Tarruss:
The 2nd in a series of pieces on characters and places
featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky.
This is background information, not covered in the book, but intended to
enhance the reading experience. For some of my people, there’ll be a character
drawing, supplied by Alice Taylor, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script.
I may do a short piece of fiction, deepening the knowledge of certain minor
characters as well.
For the places, I’ll use sections of the map, to indicate location, along
with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, linking it
with characters. Perhaps indicate life there with a short anecdote or story. I
won’t reveal any of the story, either as already published or as written into
the series, merely enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more
information. I hope this will give pleasure to those who’ve bought the book
and, perhaps, persuade others to take that step.
Pronunciation hints:
In this interview, the character’s names are
pronounced phonetically.
These are just my take on the names, how I hear
them in my head. You may pronounce them any way you wish; reading is, after
all, an active rather than a passive occupation.
Tarruss is a giant of a man, with green eyes,
short red hair and a cropped beard. He accompanies the main group, acting as
guardian. Here he talks with the author.
SA: So,
Tarruss, how should I describe you?
Tarruss: You
invented me. Say what you see.
SA: Most
people would describe you as a giant. I’d describe you as a giant.
Tarruss: Bigger
than most. But that doesn’t make me a bully, you know.
SA: Remind
me, what do you do for a living?
Tarruss: Work
with wood an’ metal, making weapons for the army and tools for farmers. Strong,
you see.
SA: And,
women? What’s your attitude to women, Tarruss?
Tarruss: Love
‘em. Beautiful, mysterious creatures with a shape that makes a man want more.
Clever, too. And strong in a way lots of men don’t seem to see. I love the look
of them, the feel of them in your arms, the way they laugh, the way they moan
with pleasure. To be honest, I prefer the company of women to men.
SA: And
what about your religion? How do you feel about that?
Tarruss: That’s
a strange question. I Follow. We all do. It’s our religion. I don’t know what
you expect me to say.
SA: Well,
for instance, how do you feel about the High Priest?
Tarruss: Dagla
Kaz does a job, like we all do. He’s the leader and has direct contact with
Ytraa. He’s the one as makes sure we’re all doing right. Fierce, like, when
he’s riled. I sometimes wonder…well, I shouldn’t really say, you know. I’m a
loyal Follower, that’s all, really.
SA: I
see. And the Holy Ones?
Tarruss: You
tryin’ to get me in trouble?
SA: Not
at all. I’m trying to show our readers the sort of guy you are, that’s all.
Tarruss: Seem
a bit tricky to me.
SA: The
Holy Ones?
Tarruss: I’d
rather not say, if you don’t mind.
SA: Okay.
What about food?
Tarruss: A
man likes to fill his belly. Preferably with good stuff. And the odd flagon of
good strong ale, of course. Hot work, hammerin’ metal.
SA: Don’t
say a great deal, do you?
Tarruss: Depends
who’s asking the questions, and how good they are.
SA: Right.
There’s a rumour you once killed a man with your bare hands.
Tarruss: Is
there? Look, any man who mistreats a child like that deserves what he gets. And
I’m admittin’ nothing.
SA: Last
one. What’s your role on the pilgrimage?
Tarruss: Well,
you wrote the story: don’t you know? Oh, you want it in my words. Right. I’m
along as guardian, soldier, hunter, and general drudge. Because I’m big, people
think I’m not too bright.
SA: Thank
you for your thoughts, Tarruss.
Tarruss: Welcome.
Can I go now?
SA: Of
course.
Tarruss:
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