Mary Ann Bernal

Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/

Blog: https://maryannbernal.blogspot.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-bernal

X (Twitter): https://x.com/BritonandDane

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

Friday, February 27, 2026

Erik of Esbjerg: Honor, Loyalty, and the Making of a Viking Prince — A Virtual Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy

He is a prince, a raider turned warrior, and a man whose heart reshaped his destiny. Now, Erik of Esbjerg speaks for himself in a format as bold as his journey.

This AI-generated virtual character interview brings Erik to life with striking realism. His words reveal the recklessness of youth, the loyalty forged in battle, and the love that tempered his spirit. It’s not just an interview—it’s the story of a man who discovered that true strength lies not in conquest, but in devotion.

Watch the full interview here:

This is part of our ongoing series exploring the world of The Briton and the Dane through immersive storytelling. Each character adds depth to Alfred’s England, and Erik’s appearance reminds us that even the fiercest warrior can be transformed by honor, loyalty, and love.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link:

Universal Link:

Connect with Mary Ann

Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/

Blog: https://maryannbernal.blogspot.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-bernal

X (Twitter): https://x.com/BritonandDane

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

Friday, February 20, 2026

Gwyneth of Wareham: A Defiant Virtual Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy

She is a daughter of duty, a woman of conviction, and a heroine who refuses to be silenced. Now, Gwyneth of Wareham speaks for herself in a format as bold as her spirit.

This AI-generated virtual character interview brings Gwyneth to life with striking realism. Her words reveal the fire of rebellion, her choices show the cost of courage, and her reflections remind us that true strength lies in refusing to be defined by others. It’s not just an interview—it’s a declaration of resilience, independence, and destiny.

Watch the full interview here:

This is part of our ongoing series exploring the world of The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy through immersive storytelling. Each character adds depth to Alfred’s England, and Gwyneth’s appearance reminds us that even in a world bound by duty, one woman’s defiance can change the course of history.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link:

Universal Link:

Connect with Mary Ann

Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/

Blog: https://maryannbernal.blogspot.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-bernal

X (Twitter): https://x.com/BritonandDane

http://mybook.to/tbatdtimeline

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Book Spotlight: The Deserter – a Tale of the Foreign Legion by Wayne Turmel

Algeria 1908.

Gil Vincente is a Boer War veteran, broken and adrift on the rough streets of Marseille. Desperate, he seeks discipline and renewed purpose in the unforgiving ranks of the French Foreign Legion. At first, he finds it, but not for long. When a treacherous soldier frames him for murder, it forces the new legionnaire to run for his life.

Now Gil must fight to clear his name while pursuing the real killer through the rugged Atlas Mountains. With the Legion on his heels and time running out, will he find justice or be forever branded a coward and deserter?

Praise for The Deserter:

“The Deserter evokes classic blood-and-sand adventures like Under Two Flags and Beau Geste. With meticulous research and compelling characters, Turmel has brought the desert saga back to thrilling life.”

~ Frank Thompson, author, The Compleat Beau Geste

“A two-fisted historical adventure that weaves visceral action, rugged landscapes, and raw emotional depth into a haunting tale of honor, betrayal, and the elusive hope of redemption."

~ David Buzan, bestselling author of In the Lair of Legends

Buy Links:

Universal Ebook Buy Link: to follow February 17^th!

Amazon US paperback link: https://www.amazon.com/Deserter-Tale-Foreign-Legion/dp/0982037783/

Amazon UK paperback link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deserter-Tale-Foreign-Legion/dp/0982037783/

This title will be available on #KindleUnlimited.

Wayne Turmel is a Canadian ex-pat now living and writing in Las Vegas. He’s the author of seven novels, the latest is The Deserter – a Tale of the Foreign Legion. His short stories have earned critical acclaim, including nominations for the prestigious Pushcart Prize.

Turmel's longer works delve into the rich tapestries of history and the thrilling depths of urban fantasy, inviting readers into meticulously crafted worlds. At times humorous, sometimes dark, but always with a careful eye for dialogue and detail.

He lives with his wife, The Duchess, and Mad Max, most manly of poodles.

