Interview with King Diagus

An interview with King Diagus from

The Servant Crown

We are talking with King Diagus Amar of Blade Rain. Thank you for having us, Your Majesty.

No problem.

So, let’s start with this castle. Blade Rain. Pretty intimidating if you ask me.

(Looks around) No. Just your average 300 room castle.

Haunted?

(Smirks) Aren’t they all?

With ghosts?

Naturally.

Oh! I would love to see a ghost!

(Cocks his head narrowing his eyes) I would just let them be if I were you.

Let them be? No! Let’s not! Please, tell me about some of the ghosts that walk these halls.

(Grinning) Not my stories to tell but you’re welcome to stay the night and see if any of them might indulge you.

Really? That would be wonderful!

(Chuckle)

Speaking of ghosts, what can you tell me about Ice Dragon Pass? Is it truly cursed?

Absolutely.

How do you know?

Stories from the unbelievers who arrogantly go in late, thinking they would prove otherwise, and actually make it back out. Oddly, the stories vary. From shadows coming to life to pitfalls suddenly opening underneath travelers, to shifting pathways that lead to dead ends, no two accounts have been the same. But it only proves the curse does exist with stories like that.

Why is it cursed? Who cursed it?

That knowledge was never passed down. I’m afraid no one knows why…or who.

Wow. Really? That seems so strange.

I thought so, too. But I have read every book in this castle, every account of every session of every king since when they began to write these things down. I’ve talked to minstrels, young and old, who would have the knowledge in songs or poems that the books do not and …nothing. It’s as if the spirits don’t want us to know.

Wouldn’t it make some sense that it was a witch, perhaps from Dark Marsh, that did it? Who else would have the power?

(Shrugs) Maybe. Dark Marsh is a very mysterious place.

What can you tell me about Dark Marsh?

Not much. I’ve only been there once and honestly don’t plan on visiting again any time soon.

(Nods) Yes. You were there once when you save Tama and Aydin, his son.

Actually, Aydin is my son, Tama’s nephew. And I wasn’t the one who did the saving.

What happened?

(Sigh) Again, I’m not sure. I really wasn’t much of a witness. That would be a question to direct to Tama.

Is he here?

Of course. With his ability to attract trouble, he is no longer allowed out of my sight.

Are you serious?

(Laughs) No. He might be smaller than me but he is very capable of taking care of himself. And our little man.

Ah, the little man. What’s it like to be a father?

(Laughs again) I’m still learning. I will tell you one thing, it’s exhausting.

I understand he can wield a little magic?

No, not Aydin. But he does have a toy rabbit that Tama made. That thing seems to be filled with magic. It seems to act as a strong barrier between Aydin and evil. Probably a good thing in this…haunted castle. (Wink)

Oh. We’re back to that, are we? So, tell me, have you seen any?

Ghosts? Nope. Tama has though. At least, that’s what he tells me.

Really?

Being a healer he seems to be much more aware of things like that. He has a way with plants and herbs, things like that. He has a vast knowledge about many things that are natural and maybe more than a few that are un-natural. (Shrugs) I don’t question it.

Tama has seem ghosts wandering these halls? Has he been able to identify any?

Like who? Past kings? Past queens?

Have there been?

Well, I did read about an account from a past king about a tree he found in Raven Bog. The tree was large and formidable and in the way of a road the king wanted to build. The king ordered it cut down but his men all refused. Seemed there was an image of a face in the trunk and they all considered it sacred. The king looked for and found the face. I understand it was quite clear. Eyes, nose, mouth. Even teeth. But evidently the king was not impressed. The king ordered once again to cut it down although it took him a while to find enough men to do it. He then had it made into a footboard for his bed. (chuckle) Wouldn’t you know, the carpenter used that particular piece of wood with the face on it. Put it right there in the center so it could stare up at the king while he slept. Now, kings are not normally frightened of much. But after only a single night in that bed, the king had the footboard moved to a different bed in a far away room in the castle.

(Whispering) What happened to him?

The way the story is told, the king said the face in the footboard came to life in the middle of the night. It opened its mouth wide enough to swallow a man whole. It evidently tried to tip the bed so the king would roll right in, but its rotten, stinking breath woke the king and he was able to jump from the bed just in time, scraping an arm in the process. After hearing all the commotion, his guards rushed in but they found nothing out of the ordinary…except their king sitting on the floor with a bleeding arm. The face in the wood had returned to – well – not normal exactly. Seems there was a tiny trickle of blood coming from its wooden mouth.

