Character Interview with Dr. Rebeka Tyler from Knight of Runes by Ruth A. Casie

Today we are pleased to welcome Ruth A Casie who brings Dr. Rebeka Tyler, from Knight of Runes .

(Ruth) Thank you. I’m excited to be here and eager to introduce you to Rebeka Tyler.

(Rebeka) Hi. Thanks for having me.

1. Rebeka, tell everyone what Knight of Runes is all about?

Gladly. Simply stated, Knight of Runes is my quest to find my way back to the 21^st century after being tossed 400 years back in time.

I know. It was a daunting journey and one that taught me a lot about myself. You see, I inherited Fayne Manor in Wiltshire, England from an unknown relative. The exciting part of the inheritance was the family library. You see, no scholars knew anything about it. As an expert in renaissance studies, the thought of the potential things I would find excited me. Also, with my parents both gone the thought of finding my roots was compelling. It all seemed like a dream.

Well, I took a misstep at the standing stones and the next thing I knew I was careening down the side of a mountain and landed in the middle of a forest path, in 1605.

It took me awhile to realize I had fallen back in time but once I did I concentrated on finding my way back. I met Lord Arik who was trying to figure out what was attacking his land. I knew the land survived into the 21^st century which gave reassuring even if I couldn’t tell them why I was so certain we would find the answer. We finally realized that the land was under attack from a dark druid.

It wasn’t easy keeping my time travel a secret but I knew this time period better than most and no matter how connected I felt to the people here I feared they would take me for a witch. I had to keep it from everyone.

I found out later that Arik was the Druid Grand Master and told him my time travel secret. Together we fought the dark druid. We make an awesome team.

2. What did you think the first time you saw Lord Arik?

I thought he was an actor full of bravado. You see, I didn’t know I was back in time. It was May 1^st, Beltane. I thought he had some part in a re-enactment. They are rather prevalent during Beltane. Anyway, his ‘lord of the manor’ attitude didn’t impress me.

There was a skirmish by the river. I have a black belt in karate and held my own. When he accused me of endangering his men I actually told him I saved is ass. Yes, I called his lordship an ass. That should give you a pretty good idea of how I felt about him.

3. What was your second thought?

There’s much more to him than just a strong leader. He’s compassionate about his family, especially his orphaned nieces that live with him, and close to his brother. He is admired by his men and the villagers. There was more to this man than I originally thought.

4. Did you think it was love at first sight?

Not at all. He seemed egotistical, thought he was always right, had total control, I could go on. However, in retrospect I did notice there were times when I’d look at him and would tingle all over. I could swear he felt it too.

5. What do you like most about him?

When I got to know him, well, when I stopped challenging him I saw a very different man. He was responsible for everyone, even me. It wasn’t ego, it was duty. He’s a person used to command and control and he doesn’t take his responsibilities lightly. He’s the most honorable person I know. He’s definitely an alpha male balanced with compassion. I found I wanted to him to acknowledge my abilities more than any other person.

6. How would you describe him?

He’s tall, about 6’4” and has mesmerizing blue-green eyes. He has dark longish wavy hair that he rakes with his hands, a lot. He has magic runes, I thought they were warrior tattoos but they’re not, running from his back, over his shoulder, and down to his hip. He has a wicked sense of humor, a loving touch, and he’s mine.

7. How would he describe you?

I’m a bit independent, well for a 17^th century man, I’m very independent. I have a mind of my own and I use it. Very much like him, he knows I will defend what is mine by any means.

8. What made you choose renaissance studies as a career?

I guess you could say I followed in my father’s footsteps. My late father was a renowned authority on Celtic studies. Before I went to the university, Dad took me on all his trips and speaking tours. As a single parent, he didn’t have much choice. I began to read and study but found the renaissance period more exciting.

9. What is your biggest fear?

I fell back in time in the midst of a druid struggle between Arik and Bran (the dark druid). While Bran was defeated he’s not dead. My biggest fear is what Bran will do next.

10. How do you relax?

I like to walk in the woods or sit in the library looking through old documents.

11. What's your favorite fictional character and why?

I admire strong women who take ownership on their own destiny. Jane Eyre and Scarlett O’Hara are classics. For the more contemporary heroines Amelia Peabody (Elizabeth Peters’ The Golden One) and Lady Emily (Tasha Alexander’s Tears of Pearl) come to mind.

12. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

You must look at things from every angle and not only from your own perspective.

To the author: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing?

George from H.G. Wells’ Time Machine has an interesting challenge. George is a modern man faced with the dealing with the past. I always wondered how a modern woman would be viewed by men of the past.

I’ve always read romance and enjoy Lynn Kurland, Julie Garwood, and Diana Gabaldon to name just a few.

Thank you for sharing your blog with Rebeka and me. We enjoyed telling you about Knight of Runes.

To learn more about Knight of Runes and the stories she creates go to: www.RuthACasie.com