Here is an interview with one of our main characters from ‘Morrigan’s Brood’
(Heather) I’d like to thank Marcus Galerius Primus Helvetticus for graciously agreeing to this interview.

(Marcus) – I am pleased to answer your queries.  This is a rare opportunity to express myself outside the storytelling venue, and please just call me, Marcus.

(Heather) So are you excited about the book coming out soon?

(Marcus) I am looking forward to it being out this winter.  In the cycle of seasons it would be an interesting time to bring forth a creative work since winter is a time of dormancy.

(Heather) How would you describe your life before the transformation?

(Marcus) I was a Roman General.  I conquered for the sake of conquest and I killed for glory to Rome.

(Heather) Is there anything else?

(Marcus) No, I think that sums up my life experiences before the transformation.

(Heather) What did you think of Eire when you first arrived on its shores?

(Marcus) I thought I was in Britannia.  I found it most dreary and wet to be honest.  Yet, something about it seemed familiar.  Perhaps I recognized it on some level.  It seemed to be ‘home’.  However, part of me wonders if the grove I lived in for so long was truly Eire.  It seemed to be outside of our realm and outside of our time.  I will admit that the sun seemed real though.  There were many mornings I nearly did not make it to my hole.

(Heather) Who do you believe Muirgel is?

(Marcus) I have no idea.  She is a most courageous woman.  There is something unique about her.  Yet she is also strange.  She exudes an indescribable quality.

(Heather) Where you surprised to see Mandubratius after all these years?

(Marcus) (laughter)  Oh my no.  I was more surprised to see my old lieutenant within the ranks of the Sugnwr Gwaed!  After my transformation to Deargh Du, it seemed like every situation might be possible.  I felt no surprise in learning that Mandubratius survived.

(Heather) How would you describe the clan warfare and unrest in sixth century Eire?

(Marcus) Unless you have a dominate power that unites everyone, war is to be expected.  Men who are motivated by greed tend to not share.  That behavior is seen in the lowliest of chieftains to the highest ranking Ard Ri.

(Heather) So what do you think of the book title selected for your story and the series of tales about you and your family?

(Marcus) I feel it is a most fitting title.  All Deargh Du are the children of Morrigan.  I would even contend that the Ekimmu Cruitne are Hers too.  Though She would not admit to it and I may hear an earful when next she speaks to me.

(Heather) Now on to a touchier subject, I have told you about how many will see and call you ‘vampire’.  How do you feel blood-drinkers are different from vampires?

(Marcus) Blood-drinkers are not cursed, nor are we are undead.  Blood-drinkers are not created by a vector of illness.  We are for lack of a better word, magic.  We are created by Gods, Goddesses, and Demigods.  Sometimes this is a deliberate act and sometimes it is an accident.  Our blood is mixed with that of Otherworldly beings.  In the case of the Deargh Du we have the blood of Morrigan in our veins.  It is why we share so many traits with the Her and the Fae.  While blood is necessary for our survival, it is neither necessary nor desirable to kill to obtain blood.  After all, why destroy a renewable resource?  The Celtic lines have a reverence for life and nature.  Though, sometimes this reverence appears to be missing in the other races.

(Heather) What do you think of the current trends of popularity of these vampire tales?

(Marcus) I suppose mortals find dangerous beings fascinating.  Most people seem fanatic about death because it is the natural end for all mortals.  Vampires aren’t dead or alive. I suppose that idea is interesting.

(Heather) So you don’t consider yourself similar to vampires at all?

(Marcus) I’m not a mortal anymore, but I believe any comparison ends there.  I don’t fear symbols and relics of Christian origin.  I wear silver.  The scent of garlic is annoying but not debilitating.  I was punished and tortured, but this existence is a gift that only one before me received.  I do things that vampires cannot do, but I’m not going to discuss that or my weakness as that would be rather foolish.

(Heather) And sparkly vampires?

(Marcus) (laughter) I know I do not sparkle!  I have not read that book or watched that film of which you speak, but I feel I can discuss it.  I have heard about this book.  It seems most unfortunate that the main character must always be protected and rescued.  In Eire, most women can be the equal if not better than men.  Not every woman wishes to be saved.  Perhaps things are different now, but I still don’t think I’d enjoy that book, and I know you have not, even though you have tried to read it.

(Heather) Very true.  I just can’t seem to get into it.  Ah well different strokes I suppose.

(Marcus) Indeed.  At least it interests the young in stories.  Then, when they are ready they can read Morrigan’s Brood.

(Heather) Do you have a favorite game?  Though I suppose this is more of a question for an Ekimmu Cruitne or Lamia.

(Marcus) I do enjoy Fidchell and Hurling.  I’d love to play Hurling at night with some other Deargh Du.  Imagine a version of Hurling with teams of flying Deargh Du.

(Heather) So what would you tell everyone here who is interested in buying the book?

(Marcus) This is an adventure, a foray into foreign lands before photography and film.  It is a tale of intolerance and acceptance.  You see, many of the blood-drinkers have hated each other and this is reflected in various mortal cultures as well.  As the journey continues, adversaries may become partners.  As I mentioned it’s a story of women and men fighting alongside one another.  I now maintain the balance with the others of my line.  Please join us.

(Heather)   Thank you again, Marcus.

(Marcus) The honor is to serve.