Blood?  Is the footboard… is it still in the castle?

I’m not sure. I can’t imagine it’s not, but no one knows where it is. The servants say they have looked for it for years but none of the beds have a face on the footboard. However, the rumor is, it is on the hunt for human blood. Once it had a taste of it, it wants more.

So…

It wanders the castle. It might be able to travel from room to room, bed to bed, which is why no one can find it. (A door closes in the distance but a window rattles close by)

(Jumping and then looking frantically around) Maybe it’s wise we change the subject?

(Diagus yawned and stretched) Maybe it’s wise we head to bed. It’s late. I’ll have a servant show you to a room.

Ummm…a room? Bed? No. I mean, I don’t see any reason I need to stay overnight. I have plenty of story right here for my blog.

Ahhh. You mean you don’t want to catch a ghost?

Someone once told me to let them be! That’s what I always say, too. Let. Them. Be!

(Chuckle)

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Interview with Sawyer

Blurb:

Trace is nursing a broken heart. He lost his job, his boyfriend of two years was cheating on him, and his apartment building burned right to the ground with all his worldly possessions.  It was time for Trace to get out of Minnesota. 

So Trace heads for Texas and Riven Creek Ranch, the horse farm his aunt Lois owns. But hours before he arrives, Lois is in a terrible car accident that nearly takes her life, and Trace finds himself in charge of the ranch kitchen. Sounds simple enough and it's the least he can do for his recuperating aunt.  

Then Sawyer happens.

Sawyer is his aunt's big, beautiful, muscle bound, incredibly sexy straight ranch manager. Someone who has no clue Trace is gay. And meeting the big man should have been okay, except it was in the middle of his aunt's kitchen at five in the morning and Trace was nearly naked. Embarrassing? Yep. But the very next day Trace proceeded to ramp up his embarrassment by quantum leaps when he nearly sets his aunt's house on fire and the brooding Sawyer has to come to the rescue. 

Seems like Trace's "luck" followed him.

Not to mention that Aunt Lois's "accident" was actually attempted murder. And now, they just might want Trace dead, too. 

Can Trace figure out who's behind the attempts on his aunt's life AND keep Sawyer from finding out he's hot for the cowboy? 

He probably can’t. But he’s going to try.

Character interview with Sawyer Elliot

Thank you for talking with me this morning, Mr. Elliot. May I call you Sawyer?

Sure.

So you are the ranch manager here at Riven Creek Ranch. Can you tell me a little bit about your job?

Well, I’m in charge. All the ranch hands answer to me. I establish the work schedule and make sure everyone is properly trained and following procedures. We’re not overly staffed so everything is a delicate balance. (chuckles). Thankfully we all work well together. It’s not easy taking care of this facility. The maintenance alone is a full time job. 

It must be expensive to run this place.

Absolutely. I should know, too, since I have to put together the budget every year.

Care to share that figure with us?

I don’t think I should but it’s a crazy high one.

Is there a lot of paperwork that goes along with your job? This office you have is fairly large and there doesn’t seem to be a lack of paper on your desk.

There is a mountain of paperwork. From keeping personnel files on the employees to keeping accurate files on each and every horse on the ranch. We monitor weight, health, feed. When they last saw the vet or farrier. Horses tend to injure themselves, too, so we have to daily monitor that. And if an animal is sick or truly injured? Then let’s talk about paperwork! Not to mention all the state and federal regulations I need to keep up with along with repair records on all the equipment. So, yes, there is paperwork.

Tell me about your relationship with the ranch hands.

(Laughs) We have a good one. All of us. We’re more like a family here. I know a lot of places probably say that but here it’s the truth. These guys have my back and I have theirs.

What do you mean?

We work well together. Each of us pretty much knows what the other guy is thinking, what they need. My guys never question me and oftentimes don’t even need direction from me. They see what has to get done and they get it done.

How does that say family?

Well, maybe it doesn’t say family. It does shout respect. There is not one of these guys I wouldn’t take a bullet for. I think they would do the same for me.

So what about family? Where’s yours?

I don’t have one. I was an only child and my parents died a long time ago.

No aunts or uncles? Cousins?

Nope.

Love life?

(Laughs) Nope. Nada. Don’t believe in it.

