Under the Fireworks with Father Dragon

Father Dragon smiles, setting his moustache quivering: Welcome to the debut of "Under the Fireworks," a writerly spot for protagonists to tell us about their adventures— and misadventures. And, of course, this is also an excellent opportunity to find out more about their authors. 

My guest today is the protagonist from Jewels of theSky by Catherine E. McLean. Please welcome the beautiful Wysotti Indian— Darq, Princess of the Misted Moon and granddaughter of the great naran Zukaltay.

ALL THE DWARVES IN THE GALLERY APPLAUD LOUDLY.

DARQ, offering to shake Father Dragon's paw: Adovee, great and noble dragon.

FATHER DRAGON accepts the greeting with his index finger: Buenas Noches, Darq, great and noble Wysotti starfighter. Welcome to Mexico. Please seat yourself.

Sessin enters pushing a red velvet couch.

DARQ, looking about and backing a step: If it's all the same to you, I'll stand.

FATHER DRAGON nods: As you wish.

Sessin hangs his head and pushes the couch out of view.

DARQ, nods and offers a skittish smile: Thank you.

FATHER DRAGON notes she seems to be looking for the best cover should something untoward happen. He stifles the urge to chuckle to himself. Best to speak in a gentle, mellow tone: Relax, Darq. My word is my most precious treasure and it is honor that binds me to civility. You are safe here. And as a token of my good will and in friendship, I have selected a special gift for you. See that box on the sheepskin?

DARQ cants her head and the tension on her face and in her stance relaxes. A present? For me? She sits on the sheepskin and opens the box, revealing a necklace.   

FATHER DRAGON: That is one of the scales from Father Dragon “The Great.” He was my grandfather, a very wise and wonderful dragon. It has been blessed by the spirits of the Dragon Ancestors. May they shine their light upon you and protect you in all your journeys.  

DARQ puts the necklace on. Pride glimmers in her earth-brown eyes and she says with sincerity: I shall treasure your gift.

Sessin approaches with an old camera: Picture for the Daily Dragon, please! *Flashes and leaves*

FATHER DRAGON's eyes brighten and a smile sends his whiskers wafting aside. Now, we shall begin the interview! From reading Jewels of the Sky, I noted that your grandmother had a very strong influence on your life. My first question is about something I, and I’m sure those who read your story might also wonder about— what is a "naran?"

DARQ: Naran means chieftain, one who is a leader, usually of an entire dyn, which is made up of several clans or tribes. Often it refers to a wise woman, which my grandmother was. Catherine, the book's author, did not want to use the word "chieftain" because it had too much of a North American Indian reference. She went searching for "the right word" and "the right sound"- she spends way too much time in dictionaries and collecting words for their visual impact, meanings, and sounds- but I digress. Sorry. 

Anyway, when Catherine found the word, "naranjo," which is Nahuatl and Spanish for "orange," she liked the sound of the word but it wasn't quite right. So, as is her penchant, she corrupted the spelling to "naran." I think naran has a very nice sound, don't you? As if whatever a naran is it's got a favorable connotation.

Darq leans forward a little and lowers her voice: Catherine is really going to be shocked when I tell her you couldn't figure out the meaning of naran. None of her manuscript readers nor her editor made a comment on that word . . . 

FATHER DRAGON leans forth and whispers back: Honestly, that was not the only word I didn’t get. Please suggest Catherine to consider a short glossary.

DARQ nods.

FATHER DRAGON: I was intrigued at the first reference I found in Jewels of the Sky about the Mayan. According to the novel, the Mayan and the Wysotti are related. But this relationship was seen as a curse and a stigma. Why?

DARQ: As the story reveals, our Wysotti starfaring explorers came to Terra, I mean Earth, but a few succumbed to their primordial natures and the darkness in their souls, doing the unimaginable— killing for the sake of killing, warring, the bloodletting, the ripping out of beating hearts. The captain of those Wysotti explorers even thought himself the Mesoamerican god Quetzalcoatl. She takes a cleansing breath. No one could blame God for cursing us all . . .

