I’m really excited to share I had a short story called “The Name” included in Flame Tree Press’ Of Love & Dragons anthology. You can purchase a copy if it here.
I just want to say I think this is one of the most beautiful-looking anthologies I’ve ever been a part of. I love the designs Flame Tree Publishing does for their books, especially for their new romantasy series.
I wrote this story with this anthology in mind, and when I read it was about dragons, I immediately knew I wanted the dragon to be the villain in the story. I think all too often stories have them as magnificent creatures who are either pets or can transform into people, and while dangerous, they’re either forgiven for being “wild” animals or are given excuses of some kind or another. I wanted none of that in this story. I wanted a dragon who is clearly using humans, as he thinks is probably his right as a “superior” species, and only cares about himself and his own species. I think from Kiros’ perspective, his pet human went against his orders at the worst possible time, losing him a precious member of his noble species.
For most of my stories, I try to choose names and words that have particular meanings that serve the story. This story is no different, though as usual I have no idea if I actually pulled it off whatsoever, given my horrendous researching skills. What I believe, however, I did was:
- Aria – various sources say the name means “air.” I thought for all humans who are chained to a dragon, their name should be this, as dragons see them as both worth ignoring but essential for life, much like we do air.
- Nolan – meaning “noble” or “famous.” I thought “noble” would work better for this character in helping to free Aria.
- Kiros – meaning “king.” I think this should explain itself.
- Ki – Sumerian for earth. I wanted an ancient language to play a part in this to show how long this pattern of chaining humans to dragons has existed. The humans are earthbound, being unable to fly, and so they are representatives of the earth.
- An – Sumerian for heaven. The dragons of course believe themselves to be superior, hence giving themselves a collective name that can mean heaven. Thus, when a human is chained to a dragon, they form “heaven and earth.”
- Safa – meaning “pure, clarity, serenity.” I wanted her name to mean something stunning to make it feel like even more of a treasure when she finally uncovers it, and to show she is finally gaining her sense of clarity when it comes to the dragons and what they truly are.
It was a fun story to write, and I feel like I won the lottery to be included in something from Flame Tree Publishing. I hope you enjoy the story (and the anthology) as much as I do!
Last note: For reasons passing understanding, I ended up playing on repeat “In Too Deep” by The Chainsmokers while writing this song. I think some of the lyrics work (“I’m in too deep and I need a way out / you’re the only way out”), at least.