Melanie Nilles

Welcome to another interview! Today we have Makleor from the upcoming Legend of the White Dragon series.

Thank you for joining us. Please, tell us something about yourself.

About me? What isn’t about me? *chuckles* Not any old man but the one who caused the problems.

I am Makleor, last of those known as the Great Magi, the children of Tahronen. Because of me the white dragon died, and I have sworn my life to aid his return. He made me immortal and set this task for me. I long to see it done. Too long have I lived while better men, and women, passed on.

What do you mean when you say, “Because of [you] the white dragon died”?

I was there, at the cave where he slept. Though I was not myself under Lusiradrol’s enchantment, I cast the spell that he sleep without notice of the soldier I led to him. It was…unfortunate, a terrible mistake. In that understanding, her spell broke. I knew I had wronged the world. A penance I now serve; yes, a penance. In my actions, I satisfied the future foreseen.

Why do you say that?

Some dragons have the power to foresee events. He knew his end would come before he could fulfill his purpose. My fate was chosen. I wronged the world, but I hope to make it right. Then, I may rest. Eternal rest.

What was his purpose?

To destroy Lusiradrol and the one who resides in her, her true self. That one we must not speak; to hear his name would break the magic binding them. That may yet come, if Gilthiel returns in time…before the other emerges.

What if he doesn’t, return in time, that is?

Then I failed. I’ve done what I can. The rest I leave to fate to bring the chosen one where she may best find guidance.

And, how will the white dragon return?

*shrugs* Unknown. He said no more than through another.

Going back to you again, tell us about before the white dragon, or Gilthiel.

Before…before…Not much. No, not much I remember. Too long ago that was. I should have passed more than two thousand years ago.

How old are you?

*one blue eye glints with amusement* Far older than you may expect.

Can you give us a number?

I no longer know. To guess, perhaps four thousand. It all blurs after a few hundred years.

Oh. That’s a long time. Do all the magi live so long?

No. My brothers and sisters all had long lives; an effect of having one of the immortal Majera as a mother. I was cursed by Gilthiel’s spirit the day he died, to watch for the day he would return and prepare the way for the chosen one.

You must have seen many events in four thousand years. What is the most significant, that you can remember?

Hmm… So many. Too many. Civilizations crumble and are rebuilt on the ruins of the old. The world has seen much change in that time. Perhaps the most significant is the one which I dare not speak, in fear she would discover the truth. Lusiradrol’s terrible Red Clan must stay dead.

I have a feeling we could go on all evening, but we’re out of time. Thank you for enlightening us, Makleor.

I am aware you will speak soon with a dragon. Wonderful! Much more will they explain. Yes, far more. Older, wiser, they have seen far more than me.

Two weeks. Now I will have no patience. Next week we will sit with the farmer’s, Eldred’s, sons, Ellead and Siannon. The week after that the first of at least two dragons will join us.

Good night!