Melanie Nilles

Hello to all those who join us for another insightful interview with the characters of the Legend of the White Dragon series!

We’re visiting with General Marjan this week. He is one of the five regional commanders of Cavatar’s army and cavalry. Welcome, General…or should I call you by your first name? What is your first name?

I’d rather not give that but to those who need it.

Then General it is. Tell us something about what you do.

You’ve said so already. I’ve nothing more.

Then perhaps you can tell us about your position.

I oversee a regiment of eight thousand fighting men in the north central region of Cavatar, plus all the men and women and livestock that supply them. Mind now, not all year do they fight, but return to families and homes; nor are they together but deployed under their captains to where they are needed. In recent years, I’ve had orders to maintain a…we’ll say a large fraction…on rotation through the winter, as Tyrkam has not stopped for the cold seasons. I’ll not let Cavatar fall.

That’s impressive, and you sound like a loyal officer. Can you tell us how you came to command so many men?

*scowls* I earned my commission. I grew up in a merchant family but wanted to serve something greater than money. I had wealth enough at thirteen to pay for the best training of the country’s finest officers. Under Cathmor’s teaching, I stood out and was placed as a lower Lieutenant by the age of nineteen. By my thirtieth year, I was a captain at Setheadroc under General Hammel. Five years later, he recommended me to replace General Korsden, who had died in battle, and the king approved. I have commanded this legion for twelve years.

That’s…twenty-four years, a long service, most of your life, in fact.

An I’d not change a thing. My family understands, though I see little of them in recent years. I’d give it up only if I knew they would be safe, but the situation grows worse. I’ll not have my daughters made slaves to his brigands nor my son…*he looks away to hide his face* Pardon me, lass, I meant my youngest son…to be slaughtered because he would fight against tyranny. He is a proud lad, loyal to his family and his country.

Who’d follow in his father’s footsteps?

Aye. That he would.

Do you see your family often?

Every winter and most of the summer. I travel often but stay with them in our home–I’ll not say where for their protection–as much as I can.

What can you tell us of the current strategy to confront Tyrkam?

Nothing.

Not even a hint?

His spies are everywhere. I’ll not risk it.

All right. I get the hint. So, what does a man like you dream of, besides peace and security?

You’ve said it there. Peace and security would allow me to return to my family.

Not much of a talker. Are you?

Not when it comes to current strategies and expectations.

Well…thank you, General. We’ll see you again, next year.

Thank you, readers, for joining us. I promise next week to give you something unique–a dragon! Actually, it’s one of the drakin, a small reptile of the Second Realm, the sanctuary of the dragons. I must warn you–they like to talk!

Mark your calendars for next week!