Z is a difficult letter

Z is a tough letter. I have one or two minor Z named characters, but they may not make it through the editing process.

I will use today’s blog entry to say thanks to each and every person who has taken the time to read my little blog. Thanks. Now I’ll ramble a bit about writing.

Chaucer and me, selfie

As a fiction writer I have a hard time coming up with things to blog about. This usually ends with no blogging at all. Sometimes I just end up taking pictures of my pets. (Yeah, I know) I am still working on MARABELLA, QUEST FOR MAGICS and I feel guilty when I stray and

Bess

write about something else. I realize that it’s silly. Writing about other things keeps me from getting stale. As much as I love to talk, you’d think that writing conversationally for a few hundred words would come easy to me. I suppose it’s that I’m not sure anyone would care to “listen” to my random rantings. I truly do appreciate those of you who read my blog. I just wish more of you would leave a comment. It could be one word. I guess I need a little validation. You writers out there know what I mean.

Cross-eyed Miss Kitty

We write for many reasons; some to educate and inform, some to entertain, many because we must. Personally, I have these stories in my head that I would love to read and I hope others feel the same. I write for my future readers but I also write for myself. For many years everything I wrote was confined to a series of notebooks. They were for my eyes only. Now that I’ve put myself out there as a writer, I need a little validation once in a while.

Let’s face it. Writing is a solitary endeavor. I find myself still trying to tap into the vast community of indie writers that I know is out there. I follow a lot of you on twitter. I joined a local writer’s group. The people are great. However, when I sit down to write, it is just me.

Yep, I'm a goof

If you are a reader, thanks and please buy my book. (Marabella, Discovering Magics, available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon.com) If you are a writer, hang in there and keep writing. (And please buy my book)

Buy my book

Y is for Yeni Flowers, Captain of the fishing boat, Gray Baby

Yeni captains a fishing vessel operating in Pelagos Bay off the coast of Mirador. We meet her again in MARABELLA, QUEST FOR MAIGICS. (Her accent and manner of speaking are a little different.)

Author: Hello Yeni. How long have you been fishing? How long have you had the Gray Baby?

Yeni: I ship out on her nearly bout seven season ago. Early Infell be owner and captain. He good man. I cook for him one night and he want to up and get joined. He kinda old, but good fellow, so I say yeah. He took sick when we was up North, got frail. He went ashore. Keeps a little place in Westwytch. I captain Gray Baby for five season now.  She a good, sound boat.

Author: How’s business?

Yeni: Fishing is good, yeah. When fishing is not so good, we go north, off the coast of Northern Waste and drop our crab pots. We steer clear of trouble, yeah.

Author: And by trouble, do you mean pirates? Have you had problems with pirates?

Yeni: We got harassed a few times but nothing to pillage on a fish boat. Ain’t no coin till we done and back ashore. We fly the Queen’s colors last two season and nobody bothers. Queen don’t ask much in return, let us keep most our catch.

Author: Queen Dorinda Gold doesn’t ask anything in return?

Yeni: When we South, we ferry for her; a catch to River Mouth and sometime to Shepherd’s Hook. We pick up. We drop off, like a merchant vessel but smellier. Mostly, we fish.

Author: Have you always fished? Where are you from, originally?

Yeni: I done growed up on Pierates. (An island in the Pelagos Sea, near Corsair Island and Shepherd’s Hook) Pap and Mam fished but never had no good size boat. I ship out when I was strong enough to learn proper sailin’. I done bounce port to port, yeah.  

Author: Your accent is different. If you don’t mind me asking, where is that from?

Yeni: Mam and Pap done come from way South, yeah. Village on far side of Pierates where all folks from way South. You got accent too.

Author: I do. I too am from the South in my realm.

Yeni: Early say all boys like the way we Southern girl talk, yeah.

Author: Yeah.

Yeni: I got to push off with the tide. Lest you want to fish, best go soon.

Author: I’m out. Thanks Yeni.

