4. What’s your greatest achievement and do you think you will achieve greater in the future? Why?
Most people would say my greatest achievement was King Lanaran Dragonsbane offering me the official title of Wizard of Ends. I doubt I will achieve greater, because I don’t really enjoy all the fuss – it usually means having to use magic unnecessarily, which everyone knows I’m loath to do.
5. What do you do for a living, and do you enjoy it?
[He looks embarrassed.] I’m not working at the moment. I’ve only moved to Ends recently, and am still collecting herbs so I can start selling my herbal cures again. It’s not really necessary in Ends – to earn money, I mean. The king ensures everyone has food, clothes and a place to sleep. Still, one never knows when one might want to move on, and the other kingdoms’ rulers aren’t nearly so generous.
6. What’s your biggest regret?
That nobody listened to me when I told them Undassan should not be trusted. It might have spared us from having to flee from the creatures of dark magic.
7. What quality/trait do you find vital in a friend?
Respect for others.
8. How do you decide if someone is trustworthy?
I don’t. Time reveals all.
9. What do you do for fun?
I enjoy mountain climbing, swimming and walking through the forest, and practising my archery skills is a fun pastime too.
10. Do you have any siblings, and, if so, do you get on with them?
[He scowls.] I have an older sister and no, we don’t get on. She’s rather… [He shakes his head.] No, I’d rather not get into that, sorry. She might read this, you know!
11. Where do you believe people go when we die?
The goddess accepts us into a pleasant afterlife if we please her while in possession of our human bodies. If she’s displeased, she either sends you back as something horrid, or puts you into an unpleasant situation when she sends you back. She might also send you back if you have yet to learn important life lessons. If she’s really displeased, you’ll be sent somewhere unimaginably terrible.
12. Who do you like better, King Lanaran Dragonsbane or Queen Narraki Dragonsbane, and why?
Queen Narraki. She gave me the benefit of the doubt when no one else, including the king, would. That said, I still like the king – most of the time.
13. You only moved to the Land of Ends shortly before your adventures began in Book 1. After everything you were dragged into, do you regret moving there?
There were moments when I did, yes. For the most part, though, I have no regrets. Ends is still the best land to live in.
Chapter 10
Character Interview with Queen Narraki Dragonsbane
First published on 25 October 2014 on Disciple of the Fount
discipleofthefount.blogspot.com
1. Thank you for joining us here today, Narraki. The burning question on my mind is this: what was your first impression of Lashlor Leaflin?
That he’s a noble, decent man – I would think that, of course, since the first time we met was when he rescued me.
2. At what point did your first impression change, and in what way did it change?
When we were attacked by the gabbertok – a dangerous night creature. He refused to use magic to save us, and I started to think he was one of those mad wizards who get themselves killed by living in a fantasy world.
3. By the end of Wizard of Ends, Book 2, Dark Creature, what is your opinion of Lashlor?
He’s a hero.
4. How did you meet your husband, King Lanaran Dragonsbane, and was it love at first sight?
We met at a royal ball three years ago. We hit it off straight away and I admit he swept me off my feet without even trying. What can I say? [She smiles.] I have a thing for humorous, polite men who keep stepping on my feet on the dance floor.
5. If King Lanaran ever lost you, how do you think it would affect him?
[She frowns.] It’s hard to say. Sometimes I believe we can’t truly know what we would do in any given situation unless we’ve actually experienced it. I don’t think he would take it well, though, and, if I was murdered, my murderer would soon find himself hanging – or worse.
6. You’ve been married for two years. Do you think you will have children?
I’m sure we will. I know other royal couples start popping out babies almost as soon as they’re married, but we wanted a few years to ourselves first.
7. What quality/trait do you find vital in a romantic partner?
Kindness.
8. What was the first thing that attracted you to King Lanaran, and is it the same thing you’re usually attracted to?
His wit. I love a good laugh and he kept them coming all evening the first time we met. His good looks were a close second, of course. [She grins and blushes.] I have to be honest and say that dark eyes and dark hair are usually what first attract my attention.
9. Did you think you would survive being chased by the creatures of dark magic in Book 1?
Honestly, no.
10. Who or what do you believe ultimately saved you from the magical creatures?
I’m not really sure. Neither of the wizards who were with me at the time could be certain which of them un-summoned the beyeni, but it was definitely one – or both. As Yuldin suggested at the time, it could even have been their combined magic that did the trick.
11. Are you afraid of anything?
Beyeni!
12. Is there anyone you don’t trust?
My sister. [Her eyes take on a faraway look.] Let’s talk about something more pleasant, shall we?
13. If you ever have a daughter, what’s the most important piece of advice you will give her?
Marry for love and not for power or riches.
Chapter 11
Abusing Magic by Lashlor Leaflin
First published on 2 October 2014 on Lauren Scharhag’s blog
laurenscharhag.blogspot.com
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on the abuse of magical power. It’s not often that someone is interested in my take on the subject – usually, they roll their eyes and accuse me of being a fake wizard. Sadly, most magic users crave more power, but are not interested in gaining the wisdom that must come first, for, without wisdom, power is dangerous.
