We sit down with Kat Arden

RISING STAR: An Interview with the Enigmatic Katherine Arden

Renaissance Weekly: We sit down with the mysterious young woman who's been spotted in the entourage of the renowned Dr. John Dee

RW: Katherine, you've been making quite a name for yourself in scholarly circles. How did you come to work with the famous Dr. John Dee? 

Kat Arden: [shifts uncomfortably, then relaxes]

Well, I suppose you could say we found each other when we both needed allies. 

I was... seeking a new direction in my life, and Dr. Dee has this remarkable ability to see potential in people that others might overlook. He doesn't care about your birth or your past mistakes - only whether you're willing to learn and whether you can be trusted. I've found that refreshing. 

He gave me opportunities I never thought possible for someone like me.

RW: Your skills seem quite diverse - we hear you're equally comfortable with a sword as with ancient texts. That's unusual for a young woman.

KA: [laughs and touches the hilt of her weapon]

Is it? I've always believed that knowledge and the ability to defend yourself go hand in hand. You can't pursue truth if you're not free, and sometimes freedom requires... practical skills. 

Dr. Dee's work takes us to some rather interesting places, and not everyone appreciates scholarly inquiry. I've found that being able to handle myself in various situations makes me a more valuable member of the team.

RW: Speaking of the team, there's been talk about your adventures with a certain Jack Delauris. Care to elaborate?

KA:[eyes brighten noticeably]

Jack is... [pauses, a genuine smile crossing her face] 

Jack is extraordinary. He has this wonderful combination of strength and gentleness, of practical seamanship and surprising intelligence. People underestimate him because of his background, but he sees things others miss. 

We work well together - he handles the physical challenges while I manage the more scholarly aspects, though honestly, we each surprise the other regularly. He's taught me that courage isn't the absence of fear - it's acting despite it.

RW: We understand you've been involved in the search for some rather mystical artifacts. Can you tell us about the Bloodstone?

KA: [leans forward, becoming more animated]

Ah, now that's a tale worth telling! 

The Bloodstone of Boiorix - what a quest that was. Ancient clues, hidden chambers, secret societies... it was like living inside one of those adventure tales the traveling players perform. The research alone took months - tracking down obscure references, deciphering riddles that were centuries old. And the places it led us! From Canterbury Cathedral to the Temple Church in London, from hidden vaults to forgotten crypts. 

Dr. Dee may have his doubts about such artifacts, but I've seen things that would challenge even his rational mind.

RW: Your family connections are... complicated. How has that affected your current path?

KA: [face immediately closes off, voice becomes clipped]

I'd rather not discuss my family, if you don't mind. The past is the past. What matters is the work we're doing now and the people who've chosen to stand with me despite... despite whatever stories they may have heard. 

Some of us have to create our own families, our own loyalties. I've been fortunate to find people who judge me by my actions, not my bloodline.

RW: Fair enough. But surely growing up in noble households gave you advantages in this work?

KA: [still guarded but slightly more forthcoming]

I suppose it taught me to navigate different social circles, to understand how power works and how information flows. You learn to read people when your safety depends on it. And yes, I can curtsy properly and speak to lords and ladies when necessary, though I much prefer honest conversation with genuine people. The twins - Ed and Hal - or even our former colleague Gerolamo, they're worth a dozen preening courtiers.

RW: What's next for Katherine Arden? Any plans to continue these scholarly adventures?

KA: [passion returning to her voice]

As long as Dr. Dee will have me, and as long as there are mysteries to solve and knowledge to uncover, I'll be there. 

This work - pursuing truth, protecting important discoveries, standing against those who would use power to harm others - it gives my life meaning. And if Jack continues to be part of these adventures... [slight blush] well, that makes it all the more worthwhile. 

There's so much we still don't understand about the old knowledge, the artifacts, the connections between past and present. I want to be part of uncovering those secrets.

RW: Any final words for our readers?

KA:

Don't let anyone tell you that your birth or your past defines your worth. 

I've learned that you can rise above circumstances if you're willing to work hard, stay loyal to good people, and never stop learning. And sometimes the most extraordinary adventures begin when you least expect them - when you're running from one life and stumble into something far better than you ever dared imagine.

Katherine Arden spoke with us at a London inn, her hand never far from her sword hilt and her eyes constantly scanning for threats - habits, she says, that have served her well in her adventures with Dr. Dee's remarkable circle.