FATHER DRAGON: Except your grandmother did.

DARQ, smiling: Yes, she did, but only after she died.

FATHER DRAGON: It must have been difficult to live with such a curse, but it is not the only stigma you have to live with, is it?

Tassin points frantically to something off stage.

FATHER DRAGON looks to where the dwarf points: My producer is flagging that the clip is ready. He looks back at the camera. Stay tuned for a teaser from Jewels of the Sky.

The camera pans to the left wall of the cave where three dwarfs face a large crank that they hold. The trio slowly turn the crank, and a white, take-up roll moves, pulling up material from the large bottom spool.

FATHER DRAGON: Darq, would you give us some background on this clip?

DARQ, nods: Sure. This clip is my favorite, and Catherine's. Here I am in my quarters aboard the battle station, the Dujaki. It's the night before the bonding procedure takes place between Tokoray and me. He has come to find out if I really am, as he's been recently told, a Hiack—that is, a murderer—of Na-ka-tas. Said murdered Na-ka-tas were my copilots. I explain why I’ve been called a Hiack, but then Tokoray confesses he has another reason for visiting me— He's been branded a pilot jinx.

FATHER DRAGON, looking at the trio of dwarfs at the crank: Put your backs into it or I will trade you for oompa-loompas. And roll it!

3...2...1...

"Ah, but some feel your bloodline is verification you are predisposed to being a killer, a Hiack, the murderer of Na-ka-ta's?" Tokoray's tone didn't hold censure. "Most unfair."

"Maybe not. After all, I'm having a conversation with a Na-ka-ta jinx." Seeing the irony, she chuckled. "What a pair of aces we are." Unbidden came a conclusion that flitted about her mind like a glider rising, circling a hot air vent. "Tokoray?"

"Yes, Darq?"

"If we bond, I agree, upon my honor, not to murder you if you don't jinx me."

He seemed to infinitesimally come to attention. "And I agree, Darq, upon my honor, should we bond, I will endeavor not to jinx you if you do not murder me."

She laughed, the sound and euphoria lifting her spirits. She extended her hand.

As he took her hand gently in his, a low rumble-chuckle emanated within him.

"I would very much like to bond to you, Tokoray. So, is it a go for tomorrow morning?"

He did not hesitate. "Affirmative. I will leave you now to get a good night's rest." He wheeled for the door and left.

****

A buzzer mutely sounds and the three panting dwarfs stop cranking.

FATHER DRAGON: Tokoray is an appealing character in his own right. But for our friends who have yet to read the story, would you tell us who and what he is?

DARQ: Tokoray is a Na-ka-ta, an automaton, an A.I., that's an artificial intelligence. Na-ka-tas were invented to aid us fighter pilots, and our society, to help defend our world and space from the Doyons, who, in their own right, are worthy opponents and fiercesome fighters.

FATHER DRAGON: What would you say is the special characteristic about you and Tokoray that make you the perfect pilot-copilot team?

DARQ: Good question. She takes a moment for thought. You know, it's more of a feeling, like a gut instinct that tells you if a person you meet will make a good friend or not. Then again, Tokoray and I have both overcome a number of life's obstacles, for which we have a few battle scars, both seen and unseen, and those are revealed in the book.

FATHER DRAGON: Speaking of battle scars, one of those terrible incidents has a name that shook you up rather badly. Admirid Konuris Ippera isn't what one would call a true villain, is he?

DARQ: No he isn't. Catherine told me Ippera is what's technically called in fiction writing a "complicating character" type of antagonist. Evidently antagonists come in a hierarchy of villainousness from a true villain to a minor complication. Ippera qualifies as an antagonist because antagonists oppose or thwart the goals of a story's protagonist. As a matter of fact, the war between the Doyons and Wysotti is also a "complicating antagonist," but one that is not a human being.

When I asked Catherine why Jewels of the Sky didn't merit an actual, evil antagonist, which is so typical of most action-adventure-military tales, she said that for the best dramatic effect, the "storytelling experts" say that war is about one person's struggle in that war, not the entire war, not every battle, nor is it the politics of leaders waging said wars. War is personal to the soldiers who fight that war. And so, in essence, Catherine made the war personal for me, for Tokoray—and, definitely, for Ippera.

