In this exclusive interview, we step into the war-torn world of David, Burh Commandant of Chichester, a pivotal figure in The Briton and the Dane trilogy. From covert missions to commanding burhs and battling on the high seas, David shares his reflections on loyalty, warfare, and the cost of peace.
Interviewer: David, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us a bit about your upbringing and how you came to serve under Lord Richard?
David: It’s an honor to speak with you. I was
raised in a household steeped in duty and discipline. My father, Lord Richard,
served King Alfred with unwavering loyalty, and my elder brother Stephen was
already a seasoned warrior by the time I came of age. I learned early that
service to the realm was not a choice, it was a calling.
Interviewer: In the first book, you infiltrated
King Guthrum’s camp after the peace treaty. What was that experience like?
David: Dangerous. The peace was fragile, and
trust was scarce. I lived among men who would’ve slit my throat had they known
who I was. But I had to understand their movements, their morale. Every night
was a gamble. I returned to Wareham with valuable intelligence, but also with a
deeper understanding of the enemy.
Interviewer: You later commanded the burh of
Chichester. What did that responsibility mean to you?
David: It meant everything. To be entrusted
with a burh was to be given the lives of its people. I had to earn their trust,
defend their homes, and prepare them for war. It wasn’t just about tactics, it
was about leadership, about standing firm when others faltered.
Interviewer: In The Briton and the Dane: Legacy,
you face a sea invasion. How did you prepare for battle on the water?
David: Fighting on land is one thing.
Fighting on a ship, where the deck shifts beneath your feet and the wind steals
your breath, is another. We trained relentlessly. Balance, timing, coordination;
it all had to be recalibrated. The sea is unforgiving, and so were our foes.
Interviewer: You’ve built alliances with Danes over
the years. How did those relationships shape your perspective?
David: War teaches you to see beyond banners.
I met men among the Danes who valued honor as much as any Saxon. Friendship
forged in fire is stronger than blood. Those bonds reminded me that peace is
possible, but only if we fight for it.
Interviewer: What do you believe is the greatest
misconception about warfare during your time?
David: That it’s glorious. It’s not. It’s
cold, brutal, and often senseless. Glory fades. What remains are the scars, On
the land, on the soul. True warriors fight not for fame, but for those who
cannot defend themselves.
Interviewer: What drives you to keep fighting, even
when peace seems out of reach?
David: Duty. Legacy. The hope that my sons
will inherit a world less fractured than mine. I fight so they won’t have to.
And if our Lord demands sacrifice, let
it be mine, not theirs.
Interviewer: David, thank you for sharing your
story. Before we close, is there anything you’d like readers to know about the
battles ahead?
David: Only this, when the tide rises and the
storm breaks, remember that courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to
stand when others fall. The final reckoning is near. And I will not yield.
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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 http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4
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