Melanie Nilles

Welcome! It’s another week–and a day delayed–and we’re back for an interview with Vahrik, son of the warlord, Tyrkam, from the Legend of the White Dragon series.

Thank you for joining us today. We’ve heard from several others that your father has taken over parts of the large continent of Ayrule and has caused hardship for much of the people. How do you feel about this?

He does what he will for reasons only he can say. While I understand none of the truth he avoids, this war is nothing. They make their own suffering. My *father* is more than fair in his dealings…far more than the people deserve.

I see…You’re, what, about eighteen-nineteen? You were not raised in Wynmere. Where did you live before?

We traveled in my youth. I remember time in different halls in my youth, when my father first built his army with fierce men–criminals, I believe now–and convinced the smaller lords of Larenthan to support him.

Not long ago, with the large army loyal to us, we conquered Wynmere Castle. We’ve lived there since.

When you say “convinced the smaller lords”, I assume–from what we’ve heard about Tyrkam–you mean threatened?

He did what he had to. But it was that Lusiradrol woman who did much of the threatening. My lord and father had only to say her name and they obeyed him. The king’s cousin, however, would not yield. The Isolders sent two regiments to defend the territory of the Wynmere. It fell in little more than a moon cycle. That was our doing; nothing of Lusiradrol’s.

Who is this Lusiradrol you mention?

A woman of magic. I’ve heard their talk and her threats, but nothing more than political meddling. Tyrkam would do well enough without her.

Without her, but you said the mention of her name could make some cower.

Not all men fear her.

Do you?

*Scoffs* Never. I’ve seen nothing of her to prove she is any more powerful than me. Any wench can be conquered, including her.

Well, let’s move on. Do you expect Tyrkam will conquer Cavatar?

I do. He is ambitious and a great leader, and the kingdom is ripe and ready to fall. In fact, I’d say it’s wilting. The king is only a figurehead. He has no real authority. The provincial governors bicker and dispute. They’re ready for a real leader with the strength to force them into agreement.

The kingdom will fall, and we will be there to unite all the lands into one.

You say that as if you expect a position in his new vision.

I am his only heir. If anything happens to him, I am destined to step forward, and I am prepared for that day.

What about his lieutenant, Dorjan?

Darkness take him! He is an advisor. He will not live long beyond Tyrkam’s death.

Very well. I see we’re out of time.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

And thank you, readers, for joining us for another interview with one of the many characters in the fantasy series, Legend of the White Dragon.

Come back next week, when we’ll sit with Gayleana, one of the Lumathir women and sister to Damaera Isolder.

(Want to catch up on the previous 13 character interviews?  Download the PDF with all interviews to date.)