The Flame in the Mist (47 page)

Beneath her feet, the ground trembled. But it was the tremble of awakening, not of cold or fear. The crag, shedding its deep slumber, was already stretching and yawning under the sunlight it had missed for so long. Coming back to life. And Jemma knew that its power would soon be available again, offered to anyone who needed it. It could nourish the fields, the crops. Be used for healing. For the benefit of all, rather than hoarded by the few for their own evil ends. And from now on, its gifts would be received with gratitude and respect. She would make sure of that.

“It is done,”
she said again, scratching Noodle’s and Pie’s chins.

Before her, Anglavia stretched out for miles, its hills and villages sparkling under clear midday sun and sky.

With deep gratitude to everyone whose support and encouragement helped bring Jemma’s story into the open. Special thanks to my husband Jon, for his insights, tireless fielding of questions, and patience while I was glued to my laptop; my family in England, for their love and enthusiasm (and I hope the little ones will have as much fun finding their names tucked in these pages as I did writing them there); Roger Weinreich, for cheering me to the finish line on the first draft and beyond; Karen Deaver and Cynthia Paces, for invaluable early-draft feedback; Dana Friis and Ann de Forest, for invaluable later-draft feedback; Susan Reiner, Tim Morgan, and David Gollancz, for incisive comments and ideas; and Nikki Gregoroff, Deb Chamberlin, Jamie Danek, and teen beta readers Isabel Cleff and Logan Danek, as well as Nichola Perks, Jade Danek, Kimberly Jones, Kolter Erickson, Mariel Carter, and Cianna Wynn. There are many others—dear friends, fellow authors, and writing group mates—whose comments and excitement also spurred me on. You all fueled the fire. And this list would not be complete without loving remembrance of Billie, the original Solvay, whose name inspired a dynasty.

A big thank you to Gotham Writers Workshop in New York, especially Alex Steele; Kathy Temean at the NJ SCBWI; and Tisha Bender.

I’m indebted also to Delacorte Press and the amazing team who worked so hard to make this book what it is: Colleen Fellingham and Jody Revenson, copy editors extraordinaires (with extra thanks to Colleen for extra questions along the way!); Tamar Schwartz, for eagle-eyed proofreading; Melissa Greenberg, for fabulous cover/chapter fonts, section motifs, and overall design; Rebecca Short, assistant editor, for such a thorough and thoughtful first read; and Chris Rahn, for such beautiful jacket artwork.

Last but by no means least, to my wonderful editor at Delacorte Press, Michelle Poploff, who saw the potential, and whose careful guidance has brought this book to life.

Kit Grindstaff was born near London and grew up in the rolling countryside of England, a country which is curiously similar to Anglavia. After a brush with pop stardom (under her maiden name of Hain), she moved to New York and embarked on her still-thriving career as a pop songwriter. Kit now lives with her husband in the rolling countryside of Pennsylvania.
The Flame in the Mist
is her first novel. You can find her on the Web at
kitgrindstaff.com
and
theflameinthemist.com
.