Author Links:

Website: www.WayneTurmel.com

Twitter / X: https://x.com/WTurmel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wayne.turmel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turmel.wayne/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/authorwayneturmel.bsky.social

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/wayne-turmel

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wayne-Turmel/author/B00J5PGNWU

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14980039.Wayne_Turmel

Friday, January 23, 2026

Book Spotlight: Showboat Soubrette by Brodie Curtis

FROM STAR SHOWBOAT SINGER
TO PIRATE PREY ON THE WICKED RIVER!

Showboat singer Stella Parrot’s star rises in the Antebellum South with every sold-out performance along the lower Mississippi River. When a river pirate viciously assaults her, new friends Toby Freeman and John Dee Franklin foil the attack. However, the pirate’s family is bent on revenge.

Stella, Toby, and John Dee escape their riverboat with able assistance from young cub pilot Sam Clemens, only to be pursued by the notorious Burton Gang. As the trio runs for their lives, mortal perils await at every turn: a fierce storm, high-stakes gambling confrontations, deadly combat, and a cotton boat up in flames. Stella, a Cherokee Indian, and Toby, a free Black man, and their friend White man John Dee endure relentless racial prejudices and injustices in the gritty underbelly of the Wicked River while fleeing to New Orleans—where the Burtons will be waiting!

SHOWBOAT SOUBRETTE’s fast-paced lower river adventure chase features romantic showboat scenes and is unsparing in its exploration of the bigoted and sometimes lawless riverboat era.

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/boPV81

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Raised in the Midwest, Brodie Curtis was educated as a lawyer and left the corporate world to embrace life in Colorado with his wife and two sons.

Curtis is the author of THE FOUR BELLS, a novel of The Great War, which is the product of extensive historical research, including long walks through the fields of Flanders, where much of the book's action is set. His second novel, ANGELS AND BANDITS, takes his protagonists into The Battle of Britain. Curtis’ third novel is set on a Mississippi Riverboat prior to the Civil War.

A lover of history, particularly American history and the World Wars, Curtis reviews historical fiction for the Historical Novels Review and more than 100 of his published reviews and short takes on historical novels can be found on his website: brodiecurtis.com.

Author Links:

Website: www.brodiecurtis.com

Twitter / X: https://x.com/BrodieCurtis4

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brodiecurtisauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtisauthor/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brodie-curtis

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brodie-Curtis/author/B07QSCF8Z1

Goodreads: Showboat Soubrette by Brodie Curtis | Goodreads

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Fragments of the Past – an exclusive character interview with Dr. Gwyneth Franger

In this special feature, we meet Dr. Gwyneth Franger, a professor of archaeology at the University of London. Known for her meticulous research and summers spent on excavations, Gwyneth’s life takes an unexpected turn when a medieval portrait captures her attention. Believed to depict the last descendant of a noble house from the reign of Alfred the Great, the image draws her into a mystery that transcends centuries. What begins as academic curiosity soon becomes something far more personal and perilous.

Interviewer: Dr. Franger, thank you for joining us. Could you begin by sharing a little about your academic background and what first drew you to archaeology?

Dr. Gwyneth Franger: Thank you for inviting me. My fascination with the past began when I was very young. While other children were content with fairy tales, I was captivated by museum exhibits and the stories behind ancient artifacts. That curiosity eventually led me to pursue archaeology at university, and later a doctorate. Teaching at the University of London allows me to pass on that passion, but it’s the fieldwork that truly fuels me. There’s something profoundly moving about uncovering an object that hasn’t been touched for centuries.

Interviewer: You spend your summers on digs. What is it about fieldwork that excites you most?

Gwyneth: Fieldwork is unpredictable. You can spend weeks carefully excavating layers of soil, finding nothing but fragments, and then suddenly uncover something that changes your understanding of an entire period. It’s humbling. Each discovery is a reminder that history is not abstract, it’s tangible, layered beneath our feet, waiting to be revealed.

Interviewer: Your research often brings you to Wareham, a town with deep historical resonance. What drew you there in particular?

Gwyneth: Wareham is extraordinary. Its fortifications and its role in shifting dynasties make it a place where the past feels unusually close. I was especially intrigued by a portrait I encountered there. It was said to depict the last descendant of a noble house dating back to Alfred the Great. The image was haunting, almost defiant, and I found myself compelled to learn more. That portrait became the spark for questions I couldn’t set aside.

Interviewer: Without revealing too much, your story involves a storm and an extraordinary journey. How do you reconcile your scientific training with experiences that seem beyond explanation?

