Sir Benedict from E.M. Powell's 'The Blood of the Fifth Knight'

We’re thrilled to be talking to Sir Benedict Palmer from E.M. Powell’s, The Blood of the Fifth Knight.  It is a pleasure to have him with us today at Pimp That Character!

Thank you for your interview, Sir Benedict.  Can you tell us your story?

I’m not usually called Sir Benedict. Palmer is just fine. See, I’m not one of those posh-lad knights. I had to fight my way to knighthood, never had lands or wealth of my own. And when you fight in twelfth century England, you have to kill or be killed.

So, my story. It’s 1176 and King Henry II has imprisoned his rebellious Queen for attempting to overthrow him. But her conspirators are still at large and somebody’s trying to murder his young mistress, Rosamund Clifford. Desperate, Henry turns to the only man he trusts: me! My fighting prowess has saved him once before. I answer his call, mistakenly believing that my family will remain safe while he attends to his King.

But what neither I nor Henry sense is the hand of a brilliant schemer, a mystery figure loyal to the traitorous Queen who will stop at nothing to see the King defeated.

Shorter version? Things are bad. Then they get a whole lot worse.

Can you tell us about one of your most distinguishable features?

My parents were poor and never had much to feed me. But it didn’t stop me growing taller and broader than most men. I’ve got my mother’s thick, dark hair, too. Have to cut it once a week with my knife.

What would I love the most about you?

I’m loyal. But how could anybody be anything else?

What would I hate the most about you?

I have a temper when roused. Not often. But it’s there.

What is your greatest fear?

Losing my wife, Theodosia, or our two young children.

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?

Readers say there’s in love with me. Ms. Powell needs to sort that out. The other knights think that this is hilarious.

Who is your best friend?

My Theodosia. She’s one of Henry’s daughters, hidden away by him for her safety. In the first of my adventures, The Fifth Knight, I fought almost to the death for her. Still would, and would take that death if I had to.

Do you have children?

We have a son, Tom, and a daughter Matilde. I’d take the head off the shoulders of anyone who tried to harm them. Trouble is, in this book, that pesky author has taken me away from them. Away where I can’t protect them.

What’s your idea of a perfect meal?

Any meal that I share with my family.

Someone is secretly in love with you.  Who is it and how do you feel about that?

This is a very big problem. It’s Rosamund Clifford, Henry’s mistress. The same woman he’s called me back to keep guard over. And he wants me to find out who’s trying to kill her. She’s one of the fairest I’ve ever seen and she likes her men. And me. I don’t want anything to do with her, but she’s very persistent. I’m in a lot of trouble if Henry finds out. Which he does. 

About the Author:

E. M. Powell is the author of medieval thriller The Fifth Knight, which was a #1 Amazon Bestseller. Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State), she now lives in the northwest of England with her husband and daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society (HNS), International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America, as well as a reviewer of fiction and nonfiction for the HNS.

Her latest book is the historical mystery/thriller, THE BLOOD OF THE FIFTH KNIGHT.

For More Information

• Visit E.M. Powell’s website.
• Connect with E.M. on Facebook and Twitter.
• Become a fan on Goodreads.
• Visit E.M.’s blog.
• Contact E.M.

About the Book:

England, 1176. King Henry II has imprisoned his rebellious Queen for her failed attempt to overthrow him. But with her conspirators still at large and a failed assassination attempt on his beautiful mistress, Rosamund Clifford, the King must take action to preserve his reign.

Desperate, Henry turns to the only man he trusts: a man whose skills have saved him once before. Sir Benedict Palmer answers the call, mistakenly believing that his family will remain safe while he attends to his King.

As Palmer races to secure his King’s throne, neither man senses the hand of a brilliant schemer, a mystery figure loyal to Henry's traitorous Queen who will stop at nothing to see the King defeated.

The Blood of the Fifth Knight is an intricate medieval murder mystery and worthy sequel to E.M. Powell's acclaimed historical thriller The Fifth Knight.

For More Information

• The Blood of the Fifth Knight is available at Amazon U.S. or Amazon U.K.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.