The scent of linseed oil lingered in the air as sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting crimson and gold across centuries-old manuscripts. In the Paris suburbs, nestled between a gallery and a studio, Francois Travers, known to most as Frankie, paints history not just on canvas, but through the stories he preserves. As AnaRose Preston’s latest mission leads her into the shadowed legacy of the Knights Templar, she turns to Frankie for answers buried in time. Today, he joins us to discuss relics, ruins, and the ghosts that refuse to be forgotten.
Interviewer: Frankie, thank you for joining us. For those unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you do?
Frankie Travers: I’m a painter by trade, but my passion
is history, specifically Templar history. My gallery showcases my art, but my
office is where the real treasures live: maps, scrolls, relics, and theories
that most historians won’t touch. I’m not officially affiliated with any
academic institution, which gives me the freedom to dig deeper, ask questions
others won’t, and occasionally help people like AnaRose when the past refuses
to stay buried.
Interviewer: AnaRose sought you out for your
expertise in Templar lore. What drew you into this world?
Frankie Travers: I grew up fascinated by the symbolism;
the red cross, the secrecy, the idea of a brotherhood guarding something
sacred. But it wasn’t until I inherited a collection from my grandfather, a
historian himself, that I realized how much had been lost or hidden. The Holy
Nail, embedded in a dagger, is one of those legends that keep resurfacing. When
AnaRose came to me with questions about Lord Balian’s ring, I knew we were
chasing something real.
Interviewer: You’ve visited several commanderies
with AnaRose. What was it like exploring the ruins at Avalleur?
Frankie Travers: Haunting, in every sense. The
architecture still whispers of purpose; stone corridors built for silence, not
spectacle. When we found the ruins, it felt like stepping into a forgotten
chapter. There’s a weight to places like that, as if the stones remember. And
when you’re standing there, knowing what might be hidden beneath your feet. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
Interviewer: One of the commanderies you visited,
Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon, has a reputation for being haunted. Did you
experience anything unusual?
Frankie Travers: That place is different. Locals
warned us about the sleeping quarters, sharing stories of cries in the night and a figure
in white robes bearing the Templar cross. We didn’t see him, but the atmosphere
was heavy. Ghost Hunters International tried to film an episode there, but the
footage was lost, and the results were inconclusive. I don’t know if it’s truly
haunted, but I do know that history leaves echoes. And some echoes don’t fade.
Interviewer: The Ordo Christi plays a major role in
this mission. What can you tell us about them?
Frankie
Travers: They’re not exactly villains. Their goal is
preservation; to protect sacred relics from misuse. But their methods, let’s
just say, they don’t always ask nicely. They believe the Holy Nail must remain
hidden, untouched. Legend has it, the Holy Nail was concealed within a Templar
dagger, a weapon forged not for war, but for secrecy. AnaRose and I don’t
disagree with the need for caution, but we do disagree on who gets to decide
what’s safe and what’s sacred.
Interviewer: You’re an artist as well as a
historian. How does your painting influence your research?
Frankie Travers: Art teaches you to see patterns in
light, in shadow, and in silence. That skill translates beautifully to
historical research. Sometimes a fresco reveals more than a scroll. Sometimes, a forgotten symbol in a painting can lead to a clue that no one else has noticed. My studio
is where I reflect, but my gallery is where I connect the dots.
Interviewer: Without giving too much away, what’s
next for you?
Frankie Travers: I’ve got a few canvases waiting, and a
few theories I’m still chasing. AnaRose has a way of turning quiet days into
quests, so I’m sure I’ll be pulled into something soon. And if the past has
taught me anything, it’s that relics don’t stay hidden forever. They call to
those who listen.
Interviewer: Frankie, thank you for sharing your
insights. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like readers to know about
your work or your time with AnaRose?
Frankie Travers: Just this; history isn’t a straight
line. It’s a labyrinth. And if you’re lucky enough to walk it with someone like
AnaRose, you’ll find that every twist, every shadow, every mystery is worth the
journey.
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Mary Ann Bernal is a
distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her
degree in Business Administration. Her literary journey began with the 2009
publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series, marking the start
of a richly diverse body of work that spans historical fiction, contemporary
short stories, science fiction/fantasy, and fast-paced adventure novellas.
Her recent publications include Crusader’s Path, a poignant redemption tale set during the First Crusade; Forgiving Nero, a compelling exploration of familial bonds in Ancient Rome; and the award-winning AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a museum curator-turned-relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has been honored by the Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award, Chanticleer International Book Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, and the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Her short fiction anthologies have likewise earned distinction, most notably from the American Legacy Book Awards. She was also recognized with the Editor’s Choice Award for Literary Excellence by Reader’s House magazine.
A dedicated supporter of the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively engaged in letter-writing campaigns and related initiatives. Her advocacy has been featured on KMTV’s The Morning Blend and in the Omaha World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has appeared on numerous reader blogs and book promotion platforms. Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to craft stories that inspire and endure.
Connect with Mary Ann:
Website: http://www.maryannbernal.com/
Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/
Blog: https://maryannbernal.blogspot.com/
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryannbernal
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