The story continues in Year of the Griffin, and the two novels have been called the Derkholm series (which the Internet Speculative Fiction Database (ISFB) does not explicitly link to The Tough Guide).

"Mr. Chesney's Pilgrim Parties" arrange for annual group tours, evidently from our world, to experience all the clichés: wise Wizard Guides, attacks from Leathery-Winged Avians, the Glamorous Enchantress, the evil Dark Lord.

With the dragon's help, they manage to settle the Dark Lord's soldiers (Violent and drugged criminals whom Mr. Chesney contracts to get rid of) in permanent camp.

Meanwhile, Derk is convalescing back at Derkholm/The Dark Citadel but his wife, Mara, seems to be on the brink of leaving him, enjoying too much playing the part of the Glamorous Enchantress.

The magical properties inherent in plain fantasy earth make it a valuable power source in Chesney's world (ours)!

Her retirement from the university sets the stage for a sequel, Year of the Griffin, when Derk's youngest daughter goes for training in magic.