X is for Xylo Orionis, Horseman of the Northern Wilds

Xylo is a Centaur. He is a member of the nomadic tribe inhabiting the harsh lands north of Common Valley. They are known as the Horsemen. It is a rare privilege to be afforded an audience.

Author: Xylo, thank you for allowing me to visit with you today. What do you like best and least about the nomadic lifestyle?

Xylo: Thank you for coming. I most enjoy the running. Out on the plains you can see for great distances. I love going out and chasing the horizon. The downside is that we miss out on interaction with others. I do tire of seeing the same faces day after day. We do not often intermingle with outsiders.

Author: How many tribes inhabit the Northern Wilds? Are there other tribes elsewhere?

Xylo: There are several tribes but only three wander the wilds right now. We, the Orionis are hunters. The Bootes (pronounced bo-OH-teez) are herdsmen. The Eriandus dwell near the rivers. The Equulei, Monoceros and Pegasi tribes mostly keep to Mirador. I know there are others too in other realms.

Author: What if you decide you don’t want to be a hunter anymore? Can you move to another tribe?

Xylo: Of course. It happens every season. Colts and fillies, the youngsters, often get the urge to experience the new and different. They petition the tribal council, who notify the other tribal council. Once everyone is in agreement they take the new tribe name. I was born Eriandus but came here five seasons ago. One day I may go back but for now, I love this life.

Author: Why is it such a formal procedure to move from one place to the next?

Xylo: Unlike humans, we keep a close knit community. By the petitioning and approval required, councils take responsibility for the newcomers to ensure that everyone is afforded the safety and protection of the tribe.  

Author:  Have the problems in Common Valley affected you up here in the wilds?

Xylo: Not that much, but we are watchful. We have seen a few more humans migrating out of the Valley. They are not always equipped to journey through the wilds. It has given us chance interact with you more. In past seasons, the affairs of those in the Valley were of no consequence to us. But it seems that this Master Koros is trying to declare war on magics. We are magical beings. Consequently, as I said, we are watchful.

Author: I believe that is wise. Thank you for your time.

Xylo: You are quite welcome to come again.

W is for Wesley

Wesley is Marabella’s nearest and dearest.

Author: Thanks for coming today. How long have you known Marabella?

Wesley: I’ve known Belle all her life. The first time I saw her she was just a tiny baby, all pink and fussy. I was only five, but I remember thinking she was perfect.

Author: You grew up together. Can you tell me what that was like?

Wesley: I saw her from time to time at Ma Nan’s when she was a nubbin. We became friends when she got a little older. We both like to read and we were both kind of different. I was bullied some. She didn’t judge me for being odd or for not talking. Belle would prattle on all day if I’d just nod once in a while. Turns out, she was easy to talk with. We were inseparable until Mara was killed. Then Belle began to train a lot more, spend time alone.

Author: Looking at you now, it’s hard to believe that you were ever bullied. 

Wesley: I was small for my age until I turned about seventeen. That, being bookish, driving the goat cart, all made me a target. It didn’t help that I wasn’t interested in fighting back. I know that the boys who taunted me thought I was afraid but I just didn’t see the point of fighting. Belle was the scrapper. All they need do was look in her direction. She had a few scraps. Once she started training, she never lost. After a few boys ended up in the dirt, they left her alone.

Author: What do you think about the unrest in Common Valley?

Wesley: I believe that Master Koros has some agenda that has yet to be revealed. Demalions have been in Common Valley for so long; why now? People should ask themselves when they began to have problems with Demalions. Not until someone told them that Demalions were the cause of their problems. It isn’t something Demalions did. It’s insanity. And now there are soldiers. It’s getting dangerous to travel. Belle is on the road and I don’t know how to protect her.

Author: Do you realize that you’ve mentioned Marabella in your answer to every question I’ve asked?

Wesley: (blushes) That doesn’t surprise me. She is always on my mind.

Author: What do you miss most about her?

