Mercerian Tales

Prologue Bodden Summer 960 MC* (*Mercerian Calendar) The wood in the fireplace crackled as Gerald Matheson dropped another log onto the embers. Pausing a moment to watch the ensuing blaze erupt, he returned to the comfort of his chair, satisfied in the knowledge that the room would soon heat up. Princess Anna lay on the floor with her feet to the fire while her back was comforted by the body of her massive hound, Tempus. As she waited for the warmth to curl around her, her body was snuggled into a blanket to ward off the evening's chill. Baron Richard Fitzwilliam reclined nearby, sipping wine from a tankard while his daughter, Beverly, sat oiling her sword. Dame Hayley Chambers, the recently knighted King's Ranger, was chatting with her quietly, as the fire sparked back to life. “It’s almost like old times, Gerald,” commented Fitz. Gerald smiled, “Not quite, my lord; we’ve all gotten a little older.” A small laugh escaped the princess, “Not all of us are old, Gerald.” “Are you sure,” said Fitz, before Gerald could respond to the princess's good-natured banter, “that you don’t want me to accompany you to Westland, Highness? The Knights of Bodden would be only too happy to act as your escort.” “No, Baron. Much as I appreciate the offer, you’re needed here to protect the border. I don’t want to come back to Merceria, only to find it overrun. Besides, I’ve got Beverly and Hayley here, along with my other new knights; I’ll be safe enough.” The room quieted, and then Beverly put down her sword. “Remember when you used to tell me stories in front of the fire, Father?” Anna, who only a moment ago was laying tranquilly on her beloved pet, perked up. “Stories? Do tell.” “Baron Fitzwilliam used to tell all manner of stories to young Lady Beverly. She loved them,” explained Gerald. “I love stories, too,” a now animated Anna, gushed. "Would you be willing to regale us with one, Baron?" “Well,” said Fitz, as he absently stroked his beard, “what kind of stories do you like?” Anna sat up, turning to face the others with a sparkle in her eye. Even Tempus’ ears picked up. “I like all kinds of stories.” “You realize,” said Gerald, “once you start, there’s no stopping. You’ll be telling stories all night long.” “What if we took turns?” suggested Beverly. “Oooh, even better,” begged Anna. “I’m afraid I don't remember any of the stories I used to tell Beverly. It's been many years since we had a young girl in the Keep,” responded the baron. “How about when you first encountered Albreda?” asked Beverly. “I've often wondered how you two met each other. I understand it was some time ago.” “Now, that,” said Fitz, getting into the spirit of it, “is an interesting story, an interesting story indeed. It all started back in ‘33 when I was still a young man…”