I came downstairs and gaped. The ‘game room’ was completely changed. The large bay windows were open to allow in the diffuse cloudy light, and rows of chairs were set out with people filling most of them. A few guests still stood and conversed with their neighbors.

The Wrinkle in Time sisters were prominently seated up front with Meg and Wallace Charles beside them. They’d been a help when our water had been turned off for over twelve hours this week. Whereas Brom and Dalmir had walked to the creek and hauled water to various houses.

Gandalf came around the corner. “We’re all set, Kandi. You’re sure I can’t light fireworks to celebrate our newest award member?”

“No!” I realized it came out too harsh when those in the back row turned to look at us. “No,” I repeated quieter.

“Very well, then.” He grimaced, but the twinkle in his eye told me he hadn’t completely set the idea aside.

I strode toward the windows, nodding to Alden and then gaping as a man with white hair and a long beard took a seat.

“Dumbledore?”

He nodded a greeting.

When had he arrived? Beside him sat a prim rabbit who was knitting. Mentally shaking my head, I continued to the front, making sure to not worry about where people would stay after the party. At least most of them were accustomed to camping out. I had a large yard they could use.

Once at the front, I cleared my throat. “Please, take your seats. We are about to begin.”

There was the rustling of people adjusting and the scraping of chairs along the wood floor. Trying not to be nervous, I glanced about. The room was filled with characters from books I’d read and some I’d not even heard of! I knew my to-be-read list was going to grow by leaps and bounds.

With only the noise of traffic to interrupt me, I opened the ceremony. “Welcome to the 2026 Silmaril Awards for Wisest Counselor.”

Meg squirmed in the front seat, and Mrs. Who (or was it Which) patted her on the knee.

I raised my hand to Gandalf and took my seat in the front row beside my husband. Gandalf seemed to glide to the front, his long beard ruffling to the side. At least his wizard’s hat didn’t hit the ceiling. With a gleam in his eye, he turned to the gathering.

“As our esteemed hostest has said, we are here to honor the Wisest Counselor in all of fantasy literature. This year, as always, the votes are close and by even being nominated, you have risen to the top of the best. But know, whether you are here as a guest or nominee, by virtue of your place in your story, you are important to those in your party. No hero ever made it to the end without the help of their counselor. Never forget that.”

He allowed the silence to drag on, and in that space, a motorcycle zoomed by, its engine reving. A chuckle rose to counter it. Gandalf pulled out a scroll.

“In fifth place…” He cleared his throat. “Athelas from The City Between.”

Polite applause filled the room. Although I hadn’t known Athelas for long, I was sorry he hadn’t won. But that might have been due to his love for my Langlois Fog tea.

When he had taken his seat, Gandalf squinted and read, “In fourth place is Dalmir from The Turrim Archive.”

My heart sank as I applauded and hooted. I’d so wanted Dalmir to win. After all he’d gone through with Grayden and the others, he deserved a silmaril.

“In third place…” Gandalf cocked his head and then nodded. “Ah, yes, The Magus from The Queen’s Thief.”

He’d been the one who’d suggested where we could find tea in my own backyard. I’d been grateful for his suggestions. I was sorry to see he hadn’t placed higher, but that left two favorites for the top contenders.

Gandalf glanced about the room, allowing silence to fall before he said, “In second place is Rendar from Moonscript.”

Loud cheering erupted, and I almost jumped to my feet.

My husband placed a hand on me. “Easy, Kandi. We can’t show favorites.”

But I couldn’t help it. After all, when the kids were younger, we’d had ferrets named Durza and Arya, and when my last series had come out, I’d sent Christopher Paolini a proof copy to ask for an endorsement. Instead, I received a nice letter saying he was working on a project–a project that ended up neck and neck in amazon ratings with my series as it released.

Gandalf raised his hands. “And as you have surmised, the winner of Wisest Counselor for 2026 is Brom from The Inheritance Cycle.”

This time, the cheering was so loud, I hid an ear in my shoulder. It didn’t really help.

Brom made his way to the front. As he arrived, a host of sparkles floated down on him. I looked to Gandalf and he winked at me. It wasn’t fireworks, but it worked for what we needed.

As Gandalf settled the Silmaril on Brom, I snapped a photo to send to my oldest son who still had a copy of The Inheritance Cycle sitting on his bookshelf.

“I am told, there is a feast prepared outside for all to enjoy,” Gandalf said. “And until next year’s Silmaril Awards, may you share wisdom wherever you go.”

Don’t miss the rest of the awards

Most Devoted Couple – T P Sarah at Light and Shadows
Most Epic Heroine – C. O. Bonham
Most Faithful Friend – Mackenzie K. Writes
Most Nefarious Villain – Janelle Leanne Schmidt
Strangest Character – E. E. Rawls
Most Magnificent Dragon – Rachel A. Greco
Most Epic Hero – DJ Edwards
Silver Tongue – S. L. Dooley
Most Rakish Rogue – Grace T