Gwyneth: As an academic, I’m trained to seek evidence, to test and verify. But there are moments when reason falters, when events unfold that resist tidy categorization. Some might call it fate, others divine intervention. I’ve learned that not everything can be measured or catalogued. Sometimes the past reaches out in ways we cannot fully explain.

Interviewer: You’ve been described as someone caught between two worlds. How does that tension shape your choices?

Gwyneth: It’s a constant balancing act. Knowledge can be both a gift and a burden. When you see the threads of history, should you tug at them, or let them be? Every decision carries weight, not just for oneself, but for those whose lives are entwined with yours. That tension never truly leaves you.

Interviewer: Many readers are fascinated by the idea of time travel. What do you think is its greatest allure?

Gwyneth: Time travel is the ultimate act of empathy. To step into another era is to see the world through different eyes, to feel the hopes and fears of people long gone. It reminds us that history is not just a sequence of dates, it’s lived experience, full of uncertainty, passion, and consequence.

Interviewer: Your work often places you in situations of intrigue and danger. How do you find the courage to face them?

Gwyneth: Courage is rarely about fearlessness. It’s about moving forward despite fear. I remind myself that the past and the future depend on choices made in the present moment. That thought steadies me when the path ahead is uncertain.

Interviewer: Finally, what do you hope readers take away from your journey?

Gwyneth: That the past is never truly gone. It lingers in our traditions, our landscapes, even in the stones beneath our feet. And while destiny may seem fixed, there is always room for choice, for love, and for the possibility of change.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/b5o8p6

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:

Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/

Amazon author page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-bernal

http://mybook.to/tbatdconcordia

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Echoes of Freedom: A Character Interview with Yara of Marbella

In this special character interview, we step into the world of The Briton and the Dane: Concordia to meet Yara of Marbella, a woman whose journey from captivity to freedom unfolds against the backdrop of 9th‑century Hispania. Through her voice, we catch a glimpse of a world of duty, faith, and resilience.

Interviewer: Yara, thank you for joining us. To begin, can you tell us a little about your early life in Málaga and how you came into service?

Yara: My earliest memories are of Málaga’s splendor, its markets alive with voices, its gardens heavy with fragrance, its towers gleaming in the sun. Yet for me, that beauty was always seen from the shadows. I was raised within a household where duty was expected of me from the moment I could walk. Though I was never free to choose my path, I learned quickly that silence could be a shield, and observation a kind of power. Even then, I carried within me a quiet strength, waiting for its moment.

Interviewer: When you were asked to care for a foreign woman brought into the household, she was both a prisoner and a stranger. What were your first impressions of her, and how did your friendship take root?

Yara: At first, I saw fear in her, the same fear I had once carried. But beneath it was a spark, a determination that could not be extinguished. She asked questions, she sought understanding, and she treated me not as a servant but as a companion. In caring for her, I found myself speaking truths I had long hidden. Our friendship was born of shared longing, hers for freedom, mine for belonging.

Interviewer: Living under strict laws meant that practicing Christianity could be punishable by death. How did you reconcile your own beliefs with the dangers she faced?

Yara: Faith in such a place is like a flame in the wind, too bright, and it is snuffed out. I learned to keep mine hidden, to let it flicker quietly in the corners of my heart. Her courage in speaking of her God both frightened and inspired me. I warned her of the dangers, yet I could not silence her. In truth, she reminded me that belief, whether whispered or shouted, is what keeps the soul alive.

Interviewer: You often walked the beaches together, speaking of escape. What did those moments mean to you personally, and how did they shape your hopes for the future?

Yara: The sea was freedom made visible. Each wave carried the promise of a world beyond chains. As we walked, we dreamed aloud, of tunnels, of hidden paths, of lives not yet lived. For her, it was a plan. For me, it was a revelation: that I, too, could imagine a life beyond servitude. Those walks gave me courage to believe in a destiny of my own making.

Interviewer: You witnessed both kindness and cruelty in the household. How did those experiences shape your understanding of power and loyalty?

Yara: Power is a shifting tide. I saw men who ruled with fear, and others who commanded with respect. Cruelty taught me caution, but it also sharpened my instincts. Loyalty, I learned, is not owed to those who hold your chains, but to those who honor your humanity. That is why I stood by her, not because I was ordered to, but because she treated me as an equal.

