I’m not doing too many blog posts about the Prince’s Bargain because I’ve already started writing my next urban fantasy trilogy, but when I was looking over what I’d done in the past I saw a blog post I wrote after Royal Magic launched, where I discussed what Tari and Arion, and then Gwendafyn and Benjimir did for their world. So today I thought I’d talk about what Arvel and Myth mean to Lessa and Calnor.
Myth and Arvel are the first truly intellectual couple in this series, and as such they have–and will continue to have–a vastly different impact from the previous characters. While Arion and Tari opened up lines of communication between Less and Calnor, and Benjimir and Gwendafyn encouraged deeper friendships and interactions between their people, Arvel and Myth’s abilities allow them to tackle the economic issues of the two countries.
Arvel’s passion has always been economics–you can see this in Royal Magic–and while Myth is capable of easing social communication, her true love is trade translation. Together, they’ll be able to boost trade between the two countries. Trade had been increasing between Calnor and Lessa, but with Arvel and Myth working together, they’ll be able to make it flourish and grow. Currently, most trade is done one way. Lessa sells goods to Calnor. But with Myth having access to Tari and Gwendafyn–who both set trends–and being married to Arvel–who is the Chief Liaison for Calnor-Lessa trade, Myth will be able to better determine what human goods elves are interested in and send them to Lessa.
There’s also the added bonus that, during socials and events, Myth will be capable of translating for visiting nobles. And unlike Benjimir and Gwendafyn–who frequently leave Haven for military reasons–and even Arion and Tari–who leave to visit family–Arvel and Myth will permanently settle in Haven. Myth’s presence will be increasingly more important as the limited number of translators are spread between the two countries and the elves try to move their government base to Haven as well.
But Myth isn’t the only world-shaker. Already, Arvel has had a huge impact on Calnor by taking down the Fulton family–which will have ripples in the courts, trade, and even the justice system. Previously, the Fultons had a monopoly on the court, until the courts abandoned Queen Luciee for Gwendafyn. Without that power, they doubled down on trade and built their wealth–which Arvel has dismantled and seized. Calnor has, essentially, been cleaned up.
Not bad for two library lovers, eh?
Oh! I almost forgot. There’s one tiny, little way Myth just might have another impact on both Less and Calnor. Blaise is a hound on the scent of High Elf magic. And as she showed off at the end of The Prince’s Bargain, Myth is capable of understanding and speaking some of it. One has to wonder what that could mean for Blaise’s future….
Thanks for reading, Champions! I hope you have a lovely day!
That was so fun to read! Thank you.
Also, at the risk of being nosy: are you doing alright, Kitty? You sound tired. Usually with a book’s release, your blog posts sound like you’re jumping up & down with uncontainable excitement, but this time you sound…tired. Is everything okay?
Yours sincerely,
Megan (fan since 2014 – your stories kept me sane during college, you have no idea!)
I second that. I hope everything is OK Miss Kitty. Is the urban fantasy series been taking a toll on you? If so please make sure that you are taking care of yourself. We don’t want you to get sick or burn yourself out.
I don’t second the college part. I haven’t gone yet.
Lol, Same!!!
I am 71 years old and very careful with what I read. I require clean writing and high standards of behavior. It’s too depressing otherwise. I’ve been reading your books almost from the time you started writing, and I can truly say I love your wonderful imagination. You take an old tale and people it with characters that I can get to know and trust. They too go through hard times without giving up. They too admit weaknesses but still keep trying. I love it that you make happy endings for them that they have to work for. They’re real. Thank you so much!!!
Janie A
p.s. I read many of your books over and over. They help me relate to and have hope for all of you in the upcoming generations. 🙂 <3 🙂
I was wondering about Blaise and elf magic too and maybe along the way she’d get some explanation on why Myth’s father is/was so aloof.
Yes! Same!
Agreed! That was one thread of the story line that wasn’t addressed which should have been based on how tight the bonds of love are for the elves.
Plus Blaise is in the perfect position to REALLY pock and prod Myth’s father for answers. And if that level of character persistence isn’t enough…well, the shear power from high-elf magic should loosen any lips that witness it. Just ask the “poor” souls that made Gywn or Tari mad.
P.S. Kitty I hope that you’re well because Megan is right about you with blog posts after a book release. (fan since 2013- your books has kept me sane through my last two years of high school and continues too through college and real life. I mean it!)
Ooohhh! Let the speculation begin! I didn’t think it was a coincidence that Blaise was so interested in High Elf Magic and the Myth can decifer their language a bit. I was kind of expecting to see maybe a hint or two that the High Elves were on the horizon in this book and Lessa and Calnor were getting ready to meet them, but I can see a bit more development was required. I can only think that either this will be the shortest engagement militarily speaking or there will be a 5th book to finish tying up loose ends.
I bet the next book will be about Blaise. And I bet she “hooks up” with an Elf Enchanter! Maybe Seer Ringali’s mythical son…? Hmmm. And I bet Fyn and the other elves showing abilities to use High Elf magic will be taught High Elf words and be able to use the weapons left behind! This last book is going to be so much fun! Especially since Blaise is well positioned as the best friend to the future queen and she already has a good understanding of Elvish.
Oooh! Is there gonna be a next book about Blaise??!! That would be sooo cool!!
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope so!
That would be excellent!