Interview time: Hector!

Welcome to the first character interview from the cast of Hench! I’ll periodically release short discussions with the characters from the novel so that everyone can get a feel for they people who populate the story. I plan to release these once a month so look forward to them. So, let’s get started!

“Today we’ll be interviewing the hero of the book; Hector the henchman,” I said to the audience while motioning to our favorite henchman.

Hector shifted in his chair, seeming unnerved. “I don’t like the idea being labeled a hero, it’s a bit grandiose. Also, it has a lot of baggage.”

I lean back in my chair. “Well, if you’re not the hero of the story, who is? What should we call you; the book is named Hench because of you, after all.”

Chuckling, Hector shook his head. “Call me Hector, you can leave off all the stuff about henchman and heroics.” Taking a moment to think, he scratched the stubble on his chin. “I guess if anyone could be called the hero of the story, it’d be Mira.”

“Well you’re being awfully humble to let someone else be the hero of your story,” I said. “So, let’s get into the questions; what’s it like to be a henchman?”

Hector resumed scratching his chin. “It’s like you say, we’re humble folk. We don’t want the fame and danger like adventurers, but we want to help out in our own way. I don’t swing a sword or launch magical spells at the monsters that threaten humanity; instead I make sure that those people are well fed and rested. I also make sure they have all the equipment they’ll need.

“Not many give it much thought, but when a horde of monsters take roost in some forgotten mountain you’ll have to climb a mountain to get to them. While many adventurers are great in a fight, they tend to be poor mountaineers. I’ve given many newbies the, ‘how to handle a rope’ talk in my years.”

I nod and flip my paper over. “It sounds like henchman are very pragmatic about the whole business of going on adventurers.”

“Yep,” Hector said, then pointed at me. “Also, you’re right about it being a business. There are shops that specialize in equipping adventurers, a guild for managing quests, and of course us henchman. There are a lot of people who want to be heroes and stop all the monsters, so the market has moved in to fill the need.”

Ruffling my paper nervously, I clear my throat. “That sound like an awfully mercenary attitude. Don’t you think you’re taking advantage of these valiant people?”

He waved off my concern. “Not at all, we make them more successful. Do you think you can slay the dragon and save the princess without a sword, map, and days of rations and water? Not at all, this business is all about making adventurers safe and successful. And don’t get me started in latrines…”

“Perhaps I have a romanticized notion of adventures,” I admit to my notes. “Moving on, what do you think was the hardest part of the story for you?”

Hector rubbed his gut and winced. “I don’t want to get into the details, but I do get beat up badly. I’m not fond of being injured several times.”

“Can’t say I’d fault you,” I say. “So if being beat up is the worst part, then what is the best part of the story for you?”

Eyes squinting, he takes a moment to respond. “Hard to say, but I think the best part is the people. It’s a blessing to have so many friends to rely on, and I thank the Divinities to have to opportunity to have them in my life. It’s not exaggeration to say I’d be dead without their help. Also, the food is pretty great in the story.”
“It’s good you’re well fed,” I said. “It looks like we’re running out of time here, but I think we can squeeze in one more question.” I flip over my notes and look for a good question. “What do you think readers should know about the story?”

Hector rasped the table with his knuckles. “That’s an easy one: don’t take the story too seriously. There are parts that dramatic, but at it’s core its all about having a fun time. If you don’t laugh or smile while experiencing this story you’re doing it wrong.”

“Good to know!” I lean across the table and hold my hand out. “Hector, it’s been a wonderful opportunity to talk with you.”

Hector took my hand and shook it. “Pleasure’s all mine.”

“That’s all the time we have today folks! Please join us next time when we get to talk to Mira the monster. I’m sure we’ll have a heated conversation.”

*Easter egg, “how to handle a rope” is a song by Queens of the Stone Age, look it up.*