You don’t believe in love?

I don’t believe there is that special someone out there for me.

Really? Why’s that?

Do you see him?

Him?

Yeah, I’m gay. So what? Everyone knows and they have no problem with it.

Wow. That alone is something, don’t you think?

Oh, don’t get me wrong. I had issues when I first took over. It’s taken five years to get the crew I have. That’s why I call them family because they accept me for who I am and respect me for the job I do. In turn, I put a lot on these boy’s shoulders and not once have they disappointed me.

So, none of them have caught your eye?

No.

That’s pretty definitive.

That’s because it is. And each and every one of them knows that.

That’s kind of sad.

A relationship would only mess things up.

I disagree.

What are you talking about?

I think you’re going to be surprised one day Sawyer Elliot. I think a very special man is going to walk into your life and turn you into a believer. And I think it’s going to be very soon. What do you say to that?

I’d say you’re crazy. It’s not going to happen.

Ha! Famous last words. (laughs)

Character interview with Logan Perry from “A Place to Belong”

 Blurb:

Logan Perry was offered a job caring for an elderly lady a thousand miles from his home in Iowa. Looking for a place to hide, it seems to be the perfect opportunity to escape. So Logan runs to Texas. All he wants is a roof over his head and food in his stomach. So moving into the amazing McFarren Manor he believes is all he needs.

Bradley McFarren is only looking for someone to care for his aging grandmother. Too busy with the family multi-billion dollar real estate firm, he just doesn't have time. With no personal life to speak of, Bradley has kept his heart safe. As long as Gail, his beloved grandmother, is cared for, he thinks it's all he needs.

But what both their hearts truly desire is a place to belong.

So begins the journey of a love that will not be denied; a love bigger than the state of Texas.

The Interview

Good morning, Mr. Perry. May I call you Logan?

Absolutely.

Thank you for talking with me this morning.

This is for an article on the McFarren’s?

Yes. Don’t worry. Mr. Bradley McFarren has given me permission to do this.

Oh. Good. Go ahead, then.

Well, first question is how had you heard about this job? I understand you are originally from Iowa?

Yes, a small town. Mr. McFarren’s business is buying and selling real estate and it just so happened that the care facility I was working in at the time was purchased by a company he owned… or something like that. Anyway, there was a rumor going around that Brad… I mean, Mr. McFarren was buying all these care facilities looking for the perfect place for his grandmother. I decided to check into it and found out that he was actually looking for a full time, live in nurse. So I applied.

Elder care is a specialty of yours?

I guess. It’s the only thing I’ve done since graduating from college. I think I’m good at it.

It’s a tough profession. A lot of high stress.

Yes. That’s true. We were trained to separate ourselves from the patient and family, to stay focused on care and care alone. I actually don’t really like that. I think it’s important to bond with your people, especially the residents. A lot of them no longer have family who even come to see them. I feel awful that someone might end up dying alone.

But in contrast to that, you decided to leave Iowa and the nursing home circuit and care for only one patient. Why is that?

I needed a change. I needed out of that small town.

I see. Why is that?

(Fidgets) Well, I’m… I just needed a change, that’s all. It was time for me to get out on my own completely.

Do you miss your family?

No.

(Raises eyebrows) Really? So you have no real contact with them?

No.

Okay, moving on. Is caring for Ms. Gail McFarren difficult?

(Smiles) No. She is the sweetest thing. I love her so much. She is a great joy to serve. Every one of the staff thinks the same way.

How many staff is there in that huge house?

Other than me there are two more full time nurses. They don’t live in the house though, just me. I am the only one who actually lives in the house. Oh, except the chef. He has a couple of rooms off the kitchen. Then there are various other house hold people who keep the house clean. There is a staff’s house that sits behind the mansion where some of them live.

A staff’s house? What’s that like?

I honestly don’t know. I have never been invited. If the staff gets together for any reason we always use the main house. I understand it’s lovely, though. Bright and airy. Quite large. Very comfortable.

So speaking of the main house. What do you think of McFarren Manor?

Oh, it’s wonderful! I have been so privileged to have been able to live there for almost three years now. I have an incredible room, although it’s quite small compared to the rest.

I understand the mansion boasts ten bedrooms, fourteen bathrooms, an office, a library, a ball room… I could go on.

(Laughs) Yes, McFarren manor is huge. There used to be a lot of parties given under that roof.