Wesley: I miss her. All of her; even her moods. I miss the way her hair escapes in curls around her face when she tries to tie it back. I miss sitting beside her for half the day, reading without saying a word and then spending the rest of the day talking about what we’d read. Sorry to wax nostalgic.

Author: That’s quite all right. I guess that’s enough. Thanks.

V is for Verragold Cafe in River Mouth

Today’s entry is a little different. I will be visiting the Verragold Café in River Mouth, trying the food and speaking with the proprietor, Marceli Verragold.

The dining area is clean and neat. Marceli offered a warm welcome and seated me at a table near the fireplace.

Author: How long have you had this café?

Marceli: About ten seasons ago I came back to River Mouth from Dune Town. Both my children were pretty much grown and I needed something to do. Dune Town is a bit dull for my taste. My girl, Dori suggested I open a business and I’ve always like to feed people so here we are. I think you’ve met my boy, Ragus.

Author: I have. I interviewed him earlier this week. He is quite charming.

Marceli: He is a scamp and comes across so arrogant sometimes, but the boy has a heart as big as a dragon. I worry about him nowadays. I wish he would quit the Valley and go back to sea with his sister. But he’s a land lubber. That boy loves the woods and hunting and such. Ah, here’s your food. Enjoy. I’ll be back to check on you.

Author:  Thanks. They’ve brought several selections and I already know that there’s at least one I won’t have the courage to try. Eel is not for me. The fish wrapped in bacon is served with green peas and pearl

onions. It’s delicious once you peel off the skin. The bread is delightful, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. My favorite is the little pies, each with a different filling. Some have chopped meat

and vegetables, others are filled with rice and fish. The best one has a sweet cream filling with pistachios. Yummy.

Marceli: How do you like the food?

Author: It’s all wonderful but I must confess that I didn’t try the eel. I’m not that adventurous.

Marceli: That’s fine. It’s not for everyone.

Author: You mentioned the problems in Common Valley. How has it affected your business?

Marceli: For truth, it’s been good for business. And not just mine but all over here abouts. Folks are leaving the Valley, Demalions and Common folk alike. Some are shipping out, others are looking for work in the area. It’s not a full onslaught just yet, only a few every moon cycle. But mark me here, we Demalions are a tolerant bunch, up to a point. Something bad could happen any time. If Koros is building an army like some say, he expects folks to fight back. He ain’t going to like it when they do.

Author: Wise words, Marceli. Thank you for the food and conversation.

U is for Uless Norbling, shepherd of Shepherd's Hook Isle

Uless Norbling is a shepherd on the little farming island of Shepherd’s Hook in the Pelagus Sea. We’ll meet him again in Marabella, Quest for Magics.

Author: Thank you for agreeing to this interview. I know you don’t get a lot of visitors from other realms here on Shepherd’s Hook.

Uless Norbling: You be the first. Only reason anybody comes here is for sheep; to bring ‘em or take ‘em. But my Queen says you be true, so I trust that you be true.

Author: Thank you. An author can only hope to get an endorsement from a Queen. How long have you lived on Shepherd’s Hook?

Uless: I came here as a nubbin with my mam and pap about fifty seasons ago. Been here ever since.

Author: How many people live on the Isle?

Uless: We gots a fine lil community here of about twenty- eight souls, countin’ nubbins and youngsters.

Author: Is it all your family or a collection of families?

Uless: There be six shepherds countin’ me. Three of us got mates. There’s the weaver and his wife, and four young hands for helpin’. We got thirteen children betwixed one and fourteen and all manner of dogs for the herdin’.

Author: It seems like a solitary existence for a small group of people. How do you handle that?

Uless: We work. There be work for everyone. Even the nubbins help out in the garden or with feedin’ or weavin’, what’s needed. Once a child leaves mam’s hip, they get to workin’. And we ain’t so solitary as you might think. Corsair Island is just a quick jaunt. You can row over there if you got a strong back. The young fellers head over regular to sweet talk with the Ladies of Comfort and drink at the taverns. They got any supplies we needs and the Queen speaks for our safety. Truth is, we got a might easier time than folks in Common Valley. I hear tell they cain’t hardly head out for market days what without being assaulted by them rough boys and soldiers.

