Hugh and Elara, while waiting to read more progress on Fortwood. BUT, I am very impressed with the A1C of 5.5 right after the Holiday feasts. You go Girl!

  224. New Rumour: Chapter 1 also just a fake. Produce Chapter 2 or we start more rumours.

    Sincerely, the Dushgub Faction. (Kidding)

  225. OMG you are such a tease!
    I’m so desperate for more Hugh books.
    Must have read Hugh 1 about 5 times already 🤣

  226. Such a tease. Can’t wait, love your books. So glad you have your diabetes under control, I manage mine with a pill, but it has not been easy giving up certain foods. Be well

  229. Haha! Love it! Can’t w**t to find out what happens next.

    Totally love the way HA does romantic relationships.

    Thank you for the partial chapter!

  230. After 8 months of Intermittent Fasting my A1C also hit 5.5! It was a glorious day and I too danced a jig! So I understand this one completely.
    Congratulations!

  231. 💕💕💕 I’ve been a sucker for Hugh since “Magic Strikes” was published and I am so excited to have him on page again! 💕💕💕

  233. omg, just found Signs of Life” and read it

    so hilarious, don’t know why I missed it originally, but all the gang there having tea and biscuits and complaining about the next (or in Arabella’s case 1st book) not being written and why are they (HA) wasting time on that nobody.

    And then in walks MAGGIE.

    hahahah, hilarious, makes me think they should write a work Christmas party one (but its a bit late for that now) so maybe a RELEASE PARTY FOR MAGGIE and all the gang gets an invite.

    FUN FUN

  234. Congrats on the A1C (mine has come down this past year but it is still dancing around in the high normal and low pre-diabetes range so I am hoping changes I am making will help.) And good luck with the keyboard (glad the mouse is good though!)

    I love the snippet…thank you! Poor Hugh….he REALLY has it bad for Elara, doesn’t he?!! It’s so nice to see him so preoccupied and in love! 😂

  235. Your AC1 – man, that is AWESOME. Congratulations! For reasons, I think about this a lot and 5.5 – fantastic 🙂.

  241. I really had to play with tilting my keyboard before I could settle into it. My wrist took days to find a comfortable position.

    I knew someone with a Kinesis Advantage keyboard many years ago. I considered it, but don’t type enough to justify the cost.

    🤞 that you quickly discover your perfect keyboard. Typing while in pain is gruesome.

  242. That’s such awesome health news, Ilona; especially since long-term, daily discipline is needed to achieve that a1c number! Congrats!

    I hope you have similar happy news to share about your keyboard and wrists soon.

    It’s funny how much amused affection I feel for Hugh acting like a besotted fool in the Chapter 1 snippet, especially since I’m currently listening to the Graphic Audio adaptations of the KD series, and I had just reached the part where they escaped Mishmar. I was feeling quite cross with him before I read the snippet this week, and just like that, I’m grinning at his antics. haha!

  243. Whee! Congrats on your bloodwork. Still can’t get mine below 7 but terrified of Ozempic and it’s fellows . The Blindness risk is too much for me. Thankyou for the for Hugh! He has got it bad though he won’t admit it to himself yet

  244. Right now I’m that meme from The Office “oh my god, it’s happening, everybody stay calm!” 😂

  245. Ilona – you are the best. You are just awesome and can t wait to read whatever you Write next. Thank you

  246. Thank you!!! Thank you!!! I have been waiting for more Hugh and Elara since Iron and Magic came out! I love all your books, thank you both for such great reads!

  247. Glad to hear your values are down, hoping for success with the keyboard quest- and love the snippet. Had to grin so hard with Hugh rationalizing his way to make climbing out the window onto that ledge sound logical.

  250. Huge congrats on the A1C…..done over Christmas no less!

    Thanks for the snippet, I enjoyed it very much. Going back to read it again, but this time in Steve West’s voice.

    Cheers!

  252. Are we having Iron Fridays? Hughdays? Fridays and magic? D’Fridays? Will this be happening again? 😳🥺🙏

    • Yes, the action follows right where we left off, and both books happen before Magic Triumphs 🙂

  257. Get yourself a Unicomp keyboard. They’re handmade in Kentucky. They’re the old bucking spring IBM Model M keyboard.

    One’s fingers automatically stop pressing as soon as the key engage without hitting the bottom of the movement. A few days using one and my carpal tunnel problems disappeared.

  258. As someone whose family is rife with diabetic and pre-diabetic people, I’m very excited that your A1C levels are back in the normal range! I’ve seen what complications from diabetes can do to someone (lost my grandmother to complications in 1996), and when you can maintain, it’s a good thing!

  259. I don’t know… I’m not convinced that Hugh 2 is being worked on… I might need more evidence to believe it 🤣🤣🤣

  260. Love love LOVE the snippet! Jumping back into Hugh’s & Elara’s world instantly had a smile on my face – so funny how he cannot let the mystery (that is his wife tbh) go and I am guessing Elara is well prepared for a snooping preceptor…

  261. Congratulations on the AIC score! I was prediabetic and had borderline blood pressure a couple of years ago, and got mine down with diet improvements (changed to a whole food diet and cut back on sugar) and walking. It felt like I had climbed Mt. Everest. So congratulations. I have multiple family members who are diabetic and the complications can be very difficult.

