Dear readers, tonight with us is the Lightbender, an illusionist who works as a healer. After days of wandering the border forest of Capherayna, he stumbled upon the Xaeltik community, an ancient tribe who are unable to defend themselves from the dark forces of the modern world. He is here to tell us about his adventures and struggles as he risks his life to save others.

Tell us about where you’re from. Urban or rural? Small town? What was life like?

A bunch of messianic fogies convinced my family to give up their only child for the good of mankind. I have no memory of my parents and no idea where I’m from. I was taken to a secluded environment in the mountains. The academy had no technology and no scope for a social life. My teachers were as emotionless as rocks and ensured we emulated them. It sucked, to a great extent, but I don’t regret it. I developed skills that few human beings could dream of. And, yes, it was worth it in the end.

That sounds like a hard childhood! Even so, I’m sure you have a few cherished memories.

The young Lightbender wasn’t too fond of his childhood. My teachers tortured our minds and bodies in the name of resilience. But when I look back, I miss hang gliding in the mountains, making strawberries from thin air and, in a masochistic way, pushing my body to the extreme. I developed a rich inner world that sustains me to this day.

What do you do now?

I’m an illusionist. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. I’m aware of the illusion of duality and pierce the veil if needed. Some say I perform miracles, but it’s hard work and practice, really. I’m a healer, one who wanders the world serving the afflicted in war and natural disasters. My toolkit comprises herbs, acupuncture needles, my hands and a sleek hang glider. Occasionally, I use my hang glider to get out of sticky situations.

I’m curious to know about your latest adventure. Which part of the world are you in?

My latest adventure is trying to avoid adventure as far as possible. I’ve been stranded in sieges and riots, famine and landmine-infested regions. I’ve walked into a massacre, for God’s sake! Sadly, I have a feeling I’m going to get myself into trouble again—but only if I visit the borderlands. There’s a reason I’ve avoided them like the plague all these years. I’ve been stuck in Capherayna for a while and can’t get myself to leave.

What did you first think when you set foot in the borderlands?

I was blissfully unaware of the hell I was going to encounter. Do I regret walking through that dense forest for days? Yes and no. It changed the course of my life, and I’m not sure for the better.

What was the scariest thing in your adventures?

Having my jugular vein pierced by my teachers and having to heal it myself. I don’t scare quickly after that experience.

What is the worst thing about being an illusionist?

How numb you become to pain. There’s only so much sorrow you can witness before it loses its power over you. Some may say that’s a good thing, but I’m not sure. Pain is the other side of pleasure, and I would hate to become numb to pleasure.

What is the best thing about it?

You travel the world on a shoestring budget with nothing to tie you down. You sleep wherever you like, with whomever you like and leave before boredom sets in. You make friends with the moon, the stars, starfish and cows. You derive joy from a life of service to strangers. You have no fear of death. The sense of freedom and wonder is unparalleled.

Do you have any friends? Besides the moon and the stars?

I’m not the most talkative guy and find small talk rather insufferable. I have three great pals from my days at the academy. Their names are as strange as my own—Umbra, Zephyr and Neptune. We meet once a year in the oddest of places—rundown garages, river banks, rave parties. We bond over our hatred of the urban landscape, love for adventure and the fact that we’re still alive.

Any romantic involvement?

Women seem to love me, and I have no idea why. I’m terrified of long-term relationships and find intimacy suffocating. I’m a five-night stand kind of guy. I’m considering changing my ways. You might be quite surprised at how things go.

Whom (or what) do you really hate?

I cannot stand those in power who exploit their own people. I’m referring to kings and evil politicians. The kind who destroy their own citizens and the environment for greed and sadism.

What’s your favourite drink and colour? How do you unwind?

I’m not much of a drinker, but I do love a good whisky. My favourite whisky comes from the islet of Kaelt, a tiny fishing village about a hundred miles off the border villages of Capherayna. It’s smoky with a hint of peat. It’s my idea of heaven after a hard day of work.

My favourite colour is midnight blue because I love gazing at the night sky. A midnight blue sky is the perfect canvas for a luminous full moon.

I unwind by smoking jetsommer. The herb is smoother than caffeine, tobacco and Mary Jane. I only smoke when highly stressed or bored. Regular pastimes include swimming in natural bodies of water, meditating in nature, dancing at Gothic nightclubs and wandering in old-growth forests.

What does the future hold for you?

I’m on my way back to the borderlands. I’m dreading it but must stay composed for the sake of my companion. I’m putting on a brave face for her.

Can you share a secret with us?

I’m hesitant to share this, but there’s a network of tunnels dug hundreds of years ago to escape in an event of war. That’s all I can say for now.

Karen Menezes wrote The Chronicles of Capherayna over three years. She spent the next few years editing the manuscript in her spare time while working a full-time job in web development. She loves spending time in nature, never misses a sunset and is fascinated by food, forest mythology and alternative healing therapies. Some of the themes she touched upon in the series took place as global events a few years later, including the COVID-19 pandemic. She is currently based in Mumbai, in a home where parakeets and sparrows are spotted every morning while sipping a cup of masala chai.

You can meet the Lightbender on the pages of Safe Passage, and its sequels in the Chronicles of Capherayna series.

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