Melanie Nilles

Welcome back, fantasy fans, for another interview with a character from the upcoming Legend of the White Dragon series from Mundania Press, LLC.

Today, we have a creature part man and part wolf. Legends state they were made to serve the Darklord as a horrid amalgamation of the creatures of the Majera–humans and wolves. However, they developed their own culture and identities. You’ll find they look very much the meshing of both worlds with slightly extended snouts and upright ears but long, black hair on their heads. They are tall–over eight feet–with a fine grayish blue pelt over their entire bodies to the point that they wear no clothes but a cloth for the modesty of their human halves. They have no tails but they do have claws and walk on legs that blend the human and wolf so they put their weight on the balls of their feet. That’s as good of a description as I can give.

Now, we have one of the magi to use their magic to translate, so you can read the transcript as I hear it. (And to keep this C’Lupuc from attacking us. His species isn’t too friendly towards humans.) Their language is like the barking of dogs.

Thank you for joining us, Greechik. What can you tell us about your kind?

[We once dominated the world, according to our history. But the humans and their magi *half-hearted snarl at mage* killed many. My ancestors escaped to the wastelands of the south, where no humans dare to live. We live in the caverns and hunt the creatures that call it home. We live in packs and trade with others, but if the underground rivers run low or hunting is insufficient, territory may be fought over.]

What is pack life like?

[Our leaders are chosen by virtue, usually by an aging leader. Male or female may lead a pack, if they are strong, brave, and earn the respect of the pack. Leaders may be challenged also, but it is rare.]

[The rest follow the leader, because he or she has earned trust in their judgment through their actions. The leader has first pick over their mates before anyone else. The others must have approval.]

[Male and female hunt together while the elders care for the children. Families are mixed and our females are superior to any human.]

*struggles to move but mage subdues*

Have you ever had to fight humans? How do you know your females are superior?

[We have heard stories, and I can see with my own eyes. We will rise again to reclaim the lands that should be ours, in the name of our master. He will send his dragons to signal the day when the packs should gather. We are ready. You humans will not stand long against us.]

You serve this Darklord I’ve heard mentioned, or so I’ve been told. I assume that’s your master. But he didn’t make you, at least not completely. He crossed humans and wolves.

[Wolves are loyal to the pack. Humans are not. They kill and injure their own kind in war. Our stories tell of their–your–selfish ways.]

But you’re human too. Doesn’t that make you a hypocrite?

[You will not sway me with your lies. We claim no relation to humans. We respect our own and do not kill each other.]

But you’ll fight over resources?[You confuse my words. I’ll say no more… But this is why we will win.]

Then I guess we’re done. I guess we’ll have to wait to learn more in Dragon Legacy (January 2009).

Thank you, friends, for joining us for this brief conversation. Be sure to check back next week for a more open guest. We’ll have Dethanea, a golden matriarch of the dragons. If the last dragon wasn’t enough, you’ll get more with this elder drake.

And don’t forget that we’re counting down to the release of the first book of the Legend of the White Dragon series with Dragon Prophecy available the end of January 2008!

(For those joining us for the first time, you can download a PDF file of all the interviews to date.)