Melanie Nilles

Hello, again! We’re getting close to the release of Dragon Prophecy, the first of the four-book series, Legend of the White Dragon. Today we have what you might call the main character, or in this case, the main main character, Calli.

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

I am honored to be asked.

About me…What interests you to know? I am the daughter of Kaillen, who spent eight years as the trainer of the royal guards and a weapons master, but he never liked attention. I spent more than ten years of my life as his student, most of that training beyond the eyes of others, who frown upon a woman bearing arms rather than children.

But I’ll be no one’s possession. My father taught me to value freedom, integrity, honesty, and life. He told me that I could be more than the personal attendant of Istaria Isolder. Though I love my lady, I love him far more. Where she gave me friendship, he gave me the world, or at least the belief that I was not limited by it.

Your father must be pretty special.

He was. Three years ago, he left this world. Bitten by a snake, though they found no trace of the creature but for the marks on shoulder.

I’m sorry to hear that. I can see you miss him. How does your mother feel?

*scowls* Cook bore no love for the man. I’ve not figured what he saw in the woman, not that he ever gave her his care. She has no love for me, but to be naggin about my duties. *crosses her arms* I imagine mother glad he passed, that she no longer answers to him over me. He’d put her in her place, he would, when she was wantin to run me to ruin.

Well, what about your daily duties? What do you do?

Since we moved to the palace upon the king’s summons, I’ve been the Lady Istaria’s closest friend, or attendant. She’d call me friend, I know. I’ve the honor of fulfilling her needs and command of the other servants. Though she uses no words, I’ve learned to understand what she wishes. I also know her favorite dress, hair clip and style–the silver of her thick hair is beautiful by moonlight or sun–hiding place, games…so much of what makes her special.

But I’ve never seen her face. The queen forbid it.

We were trouble as children, but no worse than Phelan. He’d play pranks and blame us. A pest he was to us, but we found ways to return the trouble.

What do you like best about your position?

A friend, though mute and hidden, in whom I can trust my secrets. She is only nine moon cycles younger.

What is your least favorite duty?

I’ve none of the rotten duties. As Istaria’s personal attendant, she’ll not allow less than courtly treatment of me. I wish only that we could speak as friends, to hear her laugh with me.

If I had not her to serve, I would dread the palace. I am no lady to be imprisoned behind stone walls and ornamentation, no matter the finery. Much rather would I exercise Black, my father’s horse, or run barefoot through the meadow in spring.

If you had one wish, what would it be? (I think I know what to expect)

To have my father back.

If two, then also to find those responsible for his death. Ayrule has no poisonous snakes, that I’ve been told. I heard rumors of an assassin sent to murder Kaillen.

What would you do if you had your second wish?

They deserve to die as he did! They killed a good man, a loving man, who hurt no one who did not deserve the thrust of his sword. I would be certain they suffered for their crimes.

I understand your pain. I hear the passion in your voice. Kaillen must have been quite special to have someone care so deeply.

He was.

Thank you, Calli, for taking the time to speak with us. We’ll meet you again in the future. I hope you get your wish!

Thank you, readers, for joining us! Be sure to return next week with the last dragon interview. Two firedrakes have agreed to join us. Sethirngal, the oldest of the elder drakes, and Anthârgal, the eldest of the younger drakes and son of Sethirngal.

(So near the end but haven’t been following along?  Click here to download a PDF file of all character interviews.)