DARQ looks directly into the camera: Catherine also told me that when Ippera first came on stage for her, he was a typical, brainwashed soldier of "the empire." Then she remembered reading, when she was a senior in high school, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, which was a three inch tome of a book, and how, in the ending years of World War II, the German generals realized Hitler's insanity—and that some had a change of heart and tried to assassinate Hitler to end the war but, sadly, those men failed. So, evidently there was precedence for generals to have a change of heart, like Ippera did.

FATHER DRAGON: History is a good source of inspiration.

Tassin raises a big golden clock.

FATHER DRAGON nods to Tassin. He meets Darq’s gaze: Time for last question, Darq. What do you think about Catherine E. McLean as the author of Jewels of the Sky and your literary creator?

DARQ, looking stunned, then stifles a chuckle.  Well, I am thankful Catherine was curious enough about Indians and alien visitations to Earth and had the imagination to write a tale featuring me, a Wysotti Indian heroine, one with a DNA tie to the Mayans.  Besides, if she hadn't, I wouldn't be here, in Mexico, talking to a dragon. She sobers and a slight frown crinkles between her eyebrows. Only one thing would have been nicer.

FATHER DRAGON: And what is that?

DARQ: She gave me good looks, but why didn't she make me exceedingly rich and fabulously famous?

FATHER DRAGON’s thunderous laughter echoes in the Cave. He sobers and grins: I think by the end of the book your life is rich with blessings you didn’t expect. About fame, something tells me Catherine is already working on that. Offers his index finger to Darq. Thank you for accepting my invitation to the Dragon Cave, Darq. May the High Powers guide you in your path to success.

FATHER DRAGON looks at the camera: There is a reward, besides my gratitude, for all of you who stayed with us through this pilot episode of Under the Fireworks with Father Dragon. Darq’s Special Bonus of a free eBook download of Jewels of the Sky is available only at Amazon.com but only for January 9 and 10, 2013. And do remember to write a review after you've read it and tell your friends about Darq and Jewels of the Sky.

Dwarves swarm around Darq with presents and autograph requests. 

Sessin stands in front of the camera: If you liked the show, share it with your friends on Google+, Twitter, Face—

Pancholin pushes him off the frame with his paunch. Then he holds a golden plaque up.

                                  ***

Join Darq and Catherine E. McLean by following them at Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/CatherineMcLea7 and keep informed about future appearances, events, and book releases.

Catherine's WEBSITE FOR READERS: www.CatherineE.mclean.com

Catherine's WEBSITE FOR WRITERS: www.WritersCheatSheets.com

Catherine's paranormal fantasy romance eNovel Karma and Mayhem is available at www.soulmatepublishing.com or other eBook outlets.


***

Sessin’s nose appears at the corner of the frame: If you missed the preparations for this show, you can check them here. And don't forget to leave a comment for rating or tips for the dwar—

Pancholin: CUT!!

                                                                     

SPECIAL THANKS TO: 

Jeffrey S. Hargett for his unconditional and prompt help and 

Catherine E. McLean for her cooperation and guidance in the making of this project.

Beginnings Blog Fest - Preparing the Dragon Cave

The main chamber of the Dragon Cave buzzes with the voices of one hundred and fifty dwarves summoned by their sire. That’s me, Father Dragon; red, big, deep gaze, and fluffy blue and yellow mane – absolutely debonair. Yeah, humble too. This is the Beginnings Blogfest hosted by L.G. Keltner but I won’t tell you about my early years. I will save that for another time. But come along, the dwarves must hear as well.

The dwarves are busy unpacking big boxes that arrived at the Dragon Cave this morning.

“Gather around, everyone!” I command. My minions quickly obey but they are noisy. They can sense something unusual is going to happen. My voice thunders in the vaulted ceiling of the chamber. “My ninja muse has left me a message.”