Not anymore?

Oh no. Mrs. McFarren is far too weak to be the hostess these days.

I understand she is gravely ill?

(Nods)

Can you tell me about it?

(Shakes head) I… I would rather not talk about it.

I understand. So maybe tell me about the family then.

(Shrugs) Not much to tell. No one really comes to visit. I feel badly for Mrs. McFarren that her only real visitor is her grandson, Bradley. I don’t know what’s wrong with her family. If they don’t come soon, they will miss her.

Meaning?

Gail is dying.

I’m so sorry. Are there any plans for you when Mrs. McFarren passes?

That’s another subject I would rather not talk about.

I understand. How about Bradley McFarren, then?

(Big Smile) What about him?

Well that’s a nice smile. You obviously get along with him.

Yes. Best boss I’ve ever had.

What is it you like about him?

He’s kind and attentive. (Leans in) Very handsome. (Sits back and chuckles) But truly, he tries so hard make sure Gail has everything and anything she wants. Even me. He makes sure I’m happy, too. I like him very much.

Sounds like it might be a little bit more than “like”?

Oh, completely one-sided, I assure you. But… I guess I have to be content with that. (Sighs)

Thank you, Logan. We might need to follow up with you later on and get an update?

(Smiles) Maybe.

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Character Interview with Max Tyler

Max Tyler from I Believe Now Talks about his Asher

Thanks for talking with me today Mr. Tyler. To begin with I want to acknowledge your status in this city. You’re a pretty important man.

I’m not sure what you mean by ‘important’.

Well, you’re political influence is relatively substantial, to say the least.

(Nodding) I have friends who discuss things with me.

Actually what I understand, you talk, they listen. There’s no real discussion.

(Chuckles) That’s quite the exaggeration.

What about the police? I understand you have the police chief’s personal cell number and can call it anytime.

Actually, it’s the chief who has my cell. He calls me.

See? That’s what I mean. They listen to you.

I will admit that I have knowledge of certain organizations and networks in this city. Occasionally the police rely on me to help steer them in the right direction.

I think that’s rather influential, don’t you?

I call it rather intelligent on their part.

So intelligent that, in fact, someone tried to not only assassinate you last year but blew your office up while you were still in it. I understand you were saved because of your desk? Care to talk about that?

(Smirk) It was a very small explosive but yes, someone thought they could eliminate me. I was shielded by my desk which was made of a very specific material capable of withstanding such personal type explosives.

You hid underneath it.

I did.

But you weren’t alone. You also saved the life of the man who actually brought the bomb in?

(Chuckles again) Yes. Asher Madden was with me at the time. And yes, he brought in the bomb but the clueless kid had no idea that was what he had done.

And now he’s your lover?

No comment

Really? There certainly seems to be something going on between the two of you.

Hmmm?

He’s living with you, you protect him by surrounding him with your people. Why are you afraid to admit it?

I’m not afraid of anything. I just don’t discuss my love life with the public.

Ahhh! See? I was right. You’re in love.

(Smile)

That’s so sweet! Tell me about Asher. What is it you like about him?

(Looks away for a moment) He’s… life. He’s full of life. He reminds me that there is actual pleasure that can be extracted from our existence in this dark world. He makes me crazy. He makes me emotional. He’s… everything.

Is this the first time you’ve been in love?

Absolutely. I have never felt this way about anyone or anything.

So what is your loved one doing these days?

(Laughs) I commissioned a number of Chicago calendars called Chicago Illusions. He won the contract as the photographer. So he’s been busy running around the city getting the best photos he can in order to tell the story he wants to tell about his beloved Chicago.

You commissioned it? You mean you did it to keep him busy?

I did it to keep him out of trouble.

Trouble?

Yes. My past has a few unresolved… issues.

Ahhh. You mean former congressman Wyatt Jackson. He didn’t end up in prison like you expected him to, did he?

(Huffs) I don’t think Jackson has it in him to come back at me. I think he just might believe I’m still out to get him so he’s going to go underground and stay there. But, yes, keeping Asher busy but close and protected is my number one top priority. He tends to be too interested in stories that make the front page as opposed to the one he can tell with these calendars.

So you think he’s unaware of the possible danger?

Danger? There’s no danger. Like you said, I have him surrounded. In fact, once I learned Jackson was released I sent in a couple more people to keep Asher safe. But yes again, he’s totally unaware and that’s the way I want to keep it. His handlers are fully alert. That’s all I need.