I put up with the taunts rather than showing people they’re wrong because I believe that one should never use magic just because one can. If there is another way of achieving your goal, use it. Magic should only be used when there is no other way and if the goal is worth achieving. For example, while it is impossible for humans to fly, what point would there be to spelling yourself some ethereal wings? Unless you’re in the process of falling to your death, of course.
I’m not going to go into detail about the dreadful experiences that brought me to my conclusions. However, I will share the consequences of the abuse of power. The first thing I learnt is that, when one uses one’s magical powers too frequently for trivial things like sweeping one’s floor, the power is depleted much faster. This means that you might not have enough left to save your life or that of someone else should the need arise. Too many magic users think there is an infinite supply of magical energy at their disposal. There really isn’t. There’s infinite energy, of course, but most of it is inaccessible to humans.
If you’re young and have only just come into your power, you should never try to do too much too fast. It’s like trying to put a whole pig into your mouth at once – if you’re amazing enough to get it right, it will probably kill you. Do not become obsessed with your power either. It could lead to egotism, which has ended the life of many a magic user. Do not let magic dominate your life – remember, it is only a part of who you are, not the whole.
If aggressive magical power is used too often, it will eventually boomerang back to attack the wielder instead of whomever it was aimed at. If a magic user uses power to drain others, the user, too, will be drained unless his or her life force is extraordinarily str
ong. Of course, this doesn’t mean that magic users can’t use our power to kill, maim or curse – and often. If the wielder doesn’t go on a killing spree and is wise enough to leave at least a few weeks between using magic aggressively, it’s quite possible to be a ‘dark’ magic user and still live to a ripe old age. Also, very powerful magic users can use dark magic more often than others, but be warned… at some point, if you abuse your power, it will scorch your soul, and the you that once was will be no more.
Just know this: if you abuse your magical power, even if it is for good and not evil, the goddess will not grant you access to a pleasant afterlife. She may, however, speed you on your way.
Chapter 12
5 Things I Love About Wizard of Ends
First published on 7 October 2014 on Vanessa Finaughty Fantasy Books
vanessafinaughtyfantasybooks.com
It’s always nice to hear what readers love about our books, but how often do readers get the chance to hear what the author loves about his/her book?
Here are five things I love the most about my fantasy adventure series, Wizard of Ends.
1. The main character, Lashlor Leaflin. He has been forced into many unpleasant situations in his lifetime, yet he has not become bitter or angry. Instead, he has an almost unnatural calmness about him, and always does what he can to help others – even when he really doesn’t want to, as you will discover in Book 1.
2. The way magic is accepted as a part of life and no magic user is treated different simply because he or she is more powerful than other people.
3. The story is fast-paced, with almost non-stop action – just the way I like it.
4. The chapters are reasonably short, which means that ‘just one more chapter’ is less likely to result in anyone being too tired to get up the next morning.
5. The books introduce readers to some original fantasy creatures.
Chapter 13
10 Facts About the Author
First published on 31 October 2014 on Writers’ Gambit
junetakey.com
10 facts about Wizard of Ends author, Vanessa Finaughty:
1. Middle name: Tracy
2. Birth date: 30 August 1976
3. Favourite fantasy movie: Avatar
4. Favourite fantasy ebook series: The Queen’s Blade by TC Southwell
5. Favourite drink: coffee
6. Favourite foods: spaghetti bolognaise (with the mince piled on top, not mixed in); mince curry (not too hot, mind you!)
7. Favourite colours: most blues; some greens
8. Best trait: perseverant
9. Worst trait: quick temper (but I’m working on it!)
10. Most loved pet that’s alive today: My German shepherd, Akela
Chapter 14
Wizard of Ends, Book 1 – Chapter 1
First published on 8 October 2014 on Vanessa Finaughty Fantasy Books
vanessafinaughtyfantasybooks.com
King Lanaran Dragonsbane, ruler of the Land of Ends, stood at the foot of the royal bed, gazing down at the sleeping queen, whose silky black hair framed her pale oval face. So intense was his love for Queen Narraki that his breath caught in his throat as a faint smile curved her delicate lips. She must be dreaming about something pleasant, he thought, realising that he was smiling too – her smiles had always been so infectious. Even now, in this darkest of moments. His chest ached with the knowledge of what was to come. He could stop it if he wanted to. All he had to do was give the order and she could remain here where it was safe. He could… but he couldn’t. Not if he was to retain his throne – and the respect of his people. He could not show weakness, for to do so would invite war, and that would kill more than just his wife. His enemies had spies everywhere. What he was forced to do now was proof of that.
