Filmun Derkson

*You are right here in your story. Don't skip ahead.*
Massie Burnson, *The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner*, p. 32
**WARNING: SPOILERS FOR *PRINCE LANDER & THE DRAGON WAR* ARE AHEAD; CAUTION IS ADVISED.**

## Book information

### Appears

*Prince Lander & the Dragon War*

**Filmun Derkson**: Why? Well, we've been led by your father into dangers, and we think that, we believe, we need new leadership. The bucks want a new king.

—*Prince Lander & the Dragon War*, p. 82-83 |  | ”

**F****ilmun Derkson** was a member of the Frustrated Band of Hot Youngbloods during the time of the Dragon War.

## Biography

### *Prince Lander & the Dragon War*

**Filmun Derkson**: Not that, sir, no—

**Lander**: You want to kill King Whitson Mariner?

**Filmun**: I didn't say that!

—*Prince Lander & the Dragon War*, p. 83 |  | ”

Together with many young bucks of Lener's Crossroads, Filmun slowly came to doubt Whitson Mariner's ability to continue leading the Trekkers in the ongoing conflict with the dragons and the Grimble faction. After Prince Grant Whitson was badly injured in an encounter with dragons that, as the young bucks saw it, Whitson had sent him into without proper reinforcements, Filmun and his compatriots gathered outside the king's dwelling. At Prince Lander's request, Filmun was sent forward to speak on their behalf, and both bucks threw their swords on the ground in token of the peaceful negotiation. Lander soon pressed the younger buck regarding his comrades' desires, and Filmun soon expressed their desire to see Whitson abdicate in favor of one of his sons.

Lander questioned what the bucks' fathers might have to say regarding their opinion, and Filmun turned to see his own father, Derk, standing among the royal guard with obvious pain evident in his expression. Despite this, Filmun restated the view he and his fellows held. He then apologized to Lander for the way in which they had come forward to make their demands and explained that he was one of the most moderate voices among the agitators. Filmun warned Lander that, in the event Grant died of his wounds, his comrades would seek to replace Whitson with a new king by force.

A cry from within the house seemed to confirm that Grant had indeed perished, and Filmun rushed back to his compatriots as they prepared for action. Fortunately, Grant-though badly wounded-was able to walk out and address the other young bucks, assuring them that his injuries were the result of his own folly and not the king's. Afterwards, Whitson issued a blanket pardon for Filmun and the other malcontents.

## Personality and traits

Though he shared the opinion that King Whitson should be replaced by one of his sons, Filmun was less aggressive in pursuing this agenda. He remained respectful of the royal family's authority, in spite of objections by his comrades, and was willing to step forward as an emmissary for their viewpoint. The other malcontents also recognized Filmun's ability to speak reasonably and thus nominated him to speak for them. Filmun showed obvious discomfort in his encounter with Lander and at the recognition that his position brought sorrow to his father but remained firm in his resolution.

Filmun recognized that he and his comrades had not come forward to present their desires in the best way but endeavored to make the best of the situation. He was also frank with Lander and conveyed the belief that his comrades were willing to resort to violence in order to achieve what they sought. When violence looked ready to break out, he also demonstrated loyalty to his fellows by returning to their ranks.

## Trivia

* The name Derk is derived from the Gaelic word "dearg," meaning "red."