Meet Lord Julian Challon today and Lady Tamlyn MacShane tomorrow. Lord Julian and Lady Tamlyn appear in A Restless Knight (Kesington Zebra Historical Romance – July 2006) by Deborah MacGillivray. This is the 1st book in the Dragons of Challon series. Check out the cover! What a hunk.
Name: Lord Julian Challon, Earl of Challon and Torqmond, the future Earl of Glenrogha.

Occupation: Knight of the English Realm, formerly the King’s Champion.

Zodiac sign: Libra

Tell us about yourself. Where were you raised? What’s your family like? Where do you live?

I was born in the vast holding of Castle Challon in Mortain, Normandy, the son and heir of the powerful Earl of Challon. My mother died when I was young, I was raised by my father’s lover, his leman, along with my two older half-brothers, bastard born, and my younger brother, Maxum. I love my brothers and they return this favour. I was also raised with Damian St. Giles, a second cousin, who fostered with my father. We are called the Dragons of Challon. Men fear us; women desire us.

What are your short and long-term goals? What do you want out of life?

I have served King Edward I of England―called Edward Longshanks―as his champion for too long. Through the horrors of war, I am crumbling inside. I watched my younger brother die on the field of Wales. I hunger for peace, home where I can find solitude and heal. I want a son.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Accusing my lady wife of seeking out the affections of another man, only to find it was her lord father.

Biggest regret?

The death of my brother, Maxum. He was too young to die. His life was forfeit for naught.

Ever been convicted of a crime?

No, I am a King’s Champion. Above reproach. I have taken lives on the field of battle, and have killed to defend my lady. These are not crimes. God rides at my shoulder. Only He judges me.

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

My world is limited. I have never been anywhere but the British Isles, Normandy and France. I would love to see my brother again. I loved him. I would have died in his stead.

Are you single? Married? Looking?

I was single as my tale begins, but I am on the way to claim my betrothed. My king, Edward Longshanks, has decreed that I shall take the Lady Tamlyn MacShane, Countess of Glenrogha, to lady wife. Glenrogha is a small holding in Scotland, in the year of 1296, the year before the rising of William Wallace.

What’s your ideal mate like?

Tamlyn embodies everything I ever hoped for in a mate. She is spirited, but caring. She puts herself second to those she cares about. She is a warrior true. The perfect lady for the Dragon of Challon. She is beautiful, loving, warm–and a witch. That at first took me back, but then as I adjusted, I found this quite a desirable trait.

Tell us a secret. What’s something others might not know about you?

That I have a tenderness inside me that is slowly dying, atrophying from the ugliness I must face in war.

Do you have a nickname?

Men call me The Black Dragon. I have learned the power of first impressions. I dress all in black, even my mail and armour. It helps me strike fear in the hearts and minds of other warriors. These are devices I employ to keep men in awe of me.

My lady wife calls me Challon. I have a suspicion she does this when she wants to ‘handle’ me. When she is speaking to me in a normal fashion she calls me Julian. When she wants to ignore my sage advice it’s always, “Yes, Challon.” or “No, Challon.”, then she goes ahead and does as she wants. Arrogant, willful women can be vexing, do you not think?

Any pet peeves?

Pet Peeves? What are these strange things? I detest the necessity of war. I detest the loss of life. I mislike the pale games men play for power.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
The ability to accept things, such as my brother’s death. I often trouble over accepting what I cannot change and it eats at my soul.

Any pets?

I have three destriers. These are not ordinary horses–palfreys, mind. They are mighty horses of war, trained to fight and save my life. Pagan, Dragon’s Blood and Lasher are their names. I hope to found a herd of warhorses on their stud. I shall be able to sell them for high coin.

How about allergies?

Allergies? What are these peculiar things? My witch wife tells me you mean things that don’t agree with me. I am allergic to war…and my king.

Do you support any charities?

Charities? Again, I am unsure of your modern words. My almoner passes out food, clothing and coin to the poor, weekly from my castle. The priest–of the Culdee Church (ancient Celtic Church)–tends to the needs of his flock. I see he has plenty of coins to carry out these offices. These Scottish Clans protect their own.

Is the glass half-full or half empty?

Of what? I prefer good wine from France, though I will drink ale. I avoid water as a rule, unless I am assured it’s not polluted.