Dear Mr. Cornwell 1/31/12 I recently wrote you a letter telling you how much I enjoy all your books and characters but especially the Saxon Tales and Uhtred. I was in the process of reading Death of Kings but had not got to the part where you killed off poor Lightning. Now why in the hell would you kill of that poor loyal dog? I expected Lightning to be a part of the battle and maybe get killed there BUT A SACRIFICE. Geez seems like a needless death for a loyal companion. As usual you did good but as always the damn book was not long enough. Regards, Ken