Interview of Slatnichor, a dwarf of Harrodarr. The door opens proceeding the heavy clumping sounds of iron rimmed boots. The chair scoots out and above the height of the table I can barely make out a scruffy face. At the table now is Slatnichor, a dwarf of Harrodarr. Me: "Welcome, sir dwarf. May I get you a drink? I know your journey was a long one." Slatnichor: "No, no. If you can only direct me to where I can get you a drink. I will get it for you. I am thankful to have journeyed to your world for but a time. Never have I read of such an occurrence in all the books of the Estate! At least not the ones Brethor has for me to read!" *the dwarf scuttles off, finding a nearby pitcher of water before pouring each of us a glass* Me: "Well now that my thirst is quenched, let us talked about you. Slatnichor dwarf of ---" Slatnichor: "Call me Slats. It is what they call me at Elinathrond." Me: “Slats. Got it. So tell me how a dwarf has helped the city of Elinathrond. What defenses against outside forces have you taken part of? Any smithing?” Slats: “Smithing! Ha! Now there is an assumption I would expect! I love to take a hammer and pound out some roasting hot ore but alas, this dwarf has not done such a task in some time. I chop wood and if not chopping wood, Cusis has me making pies aside from my normal servant duties. Although, I dare say I am any good at pie making.” Me: “So you are a servant, pie-maker, woodsman?” “Wood-dwarf. I am no man. I do not care for many men, nor does the elf. She and I had quite the ordeal the last time those bastard men of the Legions were near us. A lot of good dwarves and elves died.” Me: “You speak of the tragedy in Taria. I believe readers of this will learn soon of that travesty.” Slats: “That is a sad memory and I wish not to remember it right now. There is already too much sadness in the city to think of what happenings were before our time. Elinathrond was suppose to be safe. I digress from our topic, of much history I do enjoy and of lately my reading has taken me to the subject of wine-making.” Me: “Are you preparing for the arrival of the new winemaker?” Slats: “Yes, I am. I am to be their assistant.” Me: “Have you been an assistant before?” Slats: “I have had interest but Loria, the previous winemaker, had a less than patient times with dwarves. He was of the old thinking, he fought against the dwarves many times. I am too young to remember such happenings but I know of them. He was a good elf but stubborn, if I can say without dishonoring him.” Me: “I understand he died in a fire?” Slats: “Died is one wording of it, Cusis and I believe he was killed but we are not sure who did it. I am wary of being in the winery for that reason no doubt!” Me: “Wine in the north, an odd choice don’t you think? Grapes that far north? Is Elinathrond not very cold?” Slats: “You must understand that our wine is much more than a fine drink. I dare say it is a life-force, and one that has run out--- oh dear, I must get going! *Slats leaves the table and head towards the door* Me: “Wait! I had a few more questions!” Slats: “Sorry dear sir, come to the estate and we will share some wine and talk of it! I must hurry, I left pies in the oven! Cusis told me not to burn the pies again! He is going to kill this dwarf!” *The door slams shut and I am alone again* Another interview with a character from Winemaker of the North is available! Click here to meet a mage and decide yourself if he is for good or ill. Read more of Slats and the city of Elinathrond in the sword-and-sorcery novel Winemaker of the North! Feel free to share this post via Facebook and Twitter below!
Interview of Ustavis, Mage of Elinathrond
I sit in a dark room at a candlelit wooden table. I await Ustavis. A snap in the air and a white flash. I shield my eyes and blink trying to see pass the spots. I hear the chair scape against the ground and my vision begins to clear. An old man in a white robe holding a large wooden staff comes in to view and is now sitting across from me. Ustavis: “Greetings.” Me: “”Greetings to you. You have travelled far to meet with me.” Ustavis: “I do not know the distance from the City of Elinathrond to this place but my home is the last refuge of magic in the lands and is where I am at least for a time. You seek to ask me questions? Let us get on with it, I am a busy man. Me: “Well I was not planning to ask you but just a few questions and it is more so to allow others to get to know you.” Ustavis: “Very well.” Me: “What is your name and your particular profession?” Ustavis: “Ustavis and I’m a Wandering Mage as it is called in these days not a profession but what the stars and the moon have blessed me with. I have travelled much in search for an end to the curse of the lands.” Me: “So are you a healer too? Do you seek to help the people of Elinathrond?” Ustavis: “I seek to help some of them.” Me: “Why not all of them, it is a sickness of those of magic, if I understand it right?” Ustavis: “You do not understand it and are as gullible as those of the city if you believe that nonsense, it is much more than some winter cold or old man’s affliction. It was a deliberate assault upon all creatures of magic be they Elf, Dwarf, Fairies, or those like myself that can use magic.” Me: “Okay, so why not help all of those of the city?” Ustavis: “Because not all deserve it and some should be more careful within the short hours of daylight to not get burned in their own lies.” *angry grimace* Me: “Okay… well I’m not sure of what you mean, but can I continue my questions?” Ustavis: “Of course.” *smiles* “I brought us some wine.” Me: “Wine, well I do not drink when I’m doing interviews but thank you.” Ustavis: *shakes head* “Well I can say some would rather wish to have some of this wine, seeing as the Winemaker of Elinathrond has died.” Me: “Has he?” Ustavis: There was a horrible fire. He did not escape.” Me: “A tragedy, so he was killed in a fire?” Ustavis: “Yes. The smoke can be quite thick in the narrow chasm leading towards the winery. He was one of the last remaining Elves too. His daughter was devastated… Elves are curious creatures, give them a garden and some fairies to help tend it and you can qualm any sadness they have.” Me: “I’m sure there is more depth to an Elf than that?” Ustavis: “Let us finish your questions, I grow tired.” Me: “Very well, is it true that most cannot leave the city?” Ustavis: “Well anyone can leave but Brethor forbids it, except for myself.” Me: “And Brethor is the Lord of the city? How do you have special privilege?” Ustavis: “We have an understanding and well yes, he is Lord of Elinathrond, ruling above us from his highly estate in upmost rightful rule.” *sarcastic tone* Me: “I sense you do not like him.” Ustavis: “But a piece of a greater plan, dear sir. I have no qualm that cannot be dealt with in a manner of choosing but the time is not right. A new Winemaker is coming and I do look forward to his arrival.” Me: “That was actually a good lead in to my final question, do you know of this man coming?” Ustavis: “I know of him being sought but not much more. I sense his coming will bring great happiness to the city but I hope I can speak to him before any lies are spread to him. Me: “Is there any other comments you wish to tell the reader?” Ustavis: “Only one, and it is to those within the walls of Elinathrond: Leave now.” *flash of light, Ustavis dissapers.* Thank you for reading. Learn more of Ustavis in my fantasy novel available now: Winemaker of the North! You can also read another interview, this one with a dwarf, click here! |
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