Legacy of the Valiant
by Edale Lane
Released: Apr 25, 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Why this book and why now?
Sigrid & Elyn has been a huge success for me and I always wanted to write more Tales from Novegr, as I love Viking action adventures. This time instead of featuring women who were already fierce warriors, I selected two who wished to be but were seen as physically lacking by their peers. They are led on their own hero’s journeys, through tragedy and triumph, until they end up needing to work together despite their reservations. Can love blossom in an atmosphere of tension?
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
Solveig is considered one of the most beautiful Scandinavian names, dating to the pre-Viking period, and she is a beautiful woman. The name means “strong house” or “daughter of the sun.” Since Solveig is the king and queen’s first born daughter, it is fitting on all counts. Kai is a gender neutral name which springs from several origins around the world. It is listed as Swedish, Finnish, Dutch, Scottish, and Welch – peoples who would have interacted with each other. Kai can mean “fire,” “keeper of the keys”, “warrior,” or “brave spearman,” all of which fit her personality. While she has no wealth, no physical keys, Kai does possess keys to knowledge. (Kai also appears in Native American, Hawaiian, and other unrelated cultures.)
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Kai’s favorite book(s) would be the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. She would see herself as Frodo, too small to be important, yet longing more than anything to make a difference, to strike a blow for good in the world. Solveig would love Beowulf, as his story so closely mirrors what is happening in her land. She would dream of being the hero-warrior who saved the people from a terrible monster, though she knew she hadn’t the strength nor good vision to accomplish such a feat.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it. What do they do?
Kai, keenly aware of Solveig’s adventurous side, plans a romantic night for her beloved princess. She packs the essentials into a small boat and hands Solveig over the side, settling her on the bow seat. Pushing off from the dock, she paddles up the coast to a lovely, secluded spot she found while out hunting. They go ashore with the packed bundle and follow a rocky path beneath fir boughs until they come to a cave entrance. “Let’s explore this cave and see what we find,” Kai said, though she already had to be sure it was safe. Lighting a torch, they follow the tunnel to an open chamber with a waterfall tumbling from a crevice above into a clear pool. Kai spreads out a blanket and places a picnic of food on it. Solveig marvels at the colors and striations in the rocks, the beauty of the cavern. After eating, they do a bit more exploring, voicing ideas about how they think the cave got here. Was it the work of trolls, dwarves, or one of the gods? They find the bones of a long-dead warrior resting with his sword, helmet, and shield and make up stories about what happened to him. Feeling exuberated from the adventure, Solveig and Kai lie down on the blanket and make love by torchlight in the fantastic cavern before taking the little fishing boat back home.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book!
BKia may have invented “víðir bjórr”, an alcoholic beverage made from seaweed, but she chooses something more palatable for Solveig and her to toast the occasion – a fruity wine imported from the continent to the south. Ale is an everyday drink, and mead common enough, but wine is for holidays and special moments. Seeing their story released to the world is exceptional indeed.
