Character Interview: Disciple Part III by L. Blankenship

L. Blankenship: My character interviews are usually with one of my main characters. This time, I asked the mentor figure in Disciple, Parselev, for his perspective on how we got to Disciple, Part III.
Disciple, Part III Kate fought for her place as a healer in the war’s front lines. Serving her homeland has been her goal since her magical gifts earned her a coveted apprenticeship with the kingdom’s greatest healer. She believes she’s prepared.
But nothing’s simple when defending a besieged capital city — or her heart.
She loves the prince, who means to protect her even though his duties as a knight keep him on the battlements, fighting the enemy’s monstrous army.
Kate’s husband is the one who checks on her, lingers over dinner, and slowly but surely charms her. She’s all too aware that her beloved prince threatened to kill him if he touches her.
As the enemy thunders against the city walls, the kingdom needs more from Kate than just her healing magic. All disciples must put aside their tangled feelings and stand in the homeland’s defense.
Kate believed she's ready for a war. She isn't.

L: What was your motivation in taking Kate on as your student, when others were more qualified?
Parselev: Kate's gift with kir was what brought her to my attention. It's true that as a peasant girl there was much she needed to learn when she first arrived, but reading came easily to her and the rest followed. 
L: The rest being -- writing? math?
Parselev: (nodding) In truth, finding her confidence was more important. Leadership. She was timid, at first, and easily bullied by the older students. I could not be a mother hen to her, when I have so many other duties, but I saw to it that she had her chances to prove herself.
L: The experience she earned during the secret mission (in Disciple, Part I) greatly improved her confidence?
Parselev: Yes. It gave her a taste of what she could do. She's improved steadily, despite a few setbacks, and now that the war is on our doorstep… (he stares into the distance, pursing his mouth.)
L: You worry for her.
Parselev: Of course. She's young. Anything might happen.
L: Why not send her north when the city was evacuated, then?
Parselev: Her gift is needed here. Serving in a battlefield surgery is -- hard, but she needs the discipline of it. It will strengthen her.
True, there are three more parts of Discipleyet to come. Kate will need to be strong.



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Read a sample of Disciple, Part III • sample Part II • sample Part I

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