Lord Arkus stops by to discuss what makes him such a fearsome
villain, the truth about who really wrote the Lakeland Knight Series, and who's
heart he'd drive a blade through if he had the chance.
Annabell: Why did you decide to
become a villain as your chosen profession?
Lord Arkus: I had chosen this fine
profession when, as a very young man, I had lost a close friend, and on top of
that found myself accused of things I had not done. I figured it was not worth
it to try to prove them all wrong -- and I enjoyed their fear of me. So I had
embraced this path and proceeded to earn my reputation of a villain.
Annabell: What makes you such a
fearsome villain?
Lord Arkus: I am serious about what I do and I’m good at it.
I don’t act rashly, but I don’t waste time on cheap dramatic effects or
gloating, either. I know
human weaknesses and take them into account. In short, it’s a combination of
valuable traits.
Annabell: What was the first
villain-like act you committed? How old were you?
Lord Arkus: It was something I had learned in my late teens,
something I still use on occasion since it has proven to be a very effective
intimidation tactic. I had turned all forests of a neighboring kingdom black.
Every tree, every shrub, every leaf. Not by burning, no. Of course, I will not
reveal the secret of how it’s being done.
Annabell: What are some of your
favorite types of weapons?
Lord Arkus: I prefer longsword, I am also good with
broadsword. Recently, I have learned to appreciate curved, pirate-style blades.
Annabell: What is the Villains
League and how can someone become a member?
Lord Arkus: It’s an association of professional villains who
have agreed to follow certain rules to make sure we all operate successfully
and do not inconvenience each other.
Sometimes villains’ goals and interests
can clash, so the league helps to sort things out, without starting unnecessary
wars. If business takes me to a foreign land and I encounter a local villain,
the first thing I check is whether he or she is in the league. If they are, I
know they will follow the rules (or answer before the league for breaking
them). If they aren’t, it’s not that bad, either, because in that case I am
relieved of the rules as well. I can just kill them and not worry about
anything.
To become a member of the league one
would have to have a proven record of success in the profession, certain
ethics, and a recommendation of a respected member.
Annabell: How do you feel about
Laura creating a few books following your story? Anything you wish she wouldn’t
have placed within either My
Sparkling Misfortune or My Royal Pain Quest?
Lord Arkus: Excuse me, but I wrote the books. Laura Lond has helped
to make them available in your realm; that’s all. And for the record, I had no
idea she’d put her name on the cover! It’s outrageous. I wanted to take rather
strong measures at first, but then I decided to let it slide, somewhat, since
she’s been assisting with interviews, helping to release my books as
audiobooks, and other such things. So, to answer your question -- the books are
written exactly the way I wanted them to be written.
Annabell: You and Jarvi have become
very close. What are some of his qualities you like (that you’re willing to
admit to)?
Lord Arkus: Well, I have to admit he’s a good friend. Yes,
he still holds this silly notion to make me change my ways, so I can’t fully
trust him with certain things, but overall, I know he’s got my back. He’ll
never betray me; he’ll always do his best to help, if he can. Having a friend
like that is a rarity, for a villain.
Annabell: Cassandra is a fierce and
tough woman. Is that what attracted you about her when you met?
Lord Arkus: That, and her wit. I knew right away she would
make a fun companion, and I was right about that.
Annabell: If you could have a few
choice words with King Faradin, what would you say to him?
Lord Arkus: “Stop messing with me!!”
Annabell: Without giving away the
ending to My Royal Pain Quest,
you have a very special occasion coming up, are you nervous? How is the
planning going?
Lord Arkus: I am in a difficult spot with that one. I am
nervous, yes, and for a very good reason: I’ll have to reveal my true identity
to a whole kingdom of idiots who think me a glorious hero. There’s no way
around it, and let’s just say it’s not easy.
Just for Fun:
Least Favorite Person:
Lord Arkus: Am I limited to humans? If not, then it’s
definitely Ragnar, the gormack. And if I have to pick a human, that would be
Morgard.
Favorite Food:
Lord Arkus: Roasted wild boar and fried dragon eggs.
Horseback riding or flying?
Lord Arkus: Good old horseback riding. Flying has some
undeniable advantages, but there’s also the serious drawback of the ten minutes
time limit. Too easy to forget to watch the time.
Favorite Place to Go:
Lord Arkus: I like going to new places where people don’t
know me.
If you could battle any villain, who
would you choose and why?
Lord Arkus: I would so love to drive my blade through
Ragnar’s heart -- or wherever his life force is. With all the trouble he’s
given me, he deserves a good payback.
Annabell: BIG thank you to
Lord Arkus for stopping by and giving me an inside glimpse to what life as a
villain is like.
To learn more about Lord
Arkus and his adventures, check out My Sparkling Misfortune and My Royal Pain Quest.
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