Author: I didn’t realize that the news of the unrest in Common Valley had reached out here. I’m surprised you’d find it of interest.

Uless: I see at least one ship a week. Sailors bring all the news from here abouts and the Valley. We be sheltered under the kindness of Queen Dorinda Gold. But every man, woman and youngster best take note at the rise of a despot. Seems to me, from what I heard that this feller Koros is up to somethin’ and it ain’t gonna be good for those in the Valley, Common folk and Demalions alike.

Author: Well said, my friend. Thanks for your time.

Uless: Come back any time.

T is for Tufa, resident of Helfin

Tufa is a long time resident of Helfin and the mother of Marabella’s friend Aberlaine. She was close friends with Marabella’s mother, Mara.

Author: Thank you being here today. Have you always lived in Helfin?

Tufa: I grew up near Riverton. My pap worked on the ferry some, fished some. My mam died when I was a nubbin. I left home at about fifteen seasons, traveled some; then ended up in Helfin just before Aberaline was born.

Author: You were a Lady of the Red Sash?

Tufa: It’s honest work. I had worked as a Lady of Comfort at a brothel in Riverton but it was a rough place, so I left. After Aberlaine was born I started wearing the Sash. Then Mara came along and we all looked out for one another. She never cared for it though. She was much better suited to being a tailor. That girl was a marvel with a needle. It was horrible what Malick done to her. I hope they catch him one day. She was powerful kind to my girl, Aberlaine. Taught her them fine stitches. Aberlaine won’t never have to sell herself.

Author: How is Aberlaine’s tailoring business doing?

Tufa: She does real fine work. She makes us both a good livin’. I help out some but she’s the talent. Business was very good for a while but folks don’t travel so much for market days anymore, what with all the rough boys and soldiers up and down the Valley.

Author: What do you think about Koros and his campaign to get rid of Demalions from the Valley?

Tufa: It’s insanity. I know men, seein’ as how they was my business for many a season. Demalion men, magics or no, ain’t no different from any others. Truth is, they rate kinder than average. I ain’t educated or nothin’ but I don’t believe that all this is really about people at all. I think it is about magics. Some got ‘em and some others want ‘em.

Author: That’s very insightful, Tufa. Thank you.

S is for Sebastian, Moorcat of the Golden Paw Clan

Sebastian is Marabella’s friend and companion. He helped her learn to focus her magics and develop some of her skills. Since Moorcats are telepathic and I’m not, Marabella will interpret for us.

Author: I am honored by the opportunity to interview you. What can you tell me about your race and from where you originate?

Sebastian: We hail from another realm. It was beautiful once. Unfortunately, a cataclysmic event caused much of our world to become uninhabitable. We found some other realms to be more hospitable.

Author: How do you travel between realms?

Sebastian: Magics, of course.

Author: Why do Moorcats seek out green eyed Demalions?

Sebastian: We seek to give them guidance and teach them how to hone their skills.

Author: But why just the Demalions with green eyes?

Sebastian: Most Demalions have some magics. Green eyed Demalions have the potential for great power. Our race has seen that great power unchecked can have grave consequences. We endeavor to guide. It is not our intention to interfere. In fact, we have strict laws which forbid any interaction that might change the course of a human life.

Author: But doesn’t your council and the things you teach them about their magics change their lives?

Sebastian: We make no choices for them. I can see that this concept is difficult for you to understand. Consider books. Humans read books for pleasure but also to guide and inform. The book cannot affect a human physically but may influence the decisions the human makes by providing more complete information. We are like books.

Author: (Really big, kind of intimidating books.) You mentioned that green eyed Demalions have the “potential” for great power. Can you explain?

Sebastian: Certainly. We have found that among Demalions with green eyes, only one in a generation may be found to possess an aptitude for higher magics of any consequence.