Total silence. They know my muse is challenging and that she laughs at the face of fear; my fear. They also know my dragon pride laughs at her laughter.

“She left it written on a shuriken she conveniently misplaced on my favorite sitting spot.” My hawk gaze searches for any snickering gestures. “I’ll return it in an appropriate manner, but in the meantime we have a new challenge.”

A popping sound makes me turn to the right, where four dwarves are trying to figure out how to connect battery powered lights enough for a Broadway stage.

“Are we playing the Phantom of the Opera?” Sessin asks, trying to keep his brunette braided moustache from entangling with the already entangled cables. He wears a welding mask instead of his chef hat ever since his beard caught fire in the kitchen because of my muse’s mischief.

I shake my head. “No. We are doing our first talk-show or is it a write-show?"

“We’re doing Oprah?” Pancholin asks. The Cave handyman with the Pancho Villa type of moustache  rests his hands on his multipocket belt.”

Not sure if he’s about to take out the metal polisher or the insecticide, I keep my tone steady. “We are opening the Dragon Cave for main characters of published books to come and tell people about their adventures.”

Shocked murmurs precede gasps and exclamations that go in crescendo into multiple questions and doubts. Who is coming? How can we do this? Where would the show take place? When?

“But Sire, no stranger has been allowed in the Dragon Cave before.” Tassin’s voice comes through his thick curled up silver mustache like the grumbling of an Old English Shepherd. My dwarf task master also resembles one. “Besides, we know nothing of show business.”

Sessin nods in agreement with his father. “Not to mention we are not very good with technology and modern gizmos.”

“And shows need an audience.” Pancholin’s nervousness is evident in his need to polish something, be it the gold coins or Sessin’s welding mask. “What if nobody comes? What if something goes wrong and they don’t like it? What if there is a short circuit and everything explodes in our face?”

“The ninja muse is setting you up, Sire.” Tassin snorts. “With all due respect, beware her ideas don’t make a fool of you.”

I straighten up and spread my wings proudly. “What have I told you? The bright side of having a fear is that it feels darn good when you overcome it. Challenges are meant to be difficult. Otherwise they would not qualify as such. Beginnings are scary because they are full of uncertainties about the future. The unknown waits ahead and we can only see one step at a time. But what did Mayans teach us?”

“Not to write calendars on small stones?” Pancholin suggests.

“No, but I’ll remember that one!” My encouraging smile doesn’t falter. “Each beginning involves an end, but it is not the end of the world. If anything, it involves the end of our fear to try something new. It is one thousand times better to try something and fail than to let our fears defeat us even before starting. We shall not kill creativity, neither for fear of failure nor dread of success. We will do this and if we go down in flames. . .” I pause with my fist up. My dwarves seem taller. “At least we will have a hot experience.” 

I chuckle at my own sense of humor. My dwarves grin.

“We promise to do our best, Sire.” Tassin taps his fist on his chest. “What is your bidding?”

“Milin has the broadest shoulders. He’ll be in charge of the camera. Pancholin will be the director. You, Tassin, will be the producer. Choose someone for the lights. Sessin will make sure to get what’s needed. The rest of the dwarves will be the audience. Prepare everything for some drills. The interview is taking place tomorrow.”

“Yes, Sire!” Their soldier-like answer loses effect when I catch Tassin whispering. “What is a producer?”

Milin, his silent nephew, shrugs and looks at the big camera as if he were pondering on poking it with a stick. I roll my eyes.

“Our guest’s name is Darq.” I give Tassin an envelope with several pictures. Dwarves crowd around him. Several comments of appreciation arise over Darq’s beauty.

“Will she stay for long?” Pancholin’s smile is the broadest I’ve seen in the last years.

“My cousin and I will fix a feast for her.” Sessin slides an arm around Milin. “Fish 'a la Tikin-Xic', coffee in a crock pot, tepache and tequila.”

Milin claps his hands, excited. Sessin goes on. “We’ll give her a basket of exotic fruits, cookies, and royal chocolate.” He wags his eyebrows at Milin and asks with a cocky grin. “A foot massage, señorita?”