Still, people make mistakes. And in the end, that’s all we are. People.

Not mine. They’re not allowed. Especially the ones who protect my Asher.

Really? So you expect no problems at all from Mr. Jackson?

(Sigh) I didn’t say that. Unfortunately he has fallen off my radar. That in itself is a problem. But I think he’s simply gone underground.

Doesn’t sound like you are all that confident.

I’m confident in that I can protect Asher. That’s all I need.

That’s very interesting you think that. Good luck to you, then. Thank you for talking to me.

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Character Interview with Asher Madden

Blurb:

Max Tyler and Asher Madden are back—and so is a very angry man from their past. A man who believes he has been extremely wronged by the great Max Tyler.

Wyatt Jackson knows it was Max who made it impossible for him to be re-elected and that was all the politician had been after. Plus, due to the lies Max told, Jackson nearly ended up in prison.

Jackson not only wants his life back, he wants Max Tyler dead.

First step? Kidnap Max's precious Asher Madden.

Max is well aware of his error in not taking care of Wyatt Jackson when he had the chance. He just didn't think the man had it in him to bite back. But Asher is now in the former Congressman's dirty hands and in order to rescue him, Max needs a plan. One that can't fail.

But what happens when it does?

Hello, Mr. Madden. So nice to meet you.

Call me Asher. Nice to meet you, too. I was told you wanted to talk to me?

I do. Did they tell you I also talked with Mr. Tyler?

Max mentioned something. What can I do for you?

Well, first of all, I’m curious. What does it feel like to be the lover of one of the most powerful men in the city?

(Blushes) You mean Max? Yeah, I guess he’s pretty powerful. Pretty pushy, too.

Pushy?

Yeah. He’s like this huge alpha male. Won’t let me be alone. He always has all these people follow me and I have no choice in the matter. Thinks I can’t tie my own shoe laces.

He refers to it as providing protection.

From what? He constantly thinks someone’s out to get me. He acts like I can’t take care of myself. It makes me crazy sometimes.

Sounds like he loves you.

Love? I don’t think he’s ever told me he loves me.

You doubt it?

(Sigh) No. I know the bastard loves me. Would be nice to hear it once in a while, though.

Don’t actions speak louder than words?

Hah! If that’s the case then he more than loves me.

(Chuckles) I understand you’re a photographer.

Yep. I love it. Even the weddings and stuff. Me and my camera are pretty close.

(Laughs) What are you doing now? I heard you won that coveted contract, Chicago Illusions. A year in the life of Chicago in calendar form.

Oh yeah! It’s amazing! I am having a blast.

So what exactly are you doing?

Oh man. I get to capture this city’s personality, show it in color and shapes and… just life, you know? This city is fierce and daunting and mean and hard but it’s beautiful and incredible, too. Like in the morning? When it’s just waking up? Wow. From the dirty streets to the highest penthouse – Max’s penthouse, by the way – I really believe I’ve let it come alive through my view finder.

You sound like you love your job a lot.

Oh, I do.

So do you love Mr. Tyler like that?

(Blushes again) Well, loving Mr. Tyler isn’t always that easy.

What do you mean?

I mean he’s a bit hard to pin down. Doesn’t really go for all that romantic stuff.

Romantic stuff?

You know, flowers and dinner and stuff. But every once in a while I still try to surprise him with them.

Really? Dinner and flowers? I am having a bit of trouble imagining Mr. Tyler appreciating a bouquet of roses.

Yeah, but he does love Bob San sushi almost as much as I do.

So you surprise him with dinner? What else?

Oh, music, a glass of wine, maybe a bubble bath, that kind of thing. He usually gets home really late so it’s a little hard to order in. But, well, his name tends to move mountains so I have to admit that occasionally I use it.

You use his name?

(Laughs) Yeah. Who delivers amazing sushi at two in the morning? They do if it’s Max.

I see. So, what is his usual response?

To me doing that? Absolutely the same every time.

And what would that be?

Not sure he would appreciate me saying.

Oh! I see. That kind of response.

Ah huh. All night.

Wow.

Makes for a tough morning

I bet. So one final question. What do you see for your future?

My future? Not sure. But as long as it has Max in it it’ll be crazy. Yeah, Max. That’s my future.

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