Interviewer: In time, you were granted freedom. How did it feel to finally step beyond the life you had always known and claim your own destiny?

Yara: Freedom is both exhilarating and terrifying. For so long, my choices were made for me. To suddenly stand at the threshold of my own life was like learning to breathe again. I carried scars, yes, but also strength. Freedom was not the end of my story, it was the beginning.

Interviewer: Looking back, what do you hope readers take away from your journey?

Yara: That even in the darkest of prisons, hope can take root. That friendship can defy walls, and courage can outlast fear. My life was shaped by chains, but it was defined by the strength to break them. If readers remember anything, let it be this: no one is truly powerless who dares to dream of freedom.

Interviewer: Yara, thank you for sharing your story with us today. Before we wrap up, is there anything you would like to say to our readers?

Yara: Never underestimate the strength that lies hidden in silence. Even in the darkest of places, hope can endure, and freedom can be imagined long before it is won. If my journey teaches anything, let it be that courage often begins as a whisper, but it can change the course of a life.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/bOkrJJ

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.

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:

Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/

Amazon author page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-bernal

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Defiance and Destiny with Gwyneth of Wareham: A Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy

In this exclusive character interview, we sit down with Gwyneth of Wareham, the indomitable heroine of The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy. From misty coastlines to royal courts, Gwyneth’s journey is one of courage, conviction, and quiet rebellion. She shares her thoughts on duty, defiance, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Interviewer: Lady Gwyneth, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about your life in Wareham before the events of the trilogy began?

Gwyneth of Wareham: Life in Wareham was structured, predictable, even. As the daughter of Lord Richard, I was expected to behave with decorum, to marry well, and to serve my station. But I always felt the pull of something more, something beyond the walls of our keep and the expectations placed upon me.

Interviewer: Your story begins with a dramatic moment on the coastline. What compelled you to help a wounded stranger?

Gwyneth: I saw a man stumbling across the beach, bloodied and alone. Instinct overrode caution. I couldn’t leave him to die. That moment changed everything. It wasn’t just about saving a life, it was about choosing my own path, even if it defied my father’s wishes.

Interviewer: You’ve been described as rebellious. How do you view that label?

Gwyneth: Rebellious? Perhaps. But I see it as resolute. I question what doesn’t feel just. I speak when silence is expected. In a world where women are told to obey, I chose to act. That’s not rebellion, it’s survival.

Interviewer: You were trained in swordsmanship and archery, skills not typically taught to noblewomen. What drew you to combat?

Gwyneth: David believed in me. He saw that I could learn, that I had the discipline and fire. I didn’t train to prove anything, I trained because I wanted to protect those I love. And because I knew one day, I’d need to fight for my own future.

Interviewer: You’ve faced kings, warriors, and political intrigue. What has been your greatest challenge?

Gwyneth: Navigating court politics is more perilous than any battlefield. One misstep, one word too bold, and you risk exile, or worse. But the greatest challenge has always been staying true to myself while protecting those around me.

Interviewer: You spent time at the Abbey of Wimborne, far from the battlefield and court. How did that experience shape you?

Gwyneth: The abbey was quiet, but not peaceful. Reverend Mother Prioress ruled with firm devotion, and silence was both shield and shackle. I met Cecilia there, a novitiate as restless as I was. Our friendship became a lifeline. That time taught me patience, reflection, and the power of quiet resistance. Even cloistered behind stone walls, we found ways to shape our fate.

Interviewer: Without revealing too much, what can readers expect from your journey across the trilogy?

Gwyneth: Expect fire. Expect sacrifice. Expect a woman who refuses to be defined by her station. My story is not just mine, it’s the story of every woman who’s ever dared to dream beyond the walls built around her.

Interviewer: If you could speak to young women reading your story today, what would you say?

Gwyneth: Do not wait for permission to be brave. The world may try to tame you, but your spirit is your own. Claim it. Wield it. And never forget you were born to shape history.

Interviewer: Lady Gwyneth, thank you for your candor and courage. Your story continues to inspire.

Gwyneth: Thank you. May your readers find strength in the shadows and light in the storm.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

Universal Link

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.

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:

Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/

Amazon author page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-bernal

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Honor and Heart with Erik of Esbjerg: A Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy

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.

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

Universal Link

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.

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:

Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/

Amazon author page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-bernal