Felicity Banks

Interview with the main character

July 24, 2009 at 12:04 am (Uncategorized)

The narrator of the twitter tale is Ulandin (chosen as narrator mainly because his name is the longest). He will be telling the story in first person (“I. . . “)

Keep in mind that both Ulandin and “Louise Curtis” are technically fictional – Louise is MOSTLY me, but nicer. And a bit dumber (arguably).

Louise is a writer, so she has a cat. This cat has clearly heard one too many discussions of grammar.

 

This interview takes place in real time, just before “Tar” happens. “Tar” isn’t required reading. Nor is this – it’s not a story, just a bit of story flotsam.

 Interview with Ulandin, by the author (sort of):

It was a hot day, and everyone seemed to have passed out under the scattered trees. The heat was so thick I swam dreamily along the road, unable to walk quickly.

I found Ulandin under a tree (naturally), fixing a broken oar. He was only sixteen or so, but carried himself as if he was much older. I got the feeling that if he’d seen me coming he’d have hidden – he had the look of someone trying to be invisible. That impression vanished the instant he raised his eyes – striking golden eyes in a brown face.

Louise: Good afternoon.

Ulandin: Ma’am.

Louise: How long have you been working for Master Hinfar?

Ulandin: Since Mum died.

Louise: How old were you then?

Ulandin: Dunno. Don’t remember it.

Louise: So you’re a slave?

Ulandin: Figured that out yourself, did you?

Louise: Are you okay? Are you fed well?

Ulandin: Enough to work.

Louise: How would you describe your life?

Ulandin: Rather not.

Louise: Can I. . . er. . . bribe you or something?

Ulandin: Do you have a boat?

Louise: Um. . . no. I was thinking of food, or money. That kind of thing.

Ulandin: You know what a slave with money is?

Louise: What?

Ulandin: A thief. Then dead.

Louise: Oh. Never mind. But then why did you want a boat?

Ulandin: To be free.

Louise: Oh. I’m so sorry. Is there anyone who can help you – buy your freedom, or something?

Ulandin: Not on this island. Master Hinfar owns everyone, one way or another. Except. . . no. No-one.

Louise: Except who?

Ulandin: The girl who landed on the beach yesterday. She’s not from here. No-one knows where she’s from. Pretty, though – all big eyes and ringlets. But maybe the big eyes were because she was starving – another hour and she’d have died.

Louise: Where is she?

Ulandin: Master Hinfar took her away.

Louise: Will he make her a slave?

Ulandin: I don’t think he can. I don’t think anyone can.