Today let's get to know the determined Owain from Linda Ulleseit's YA fantasy novel, "In the Winds of Danger."
INTERVIEW WITH OWAIN
In the Winds of Danger
First of all, Owain,
tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a groom in High Meadow, working with the marvelous
winged horse Adain. His rider is Emma, who’s very good to me. I’m sixteen years
old, and I have red hair. People say that means I have a temper, but Emma tells
them to hush. I was born in Merioneth, near the sea, and came to the mountain
town of Tremeirchson when I was eight. I moved to High Meadow when it was
founded by Emma and Davyd four years ago.
Tell us about High
Meadow.
It’s not a very old place, and most of the inhabitants are
young. The majority of the older folks stayed in Tremeirchson when we fled due
to bad water. It was critical to move to save the flying horses. High Meadow is
deeper into the Welsh mountains than Tremeirchson, in the area called Gwynned.
It is remote and hard to find. In the morning, the gray mist comes down from
the mountain tops to blanket the town, but it usually burns off by afternoon.
High Meadow is supported by patrons from Merioneth, who fund barns to compete
in the annual Aerial Games. The Games provide a livelihood for the entire town.
Who’s in charge of
High Meadow and how do you feel about them?
Davyd’s in charge of the town. He’s married to Emma. They’re
terrific. First Barn is run by Tristan, and Second Barn by Evan. Evan is pretty
intense. He has some crazy ideas. I’m glad he’s not my barn leader. Tristan,
though, can be weak when it comes to making decisions. So far he hasn’t had any
crisis to deal with. Maybe that’s what he needs to be stronger. It’s important
for the two barns to work well independent of each other. That fosters a better
spirit of healthy competition. If Evan influences Tristan too much, First Barn
will lose its autonomy. That would be bad.
Can you tell us about
one of Evan’s crazy ideas?
Sure. His latest notion is for a new event for the Aerial
Games. Usually the horse perform intricate dances, and they race. Evan thinks an
aerial joust will work. It won’t. It’s too dangerous and too hard to see from
the ground. Tristan seems to be going along with the idea, though. I don’t know
what they are thinking.
What do you consider
your greatest achievement?
When I became groom to Adain, I was the youngest person ever
to hold the position. I’m quite proud of being able to do my duty well to Adain
and Emma. You might say Adain and I grew up together under Emma’s watchful eye.
Besides Adain, who is
the greatest love of your life?
Is this going to be kept private? You see, I haven’t said
anything to her yet. She’s my best friend, but I can’t imagine spending any
part of my life away from her. Ana is a groom, too. She’s groom to Clyth,
Evan’s horse. We used to work together in First Barn, but when Evan became the
leader of Second Barn. Ana left with him. She’s just up the lane now, and we
have breakfast in town together every morning, but it’s still hard to be away
from her.
What is your greatest
fear?
I promised to answer whatever you asked, but this is pretty
private. I have nightmares about it, actually, and I haven’t told anyone but
Ana about it. Just before I left Merioneth, there was an incident. I don’t
remember exactly what happened. My sister was there, then overwhelming grief.
My mind blocks out the memories. I am afraid that someday I’ll remember that I
was responsible for my sister’s death.
Which words or
phrases do you most overuse?
Davyd would say ‘sir’ is my most overused word. I respect
him, you see. I call him ‘sir’ because of that. I know he wants me to call him
Davyd, but it seems too familiar. He is well respected in town, and Emma, his
wife, is well respected in the barns. I suppose I should call her ‘sir’ too. Or
‘ma’am,’ it would be ‘ma’am.’
Which young person do
you admire most?
Davyd and Emma are both older than me. Nia is, too, but
closer to my age. I’ll pick Nia. She’s a First Barn rider. Nia has a lot of
skill and confidence. Some people say she has too much confidence, that it’s
arrogant. I don’t think so. Nia is destined for great things. In fact, I’ve
heard rumors that she is being considered as leader for Third Barn when it gets
ready to open. That would be an amazing opportunity for her, to be the first
female barn leader. I know she can do it, but I don’t know how our current barn
leaders, Evan and Tristan, will react.
What is your motto?
If you are loyal to others, they will be loyal to you.
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ON A WING AND A DARE
Purchase
IN THE WINDS OF DANGER
Purchase
WINGS OVER TREMEIRCHSON
Read pre-published copy on Wattpad:http://www.wattpad.com/story/7819282-wings-over-tremeirchson
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