    Thank you for the snippet. I think Hugh is becoming a favorite character now. I can relate to his personal growth and the dumb things he does!

    Hope you have a peaceful week.

  262. Olá do Brasil para meus autores favoritos!!
    Mau posso esperar para ler sobre Hugh novamente, por favor acelere!!

  264. Thank you for the Hugh 2 snippet. Yes, you are a fool Hugh, she risked herself to save you from Roland and Landon. She’s not going to cheat on you. I think she’s doing it on purpose to yank your chain. I’m Looking forward to EVERY book you write.
    I have to read a book, I can’t listen to it on audio. It’s just not the same. I do think that graphic audio would be a win though. I used to listen the old radio dramas. (The Shadow Knows)
    I wait patiently ( not really) for books from all my favorite authors. H.A. is running neck and neck with Nalini Singh and Faith Hunter ( is it ok to mention other authors?)
    My wife wants a tee shirt, “I’M A BOOK READERS WIDOW”. I do read to excess. For me I find reading an excellent treatment for depression. (I can’t be depressed when I’m in someone else’s head)
    I am reading Sweep With Me for the umpteenth time. I realized Texans aren’t the only ones who measure distance by time. I don’t know the miles to a number of places, but I know how long it takes to get there😩
    Thanks again for the wonderful books. Mod R, keep up the great work. You are appreciated.

  265. Good luck finding a keyboard and glad you like the mouse. I don’t know if you can share the brand and model but I am in the market because I hate my mouse. it makes my hand hurt. I know with all the typing you do that it must be important for you

  266. Thank you for coming back to Hugh & Elara! I’ve been waiting so impatiently for the sequel. I’d love to see more of Elara’s back story.
    Happy writing & stay warm!

  268. Congratulations on your Hgb A1C! I know how hard we have to work to keep it in line. You’ve done wonderfully?

  269. Oooh! I cannot wait. I didn’t think you could ever make Hugh a character I cared about and then you went and did it!
    Btw, as a fellow diabetic, woohoo on the 5.5. That’s a normal, nondiabetic reading. I’ve been stuck ay 6.1 or 6.2 for six months

  270. Thank you both. I pictured Hugh and it made me laugh. Wonderful start and like the rest of the BDH I can’t wait.

  271. YES, it was a HAPPY FRIDAY! However I did not read it until today , early this morning , Tuesday , January 14,2025,I will have a glorious day filled with with much anticipation, waiting on your next gift to us. Praying your health issues continue to improve,along with your tech issues. Thanks for the HUGH, Gift!!!

  273. OH Boy! very exciting. As usual you hook us right away. I just shook my head at Hugh and imagine Elara doing the same. He just can’t help being himself.
    Congratulations on your A1C. Getting your numbers down is not easy. Here’s to everyone getting their numbers down or up depending where they need to be and all our health issues figured out this year.

  274. Just a happy comment that HA has returned to Hugh 2 and it’s already got me wanting more! Hope you find that holy grail keyboard that is easy on the hands, Ilona!

  276. Love it! I waiting desperately for the book. On a side note – pre-diabetic can cause problems as well. Neuropathy in toes and fingers. I found that out the hard way.

  277. I love this! I love your writing style. You are able to get us into the scene, and the mood, so well.

    Thank you.

    I am in Kentucky being primary caretaker for one of my granddaughters while her mom is in the hospital, desperately trying to keep twin boys healthy and baking to 34 weeks, when they have a cesarean scheduled and they will have to spend some time in NICU.

    My son works night shift in a hospital laboratory, and they need me here. I am glad to help, but a lot is happening at my home in California as family and friends have evacuated to our house during fire threats. My husband is rather overwhelmed, and is trying to keep routines normal for our disabled daughter.

    Your books, and snippets, are a wonderful escape.

  281. 2 happy surprises this morning. I had forgotten how much I liked the Hugh and Elara story. It was a bright spot in a month of bad news and sad feelings. So my whole consciousness sat back and cheered when I opened the email and saw the section of Hugh book 2 write fast I need to be able to immerse myself in the next chapter of Hugh story! 2 happy glad you are doing better diabetes is a long up and down journey. “I wish you well “

  282. You make me so happy 😊
    Hugh❤️❤️❤️ & Elara ❤️❤️❤️
    Take care of yourselves … BDH needs you for our joy and thrills 🎊🥰

  285. You really were burnt out. I realize I am selfish in that I am slathering over the Hugh episode, so happy to be reading something you wrote. I want to tell you to take your time getting back to it but I am too selfish. I am sorry. Love you mean it, lol. I been jonesin’ girl. Thank you for this, it’s great. I am grateful.

  286. I finally took the Christmas Tree down, but my lights still come on at 6pm. I love the glow they give to the rooms st night. My husband has ordered pixi lights. You know it’s bad when the hubby wants to work and take ghe lights sown. I too, want to stay in my holiday bliss. Love Hue! Give more, please.

  287. So AWESOME! Love that it seems they really are becoming a real couple. Loved book 1 with all the meeting of new people so can’t wait to see how they blend. I swear I remember IA saying this was a very dark book but glad to see there’s still the fun bits too.

    By the way….. I think the rumor was a ploy. We’ve learned that anytime someone calls the truth of an upcoming book into question you verify the truth with a section. SO, I think this person was in need of a Hugh and Elara fix 😂😂😂😂😂😂

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