Many members of the Reality Escape Committee have a long standing interest in mythical creatures, and dragons are perhaps the most popular of such. Just published is a new book which looks at dragons in what is perhaps a slightly different from normal perspective: that of the person who makes a career from facing and killing dragons.
The book is called Dragon Slayer: The Complete Chronicles, and it's main character is here with me today! Rimsey Stolworth has the distinction of being the Kingdom’s only female dragon slayer. She is also the only person ever granted the title of First Master Dragon Slayer! So a big welcome, please, for Rimsey Stolworth!
Rimsey
Yes. Thank you, Paul. It’s - um - very nice to be here.
Paul
You seem a bit nervous, Rimsey. Not what I’d expect from someone who regularly faces hungry dragons!
Rimsey (laughs).
Oh, well - I’m used to dragons, but I’ve never been interviewed before! And dragon’s are often easier to deal with than people.
Paul
Really? Why’s that?
Rimsey
Dragon’s are predictable. Usually. They always do the same thing, the same way. As long as you know that, you can stay one step ahead. People, well, they can be more difficult to understand.
Paul
So would you say that understanding dragons is the key to your success as a dragon slayer?
Rimsey
Definitely! You can’t ever forget that the dragon has nearly all the advantages. They’re faster, stronger and have sharper senses than any human. The only way to beat them is to out-think them.
Paul
Well, you've certainly proved your ability to do that. According to the stories, on one occasion you killed twenty dragons at once!
Rimsey
I didn't really kill them myself. Just arranged for them to kill each other.
Paul
That’s very modest of you, Rimsey. But what about the story of you being trapped in a cellar with a dragon, unarmed? You managed to kill that one as well, didn't you?
Rimsey
Yes. I used its appetite as a weapon. But I was lucky as well. Not an experience I like to dwell on, if you don’t mind.
Paul
All right, we’ll leave that one. Let me ask you instead, how many dragons have you killed in total?
Rimsey (shrugs).
The numbers aren’t important.
Paul.
Don't you keep score?
Rimsey
Well, I keep accounts. Dragon slaying is a business, you understand, so I do need to record payments, and so on. But it’s not about keeping a score.
Paul
And how many dragon slayings are in your account book?
Rimsey
Oh, a few hundred I suppose. But as I said, the numbers aren't important to me.
Paul
So what would you say is important to you?
Rimsey
Look, Paul - dragon’s are nasty, vicious creatures. They eat people, they eat livestock, they’ll eat your dog! I've seen entire villages wiped out by a single dragon - whole communities devastated! I don’t care about keeping score, I just want them all dead!
Paul
If you’ll forgive me for saying so, it sounds like it’s more than a business. It sounds personal.
Rimsey
Yes, it’s personal. I've seen some of my best friends ripped apart and eaten in front of my eyes, so you’re damn right it’s personal!
Paul
So you’ve no plans to give up dragon slaying and move into something less dangerous?
Rimsey
Not while there are any dragon's still breathing!
Paul
You really hate them, don't you? Tell me, Rimsey – what would you say to those people who think that dragon's are magnificent, beautiful or even cute?
Rimsey (snorts with derision)
I've met people like that. The Dragon Priests for example, who actually worship dragons – but they are definitely not right in the head. Or there are some who think that dragon's make nice pets! They'd have a different opinion if they actually met one!
Paul
Is there anything at all positive you can say about dragons?
Rimsey.
Oh, certainly. They're very good eating. A nice cut from the thick part of the tail, grilled medium rare over a wood fire, with a dash of pepper – best steak you'll ever taste!
Paul
So – eat them before they eat you?
Rimsey
Absolutely! A good dragon is a cooked dragon!
Paul
That's a good image to finish with! Rimsey – thank you for your time, and all the best for your future!
Dragon Slayer - The Complete Chronicles is available as a paperback or on several e-book platforms. Click on the picture below to go to the 'publications' page for more information on this and other Reality Escape books!