Author: Is Marabella that one in a generation?

Sebastian: She is that and more.

Author: I have some questions for you from one of my readers. What is your favorite food? Are you married/joined? Do you hate the water, like our domestic cats?

Sebastian: My favorite food is fresh fish. I have not yet chosen a mate. I quite enjoy being in the water as in bathing or swimming; but not on the water in a ship or boat. The rocking motion of those vessels does not agree with me.

Author: Thank you for your time.

R is for Ragus, lovable rogue

Ragus is a Demalion hunter and warrior. He is close friend and trainer to Marabella.

Author: Thank you for being here today. Ah, a kiss on the hand… so gallant. I don’t know what to say. I’ve heard that you are something of a rouge.

Ragus:  You flatter me, Author. And with me, flattery will get you whatever you want. Sit here, next to me, and let’s get to know one another.

Author: I’m supposed to be interviewing you. Are you okay with that?

Ragus: There’s nothing I’d rather talk about than me. Ask me anything.

Author: I’ve noticed that people in Common Valley seem to have one name; but Demalions from outside the Valley also have a last name like we do where I come from. What is your last name?

Ragus: My full name is Ragus Verragold.

Author: Are you married or otherwise attached?
Ragus: And here I was thinking that your only interest in me was academic. Are you blushing? It’s okay. I like studious, smart women. And of course, they all like me. But seriously, to answer your question, no I am not attached. It wouldn’t be fair to all the women I have yet to meet.

Author: I know that you helped in training Marabella to fight. Where did you receive your training?

Ragus: Training Marabella was easy. We started when she was just a little thing, about twelve. But she took to it well. She has abilities that exceed most seasoned fighters. Her quickness and dexterity are amazing. The girl is quite fearless as well. After Mara, her mother was murdered, she became much more fierce and serious about her fighting skills. She’s an excellent hunter too. 

Author: And you?

Ragus: I learned in many places. Like a lot of Demalions, I have spent time outside Common Valley. I spent two full seasons on the sea when I was just a pup. I learned swordplay from someone I believe you’ve met. Quality Gant taught me the fundamentals of the sword and an old salt named Tweedy Calmseas helped me hone my hand to hand skills. I think they are both on the Scarlett Mermaid now. 

Author: Did you enjoy your time at sea? 

Ragus: I did. I learned a lot. But the salt air was very hard on my hair and I missed hunting.

Author: What about your family? Where did you grow up?

Ragus:  You want the whole story of Ragus? You may have to write another book. When you finish Marabella’s story of course. You are going to finish it, aren’t you?

Author: Yes. I’m working on Marabella’s story. But right now I want to hear a bit more about you.

Ragus: Of course you do. My sister and I were both born on Mercantile Isle. Our parents were merchants there. Our pap shipped out from time to time on various vessels. One day in my thirteenth season, he didn’t come home. Mam moved us to River Mouth and then Dune town. After my stint on the sea I took to hunting and sometimes toured with the Traveling Clan. 

Author: Are your mother and sister still in Dune Town? Do you see them often?

Ragus: My sister, Dori took to the sea. She loves it and it suits her. She’s done very well for herself. Mam is in River Mouth. She has a little café on the boardwalk, near the docks; the Verragold Café. Dori is in port a lot and sees her all time. I always seem to be traveling but I visit when I can. 

Author: You are a good son. Thank you for the interview.

Ragus: You are welcome. Now why don’t we get a bottle of red and you can tell me all about yourself?

Q is for Quality Gant, First Mate on the Scarlett Mermaid

Quality Gant is the First Mate on Queen Dorinda Gold's vessel, the Scarlett Mermaid

Author: What’s it like being the first mate of the Queen’s vessel?

Quality Gant: It be quite the responsibility, I tell it true. My Queen is captain but she is also Queen. When we get back to Corsair Island, our home port, it’s up to me to see that the Mermaid is equipped and ready to sail on the next voyage. Queen Dorinda has matters of state to attend.

