Drako: So, it's been a while since we've sat down and talked. I've been a bit absorbed in Vlad's story.
Jarel: Yes, I've noticed. You were pretty anxious to get to his story.
Drako: And now that I have, time for some questions. So, this book, we find out you have always been a supporter of Vlad, or Dracula as he's known in our world. In his mortal life, he says you blessed with him with certain gifts. Care to elaborate?
Jarel: I've been known to have human followers. Though I never broadcast my name out to the extent of the Olympian gods, I have a fondness for mortals.
Drako: Clearly, since you've made a lot of children with them.
Jarel: That's obvious. But Vlad's family had a small kingdom and they were decent, hardworking people. He didn't have such strong ambition that he'd branch out. His goal, as well as his father's, was only to protect their lands. When invaders came, they prayed and I answered. I increased his speed and strength. His skills were so fierce that Ares attempted to bargain with me to gain his service.
Drako: I've seen some of those skills in this new book. I can see why. So here's the question that I find interesting. Why do you think Vlad never made another vampire, despite the myths that persist not only in our world, but in yours?
Jarel: Vlad is complicated. His wife and children did not want to become like him. They wanted to remain mortal. If I had to answer honestly, I'd say he was waiting on someone worthy of his blood, his gift. Vlad had an unfair advantage over Vacker and Deidre. They were normal mortals. Loyal, but not warlike in nature. Vlad came into the blood with heightened gifts and years as a trained warrior. Not to mention a loyalty that is virtually unrivaled in my service.
Drako: Virtually, but not totally unrivaled. After all, you gave us a peak into Vlad and Andreas' history. What's the connection?
Jarel: *smiles* Are you asking me to spoil a future story?
Drako: I look at it as giving a bit of insight. Besides, I'll have the next book finished in a couple months anyway.
Jarel: I command things of those that serve me that they may not always agree with. But it's in their best interest, or mine. Sometimes both. Might even be beneficial to the world at large. As two of my most loyal subjects, and most powerful, they were asked to lead the charge against my enemies.
Drako: There seems to be some guilt there.
Jarel: Guilt isn't something I feel often. I understand it, but don't really feel it. I had Andreas and Vlad take the charge and remove my enemies through whatever means necessary. Let's face it, you don't cross a god like me, even if you are a god.
Drako: Ok, so let's talk this story. We know it's all about a conflict with the fallen angels. We know angels were created by the goddess Verlaine, and we know you have a history with her. We get a little tease of information in this book about it.
Jarel: Our history is complex. But the short version is, she was a peaceful goddess, powerful, but not warlike in nature. She was too trusting. She also used too much of her own strength to create Apollyon, the very first angel. She made an angel so fierce that the likes of Lucifer were too afraid to approach her while he was around. I gave the angels the flaming swords they covet so much now as a gift to her. Sadly, it was not enough to protect her from the treachery that inevitably took her.
Drako: Ok, so Adonis keeps coming up. Every book, his name pops in. Even now that he's in the Elysian Fields. Is there perhaps another story for Adonis?
Jarel: Adonis is very special, not only for who he was in a past life, but for who he was in this life. He's Brandon and Phil's first love, and the bridge that brought them together. He's desired in more ways than one. He will keep coming up in other stories.
Drako: You're being cryptic again. We hate that.
Jarel: *laughs* But that is the nature of the gods. You know that. Now, if you want to get interesting, lets talk about your love life.
Drako: How about we don't? We're telling the world your story, not mine. So, when do we get to see the Black Dragon God settle down?
Jarel: Touche, mortal. Some things are best left for another day.