Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #12

Okkyntalah:
This is the 12th in a series on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky . This background information isn’t covered in the book but will enhance the reading experience. For some of my people there are character drawings, supplied by Alice Taylor or myself, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I’ll do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well.For the places, I use sections of the map to indicate location or a sketch to illustrate the place, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, links with characters. Sometimes, I indicate the way of life there with a short anecdote or story. I don’t reveal any of the main story, either as already published or as written in the series, simply enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this gives pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuades others to take that step.
Pronunciation hints:Okkyntalah – ock-in-tar-lahTumalind – tum-a-lindNames are pronounced phonetically. But this is my take on them; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them as you wish, of course; reading is, after all, active rather than passive.

An interview between the author and Okkyntalah, one of 3 male heroes in the tale: A young man who grows through the story, but starts off as innocent and naïve, though intelligent, Okkyntalah is a buck looking forward to joining with his beloved Tumalind. A hunter by trade, and definitely an outdoorsman, he is well built, handsome, confident and brave.
SA:         Good day to you, Okkyntalah. I’m going to ask you a few questions.
Okkyntalah:       Ask away.
SA:         You’re a good-looking young man. Do you have any trouble with women?
Okkyntalah:       Thanks, but I don’t know what you mean. I’m a virgin buck. Waiting for the joining ceremony so I can become one with my betrothed, Tumalind.
SA:         Yes. But, in the meantime…well, a young man has certain needs?
Okkyntalah:       Oh, that sort of thing. I’m a Follower. You know what happens if we break the rules. I’m not risking violent punishment for a bit of fun. Anyway, I love Tumalind and she knows how to deal with those urges.
SA:         Tumalind’s very beautiful and much admired on the island. How did a young hunter like you manage to catch her?
Okkyntalah:       We’ve known each other all our lives. Fell in love cycles ago. Tumalind loves me; I didn’t have to ‘catch’ her. We have fun together. Want to be together, want to raise a family. What else is there, after all?
SA:         If I told you there are plans for you that involve adventure?
Okkyntalah:       Adventure? Sounds interesting, and fun. No one’s going to get hurt are they?
SA:         As to that, I’m not able to tell you. But you may be placed at risk.
Okkyntalah:       Risk? I hunt every day. If you’d ever hunted a terzet horn on your own with a spear and arrows, you’d know what risk means.
SA:         How about travel to other lands?
Okkyntalah:       As long as I have Tumalind, I’ll go wherever I’m needed. Just don’t let her be in danger. I won’t stand for that.
SA:         Sometimes a character must do things he doesn’t like, you know.
Okkyntalah:       What are you not telling me? I won’t have my Tumalind put at risk. I won’t! I’m having none of your adventures if she’s in any danger. Understand?
SA:         Well, Okkyntalah, it’s been interesting talking to you. We’ll just have to see what happens, won’t we?
Okkyntalah:       Hey! You can’t just go and leave me like that! I want to know….
SA:         Fun being the director, making your creations jump through the hoops. Not sure Okkyntalah would agree, though.
I wonder if it’s that sense of power over others that makes most leaders into absolute bastards?
Buying links for Joinings; A Seared Sky - Paperback, from Fantastic Books Publishing StoreEbook or paperback from your local Amazon store.Paperback, post free anywhere in the world, from Book DepositoryEbook via Ask DavidRelated articles Joinings: A Seared Sky. Couldn't put it down The Full Reveal and 5 Stars Joinings: A Seared Sky; All You Need Know. Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #6