Realm Explorers Part CX: Visit Montequirst with D.R. Grady

Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.

Author’s name:

D.R. Grady

Title of book and/or series:

Seeking: Warrior King

Brief summary of the story:

With her beloved mother dying, Crown Princess Raene of Montequirst must prepare to be queen and choose a husband within hours of the death. By law, he must be the greatest warrior in the land. The only man who fits that description, who she can tolerate, is her friend and mentor, Vidar the Loyal. He’s a member of the elite Aasguard warriors, who have never married in their centuries of existence.

While the mightiest men of the nation circle Raene in an attempt to boost their own rank and wealth, a neighboring country is also making plans against Montequirst. With the aid of his clumsy dragon companion, Vidar has been teaching Raene to wield her legendary sword in order to defend her throne. Meanwhile, they’re both battling an attraction neither understands.

Can they possibly break the age-old traditions that bind them and choose their heart’s desire?

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

Montequirst is a prosperous, busy country. The homes are well cared for and the crops plentiful. Their animals are considered among the finest in the surrounding regions.

A queendom—Montequirst has been run by a queen for the last five hundred years. Queen Margina, Raene’s mother, dies and leaves the throne to her beloved daughter, Raene.

The men of Montequirst use swords and canons to defend themselves. Sword fighting, and being a warrior, is the best profession for a male, although there are other options. If the nation is wealthy enough, it might also have an Aasguard warrior and dragon to guard the treasury, which Montequirst does.

Aasguard warriors, such as Vidar the Loyal, are no longer human, but are a more advanced version. For instance, they can withstand dragonfyre. While not immortal, they are difficult to kill. If they are fortunate enough to have a dragon companion, the long years aren’t so lonely.

If we were to visit Montequirst as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

The farmers markets would offer an array of fruits and vegetables, and fine wares. And now that spring is upon them, even more so. If you’re fortunate enough, you might be invited to one of the many manor homes for a meal and perhaps a gathering.

What dangers should we avoid in Montequirst?

Don’t run afoul of Aern, the castle dragon. He contains plenty of dragonfyre.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Monequirst?

Again, swords are prevalent. Hand-to-hand combat skills are a necessity, and if you achieve the proper rank, you might be trained to blast a canon. (Be aware, only males are always trained in swords and self-defense. A ridiculous notion Raene chaffs against.)

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Monequirst?

Horses are prevalent for one person. But for multiple people and to convey wares, they use cream colored transports, hulled out cocol pods, which are round and after being outfitted with seating and wheels, make a comfortable mode of transportation. The original fruit is used in the making of many products in Montequirst.

Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Montequirst? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.

Handheld crystals, after some wizardry, have the capability of texting one another, keeping track of appointments and tasks, and the like. Whether these simple crystals are magic or technology is up for debate.

Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Montequirst as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?

Montequirst is much like Earth in the weeks and months. They do enjoy four seasons.

As for holidays, the day Raene’s mother, the Queen of Montequirst, dies will be known as Accession Day. Also, a celebration every year will mark Raene’s wedding—an indication of their continued prosperity.

What is the political or government structure in Montequirst? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

Montequirst is again, a queendom. Raene’s mother ruled before her, and upon Queen Margina’s death, Raene rules. Her husband, who is made a king upon their marriage, protects her and oversees their vast military. He aids her should she need it, but Raene has been learning the queen’s duties since birth. Her choices—such as the warrior she chooses to wed—will determine whether the nation’s current prosperity continues, or not.

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Montequirst?

Besides the antiquated practice that upon her mother’s death, Raene is therefore forced to name her husband? Yes, and she has a few pithy things to say about this barbaric practice as well as the lack of sword and self-defense training for all females.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

A battery ad, and then a dream, inspired this first story in the series. Book two is entitled Seeking: Maiden Queen. Book two takes up where book one left off with two characters we meet in book one.

Author Autobiography:

-Clean, heartwarming stories, every time.-

D.R. Grady is the author of over twenty clean, heartwarming romance novels. She lives with her husband near Hershey, PA and adores chocolate, laughing, collecting bags, books, and shoes. Oh, and writing clean stories that resonate with others.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.

You can purchase Seeking: Warrior King at the following retailers:

Amazon

Google Play (epub)

Smashwords (multiple formats)

Barnes and Noble

The paper book is coming…

Where can readers connect with you online?

Website: drgradyboooks.com

Amazon Author page

Twitter: @drgradybooks

Facebook Page

Instagram

Google+

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Montequirst. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week's edition of Realm Explorers!

-Annie Douglass Lima

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