In this exclusive character interview, we speak with Danish Prince Erik of Esbjerg, whose journey from reckless raider to loyal warrior spans the breadth of The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy. Erik reflects on loyalty, legacy, and the woman who changed the course of his life.
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Interviewer: Prince Erik, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us what led you to the shores of Wareham?
Erik of Esbjerg: Truthfully? Boredom and bravado. My
companions and I left Esbjerg on a whim, chasing the thrill of a coastal raid.
We expected little resistance, just a quick strike and return. But the
townspeople fought back, and I paid the price. That arrow in my shoulder
changed more than my plans, it changed my fate.
Interviewer: That’s when you met Lady Gwyneth. What
was your first impression of her?
Erik:
She was unlike anyone I’d ever known. Fierce, compassionate, and utterly
unafraid. I was wounded, vulnerable, and she chose to help me. That act of
kindness and courage, stayed with me. Even after I returned to my men, I
couldn’t forget her.
Interviewer: You later chose to remain in England
as a hostage. What motivated that decision?
Erik:
My men deserved to go home. I was their leader, and it was my responsibility to
ensure their safety. Becoming a hostage was the price of peace. King Alfred
honored the agreement, and his queen welcomed me into their home. It was unexpected.
But it taught me that honor can exist even among enemies.
Interviewer: You eventually fought alongside King
Alfred. How did it feel to take up arms for a foreign king?
Erik:
Strange at first. My loyalty was tested, but I believed in the cause. Guthrum’s
illegitimate heir threatened more than a throne, he threatened stability. I
fought not just for Alfred, but for Gwyneth, for the life we were building.
Sometimes, the sword must serve peace.
Interviewer: In The Briton and the Dane: Legacy,
you face your own brother in battle. How did you reconcile that conflict?
Erik:
That was the hardest moment of my life. Sven was blood, but he chose ambition
over honor. I didn’t want to fight him, but I had to. For England. For Gwyneth.
For our children. War doesn’t care about family ties. It demands sacrifice.
Interviewer: You were baptized as part of your
alliance with Alfred. What did that moment mean to you?
Erik:
It was complicated. I didn’t speak against it, but I wrestled with it
privately. Faith is personal, and politics often intrude. I accepted the
baptism as a gesture of peace, not a surrender of self. My gods may have
changed, but my soul remained mine.
Interviewer: You’ve lived through betrayal, war,
and love. What do you believe defines a warrior?
Erik:
Not the blade. Not the victories. A true warrior is defined by loyalty, by the
battles he chooses not to fight, and the people he chooses to protect. Strength
without purpose is just noise.
Interviewer: Prince Erik, thank you for sharing
your story. Any final thoughts for our readers?
Erik:
Love is the fiercest weapon of all. It tempers rage, sharpens resolve, and
gives every battle meaning. I found mine on a cliff above the sea. May your
readers find theirs, wherever the tide takes them.
Purchase Links
Amazon Global Link
http://mybook.to/thecompletetrilogy
Universal Link
https://books2read.com/u/mq1LRv
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/
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