Author: I have interviewed a few of your crew. What can you tell me about life on the Queen’s vessel?

Quality Gant: There be quite a few youngsters on this crew, and a few old salts. My second mate is a fine sailor but he’s little more than a boy. That said, I couldn’t ask for a better crew. They all pull their own weight and there ain’t one that I wouldn’t trust to have my back in a fight.

Author: I asked Pandy about relationships aboard. She said you all leave your feelings, good or bad, on shore. Is that true for everyone?

Quality Gant: (chuckles) Pandy is a good sailor. She means what she says. She seems to avoid entanglements that might be worrisome. Not all the crew abide by that same rule as Pandy. There have been romances and a few serious tussles. It’s my job to insure that whatever distractions may come, every sea dog on this crew follows the code.

Author: What is the code?

Quality Gant: The code of conduct which we live and die by. Every swab does his job, no squenching. There be no thievery. Disputes are settled by me. There be more but that about covers it.

Author: Can you explain; what’s a swab and what is squenching?

Quality Gant: Swab, sailor, crewmember. Squenching is pushing duties off to someone else. We don’t abide a lazy sailor.

Author: What kind of punishments are there?

Quality Gant: Depends on the offense. Small offenses get extra duty or a cut in pay. Repeat offenses or something more serious might call for lashes or even the hempen jig.

Author: What’s the hempen jig?

Quality Gant: The noose…getting your neck stretched…hanging. There be little call for such on the Mermaid though. These sailors are some of the best. We all carry an extra sense of responsibility to our Queen. In seasons past, I’ve shipped out with less reputable crews. Some pirate captains take on extra crew at the start of a voyage because they know that some will be sent to Davy Jones locker before the journey’s end. If a captain has a mind to pillage, he hires unsavory types with a knack for killin’. They ain’t always the best sailors.

Author: Thank you Mr. Gant for your time.  

P is for Pandy Yarrow, sailor

I'm running a little behind because I just spent the last two days on the Scarlett Mermaid interviewing two of the crew for the next installments.  What a great experience.

Pandy Yarrow is a female sailor on the Queen's vessel, the Scarlett Mermaid

Author: What’s it like being a female sailor?

Pandy: I don’t get the question. What does being a female have to do with it? I do my job; better than most. That’s why I’m on the Queen’s vessel. Only the best, most loyal and capable sail on the Scarlett Mermaid. Being a sailor is hard work most days, but we have a good crew. Is that what you mean?

Author: Where I come from men and women traditionally have different roles. Fewer women have jobs associated with hard manual labor.

Pandy: Are the women in your realm less capable than men? Is there something that makes them weak?

Author: No. It’s more of a cultural thing, we’re still working to overcome. I suppose that doesn’t apply to you.

Pandy: Not at all. Women here do all the same jobs as men. On a ship, you need strength, of course. But more importantly you must be quick, you must know your job and you must be loyal.

Author: And do women receive the same pay as the men for the same work?

Pandy: What a strange question. Of course. Is this not true in your realm?

Author: Actually, no. Women in my realm still struggle for equal pay for equal work.

Pandy: No wonder you spend so much time in our realm. Do writers make equal pay? Do you make the same as other authors?

Author: I don’t make as much as many other authors but it isn’t because I’m a woman. I haven’t yet reached a level of success that pays much. This is a field where pay inequality doesn’t really apply. But let’s get back on track. I’m supposed to interviewing you.

Pandy: Yes. Yes. Perhaps if you’d finish your next book, you would be more successful?

Author: Yes. I know. I’m working on it. May we continue? Are there relationships aboard ship? If so, does it cause problems?

Pandy: Ah, yes. Working side by side and living in close quarters can lead to romantic feelings. It may also lead to murderous feelings. I know that some think of us as pirates, as if that is a bad word, but it is important for us to maintain strict professionalism while aboard. We must leave the feelings, good or bad, on shore.

Author: Thank you, Pandy. This has been enlightening. And if you ever quit sailing, you may have a future as an interviewer.