A mild smoking always manages to bring my minions back to their senses. “No foot massage and no flirting with my guest. Darq is married to a fleet commander and bonded to a robot. Not to mention her security team is a group of mysterious men in black with shiny blasters who will make sure she returns undefiled. Quit the nonsense and get ready for rehearsal.”

***

An hour has elapsed and I am trying not to squint at all the battery-powered lights illuminating my lair for this on-air, Internet blog. I feel my mustache quiver a second before I grin into the video camera being held on Milin's broad shoulder. Pancholin’s signal and a green light twinkling "on air" are my cues.

“Welcome! And thank you for joining me, your host, for "Under the Fireworks," a writerly spot for protagonists to tell us about their adventures— and misadventures.”

Tassin, sitting on a rock at my right, holds a placard copy of Jewels of the Sky's cover.

“Give me a close-up!” Pancholin yells, disturbing my concentration.

Milin takes two steps forward…

…and then he rolls down the mound he was perched on.

“Don’t walk closer. Use the zoom, you moron!” Pancholin scowls while Sessin runs to help his cousin back to his feet.

I count to ten and shift a little to the right. I think I sat on my wing. We try again. “The name of my first vict— I mean guest— to the Dragon Cave, is Darq. She is among the best starfighter pilots in the universe of Jewels of the Sky, a fantasy-science fiction adventure novel I read in less than a week. The book's author, Catherine E. McLean, managed to successfully take me to where no other dragon has traveled before. I wanted to return the favor. That is why I asked Catherine to invite Darq to where no other Wysotti has ever been before— the Mayan Riviera.”

Dwarves quarreling over Darq’s picture and arguing who gets to pick her up from the airport and be her tour guide distracts me. 

“Do you mind?” I snarl. “We’re trying to do something here!” I wonder how fitting Willy Wonka's Oompa-loompas or Dr. Gru’s yellow minions would be for a red dragon.

Pancholin gives me the cue.

I flash my Dragon’s Sonrisa Especial. “After reading Jewels of the Sky, I thought Darq should see the land and people which were at the heart of the curse that affected the destiny of all the Wysotti and, specifically, Darq’s own heritage and life. And since Darq had come to Earth, visiting Catherine as a "cultural ambassador," I contacted the usual authorities...”

I hear the throttled engine sound of Tassin’s chuckles by my side. “Sire?”

“WHAT?” The inner heat tells me I’m getting redder than I already am .

He raises the end of a cable. “Milin forgot to plug in the camera after he fell.”

Under my glare, Sessin darts to plug the camera in for his cousin. My ears twitch with annoyance, but my smile returns when the camera is ready. “Where was I? Ah, yes! Darq is pretty and young, which might not be the best combination when a human comes to visit a dragon whose favorite snacks include such delicacies. But Darq is quite the heroine. She is not afraid of death. Actually, her motto seems to be ‘today is as good as any day to die in a fight.’”

I hear murmuring around but I force myself to keep my attention on the lens. “Besides, Darq likes being rather unpredictable— which reminds me of my own muse's predilections. Last, but not least, my own grandfather taught me it is not polite to eat one's guests, especially if said guests have outstanding fighting skills. Being a Wysotti Indian warrior, Darq can be stunning in more ways than one. My invitation now goes to you, dear reader, to come back tomorrow to meet this wonderful character in the pilot episode of ‘Under the Fireworks with Father Dragon’. As a gift to the audience, Darq is giving away free eBook downloads of Jewels of the Sky today and tomorrow only, at Amazon.com.”

“Give me a close-up of the book cover.” Pancholin instructs Milin. 

“Don’t walk…!” Everyone shouts at once.

Too late. Milin rolls down the mound and I smack my paw on my brow. I hear a loud crackling. The lights blink and go off.

“I think we need both help and luck to pull this off, Sire.” Tassin sits on a rock.

“Send a smoke signal to Sir Jeff. He's an expert at troubleshooting.” I stand up and go back to my quartz chamber. “I will light another candle to the Ancestors. This is just the beginning.”