A special treat! Meet Damian St. Giles
Today I’ll introduce you to Damian St Giles from In Her Bed by Deborah Macgillivray (Kesington Zebra History, July 2007). Come back tomorrow to meet Lady Aithinne Ogilvie, Baroness of Coinnleir Wood.
Name: Damian St. Giles, Lord Ravenhawke
Occupation: A knight of Julian Challon, my cousin, in service to the English King, Edward Longshanks, in the year 1296 Scotland. We have just crossed over the Scottish border, meaning to bring the country to heel. Edward is the most ruthless king to sit upon the throne of England. He intends to unite all of Britain under his control, by force if necessary. A warrior-king, he often spends more time in the saddle than upon the throne. He is capable of unleashing his dogs of war to set forth brutalities the likes I never hope to see again.
Zodiac sign: Leo, the fire sign fits my nature, though I am born on the cusp, so I also have Virgo tendencies. It makes me patient, which is something I need in my life. I stand in the shadow of a very great man–Julian Challon. I have learned to bide my time.
Tell us about yourself. Where were you raised? What’s your family like? Where do you live?
I am Baron Ravenhawke. My father was a Norman lord; my mother a Scottish lady, daughter of the Baron of Lyonglen. At age seven I was sent to Castle Challon to foster as a page with Michael, Earl of Challon. I was raised with his heir, Julian, along with Julian’s younger brother, Maxum, and his two bastard half-brothers, Simon and Guillaume. Because I looked so like Julian, my second cousin, everyone often assumed I was another bastard born son of Earl Michael. Though my blood is legit, I have often felt like this was true because my Scottish grandfather has disinherited my lady mother for daring to marry a Norman knight. I have never seen my grandfather, know little of him by the man’s choosing.
What are your short and long-term goals? What do you want out of life?
I would like peace. I am made weary of war. I would like to get far away from this English king who never ceases to want more. I want my own place in the world. My king has offered me the chance to go to the land of my lady mother and claim the Scottish valley, Glen Eallach. While my grandfather, Baron Lyonglen, has kept his oath to Edward, he is ageing. Lyonglen is much sought after by Clan Bruce, Clan Comyn and Clan Campbell. It’s a vital position for the Scottish clans as well as the English king. The elderly Gilchrist cannot possibly fight to protect the holding any longer, so Edward has sent me to my mother’s home to assume command.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Waking up after drinking too much, chained to a lady’s bed, and not knowing how I got there.
Biggest regret?
That I didn’t come to claim Lyonglen sooner.
Ever been convicted of a crime?
No, but I am apt to cheat at draughts when I feel perverse. I mostly do it to aggravate Julian, who would never think to cheat at anything.
I am also thinking of wringing the neck of Lady Aithinne.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My grandfather. I never knew him. I wonder what sort of person he was.
Are you single? Married? Looking?
Single, though Edward has directed me to wed the Lady Aithinne Ogilvie. I have learnt that Aithinne means firebrand. I would think a woman with this name would be a lot of trouble. She is.
What’s your ideal mate like?
Lady Tamlyn is my idea mate. Julian was very fortunate in Fate’s favour. Edward had no idea of the lady’s value when he gave her to my cousin. I even asked Julian to reconsider this coming marriage to Tamlyn. I am touched with my mother’s fae blood and I have seen images of the woman destined to be mine. That woman had the face of Tamlyn. However, Julian loves Tamlyn, and she him. I am confused. My visions have never played me false before. How can they be right, when I am forced to watch Tamlyn marry my cousin?
Only Fate has some tricks to play upon me yet, it seems.
Tell us a secret. What’s something others might not know about you?
That I fear failing to measure up to Challon
Do you have a nickname?
This nickname? Nick is another name for the Devil. Do I have a Devil’s name? What sort of foolishness is this? I am a Christian knight. Men call me St. Giles or Ravenhawke. Julian and those close to me call me by my given name, Damian. There was some Saint by that name, methinks. They say it’s of ancient origin and means “to tame”. I think it suits my nature. I plan to tame the Lady Aithinne Ogilvie.
Any pet peeves?
People who lie. But then, Aithinne seems to do it so well, so I find it amuses me in her.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
I would learn to control my visions, understand them better.
Any pets?
I have a valiant steed, named Galleon. I think I would like a cat. They are much like women, don’t you think?
How about allergies?
More words of the Devil? I asked Challon the meaning of this and he says it’s things that cause you distress. People cause me distress, especially deceitful people. Like that redheaded witch who chained me to her bed.
Do you support any charities?
The almoner handles this office. You may seek him on Thursdays at the postern gate of Lyonglen.
Is the glass half-full or half empty?
Around me, it’s always empty. That is how I ended up in her bed with no memory!!
Where would you like to go next?
- Meet Karen Erickson I recently had the pleasure of interviewing...
- My Interview with Amelia at Ecataromance.com! Oh boy! My very first interview has...
- May I introduce Jamie Paul Rivard… I recently sat down with a handsome...
- Meet Lady Tamlyn MacShane Yesterday we met Julian, today we meet...
- Interview with Amie Stuart MC: Hi Amie! Let’s dive right in....