Lanaran turned from the bed and walked to the door, where he cast one last glance at his wife. He caught a glimpse of himself in the wall mirror, but looked away, disliking his drawn appearance – and was that a hint of grey creeping into his black hair? No, it couldn’t be. At thirty-one, he was far too young for that. He left the room and, without meeting their eyes, murmured to the guards outside, “You remember what we discussed.” It wasn’t a question. He knew that they knew. “The potion has worked. She will sleep for some time. Make sure no one sees you, and be quick about it.”
The two Guards of Ends, both of whom would be loyal to the end, Lanaran was sure, nodded almost imperceptibly.
“Good.”
Lanaran strode down the wide stone corridor and went to the royal lounge, which was always stocked with a choice variety of the best wines. Goodness knew, he needed a drink if he was to get through the night without sounding the alarm and sabotaging his own plans.
Lashlor Leaflin cursed as the icy wind blew out his lantern and he tripped over a branch. He stood up and patted himself down, then checked to make sure the small brown pouch was still attached to his belt. It was. His chest heaved in relief; he hadn’t come all this way after dark just to lose the herbs now. Everyone knew how dangerous the Jeltar Woods were at night. All manner of deadly creatures emerged once the sun set, ready to devour travellers, wary or otherwise.
Lashlor winced and squinted as the wind lashed his shoulder-length brown hair into his eyes. He waited for his eyes to adjust to the dark, then continued along the path, trying to make as little noise as possible – night creatures had far better hearing than day creatures. That was the only reason he had chosen to wear his uncomfortable leathers, which made him feel trapped they were so tight – his other clothes may catch on bushes or rustle, alerting the night creatures to his presence.
An indignant shriek somewhere nearby startled him, and he stumbled again. Sharp pain pierced his right thigh and he bit his tongue to prevent himself from crying out. It would draw night creatures like a drop of blood drew a lake monster. He felt his leg.
Really?
He’d stuck himself with his own arrow. Lashlor gritted his teeth and yanked it out, along with some flesh.
Of all the stupid…
The shriek came again, this time filled with terror. It sounded like a woman.
The wind whipped faint words to Lashlor.
“Unhand me, you oafs!”
“Just do as we say!” a male voice demanded gruffly.
“How dare you talk to me like-?”
The wind picked up, drowning out the rest. Lashlor hesitated, torn. The urge to keep walking and get out of the forest, to the safety of the city, was almost overpowering. However, like any decent man, he found himself unable to ignore a woman in trouble.
Lashlor hastened in the direction he thought the voices came from, stopping to listen when the woman screamed again. It was cut short this time, as if someone had placed a hand over her mouth. Moments later, he spotted them. Two men and a woman. The woman wore a nightdress with a royal blue robe draped around her, and both men were clothed in black.
He frowned. The woman looked familiar. That long black hair and pale oval face…
Queen Narraki Dragonsbane!
Kidnapped and to be held for ransom by those who would usurp the king’s throne, Lashlor assumed, judging by her dark mauve aura, which indicated fear.
He swung his bow off his shoulder, then pulled an arrow from the quiver on his back and drew it.
“Take your hands off her,” he commanded.
The two men glanced at each other, panic evident in their eyes, even in the dark.
“This is none of your business,” said the beefier of the two. “Don’t make us kill you. We don’t want to, but we won’t hesitate if you interfere. Now go.”
“Leaving now would be treason,” Lashlor growled. “And I’m no traitor.” He levelled the arrow at the man. “Now step away from the queen and maybe I will let you live.”
The thinner man nudged his friend and whispered something in his ear, gesturing to Lashlor, who smiled. He knew what they were talking about. The silver leaf-shaped pendant he wore around his neck – his wizard’s meda
llion, recognisable by the silver aura that surrounded it.
By law, all magic users had to wear one plainly visible to prevent unnecessary deaths by warning those who might be in the mood to pick a fight not to do so with anyone wearing a medallion. Too many drunken fools running around town. Lashlor thought it would have been better to just outlaw alcohol, but the king liked his wine too much for that to ever happen. At least the medallion looked cool, he thought. It was also nifty in that only a magic user could wear one. The only ones forged had a spell cast on them to ensure they would lethally reject any non-magical person who tried to wear one.
Lashlor was glad he was a wizard, however, or the medallion would have annoyed him, for every magic user’s medallion was called a ‘wizard’s medallion’ even if said magic users were not wizards. The medallion had been invented by a wizard, and the name was in honour of him. It would have been better named after him: ‘Sorlit’s medallion’ sounded so much better.
“You don’t understand,” the beefy one said, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
“Not killing you is fast becoming an effort,” Lashlor said evenly. “And you should know I’m a lazy bugger.”
The other one said, “We are Guards of Ends – from the king’s personal guard. We’re doing this to protect the queen.”
“And never mind that,” the beefy one said, “we’re following the king’s orders!”
The queen spluttered. “You are not!”
Lashlor gaped.
“Yes, we are! I have a sealed, signed letter to you from the king, My Queen. There is no time to read it now, but I promise you will have a full explanation once we’re safe. The night creatures-”