O is for Orsino

Orsino is the owner and barkeep at the Roadhouse in Sellwood.

Author: Thanks Orsino for hosting this interview. This is my first visit to your roadhouse. How long have you been in business?

Orsino: Let me fill that cup for you. The missus and me built this place in our youth, near twenty-five seasons ago. We lived upstairs for several seasons, then built our little place down the hill. She wanted a garden and some peace and quiet. Now we let out those rooms to travelers. With the stables, we made a nice living until all this started about Demalions. I count many Demalions among my best customers. They travel quite a lot up and down the Valley so this roadhouse became popular. Let me refill that cup for you, dear.

Author: Thanks. So business hasn’t been as good since the trouble started?

Orsino: Not as many folks traveling these days and them that do travel in larger groups. I had a problem with some rough boys breaking up the place and turning away anybody they thought might be Demalion but some friends put a stop to that. Business still ain’t what it was. I don’t reckon it will be until …well, I don’t rightly know when.

Author: This ale is tasty. Do you brew this yourself?

Orsino: Of course. The missus does most of the brewing. We have a few farms around here that grow different varieties of hops for us. This one has a bit of a kick to it. Can I top that off for you?

Author: Yes, please. (giggles) So…you know Marabella, right?

Orsino: I do. I count her as a friend.

Author: Um…what were we talking about?

N is for Natan, blacksmith, craftsman, and brother to Marabella

Natan is Marabella’s half-brother, son of Halsta, blacksmith of Helfin.

Author: Thanks for being here today. Tell me what it’s been like growing up in Helfin.

Natan: It’s been okay, I suppose. My mother was killed when I was quite young so it’s just been my pap and my brother Glen at home. I would say that I’ve had a normal childhood but I don’t know anything different so it may not be so normal. Having Marabella for a sister probably makes my experience a little unique.

Author: How does Marabella make your experiences unique?

Natan: You’ve met her. You know. Belle keeps things interesting.

Author: How so? Can you explain it to our readers who don’t know her as well?

Natan: I always knew my sis was special, even before anyone mentioned that her pap was Demalion. She lights up a room by walking into it. And she’s always had abilities. She’s smarter than most, picks up on whatever she’s reading easy as you please; always better at physical stuff too. Even when we were little, Belle could run faster, climb higher, and throw straighter. Most folks thought it was because she was fearless. She had the courage to try anything and she usually succeeded. I knew that she was special though. I never could lie to her. No one can. I stopped trying long ago.

Author: Is it difficult having a half-sister with magics when you do not?

Natan: I’ve never thought of Belle as my half-sister. We have different fathers but she’s my sister, plain and simple. As for her abilities and magics and stuff, that don’t mean anything to me. We all have our abilities. Mine is glasswork and blacksmithing. She’s got her magics and telepathy. You write.

Author: Are you concerned about the recent changes in attitudes toward Demalions, since your sister is Demalion?

Natan: What’s going on now in Common Valley is worrysome. I have cause to speak with folks coming through Helfin quite a bit, being in business like we are. Most folks are less worried about Demalions than the rough boys and soldiers that are spreading over the Valley. Some knuckleheads use what they call the unrest as an excuse to make trouble. They single out people that might be Demalion or friendly to Demalions. There’s been a few that tried with us but they change their tune when they realize that we have the only forge around. Ignorance and prejudice don’t fix a wagon wheel.

Author: You are getting a reputation for being quite the craftsman. You do more than regular smithing. Can you tell us about that? When did you start? What do you make?

Natan: Thank you for that. I started tinkering with other mediums when I was just a nubbin. My friend Fellis and his pap are glass smiths. I done learned a lot from them over the seasons. I started hammering out wire and making little figures for my mam when I was too small to swing a big hammer. Over the seasons, I found I

had an aptitude for making more delicate things. I designed and made more refined tools for making jewelry and such. Though, I can still pound out a horse shoe if needed.

Author:  Thank you, Natan.