She is a daughter of two worlds, torn
between blood and belonging. Now, Helga of East Anglia speaks for herself in a
format as heartfelt as her journey.
This AI-generated virtual character
interview brings Helga to life with striking realism. Her voice carries the
weight of divided loyalties, her choices reveal the cost of love across enemy
lines, and her words remind us that even in war, the heart still seeks peace.
It’s not just an interview—it’s a meditation on identity, loyalty, and the
fragile hope of reconciliation.
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 Helga’s
appearance reminds us that even in times of conflict, compassion can bridge the
deepest divides.
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.
He’s a soldier, a survivor, and a man
haunted by choices. Now, Traian Aelius Propacius steps forward in a format as
raw and unflinching as his truth.
This AI-generated virtual character
interview captures Traian’s stoic intensity with startling realism. His voice
carries the weight of Rome’s decline, his eyes reflect the cost of loyalty, and
his words reveal the fragile line between justice and vengeance. It’s not just
an interview—it’s a confession.
Watch the full interview here:
This is part of our ongoing series
exploring the world of Forgiving Nero through immersive storytelling.
Each character adds depth to the drama, and Traian’s appearance reminds us that
redemption is never simple—and never free.
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.
In this special feature, we step into
the world of The Briton and the Dane: Birthright to meet Brother Martel,
a devoted man of faith whose path intertwines with kingdoms in conflict. Known
for his wisdom and quiet strength, Brother Martel shares his reflections on
duty, learning, and the balance between peace and defense.
Interviewer: Brother Martel, thank you for joining
us. Could you begin by telling us about your background and the life you lead
at your abbey?
Brother Martel: It is my honor. My days at the abbey
are devoted to prayer, study, and the instruction of those who seek knowledge.
The rhythm of the hours, the chanting of psalms, and the copying of sacred
texts form the foundation of my life. It is a place of order and reflection,
where the soul may find peace.
Interviewer: You were asked to provide guidance to
a young woman of noble birth. What was your approach in helping her focus her
mind during such turbulent times?
Brother Martel: Discipline of the mind is as vital as
discipline of the body. I encouraged her to immerse herself in study, to see
the beauty of words and the strength of contemplation. In this way, her spirit
could be steadied, even when the world beyond the cloister walls was unsettled.
Interviewer: Your reputation suggests you are not
only a man of prayer but also one who can wield a sword when necessary. How do you
reconcile these two callings?
Brother Martel: The sword is a last resort, never a
first. My true weapon is the Word, my true shield is faith. Yet, in a world
where violence too often intrudes upon sanctity, one must sometimes defend the
innocent. I do not glory in such acts, but I accept them as part of my duty.
Interviewer: What do you believe is the greatest
misconception about men of the cloth during these times?
Brother Martel: Many think we are removed from the
world, blind to its struggles. In truth, we are deeply aware. Our prayers are
not idle words; they are intercessions for peace, for justice, for mercy. We
are not untouched by suffering. We carry it with us in silence.
Interviewer: Your time in England has been marked
by upheaval. What lessons have you drawn from witnessing these struggles
firsthand?
Brother Martel: That kingdoms rise and fall, but the
soul endures. Power is fleeting, yet virtue remains. I have seen courage in
unexpected places, and I have learned that even in the shadow of war, there is
light to be found in acts of kindness and fidelity.
Interviewer: You are soon to return to your abbey
at Saint Gall. What do you hope to carry back with you from this journey?
Brother Martel: I will carry with me the memory of
resilience, of those who stood firm when all seemed lost. I will also carry the
reminder that faith must not be confined to cloisters alone. It must walk among
the people, guiding them through both peace and peril.
Interviewer: Brother Martel, thank you for sharing
your insights. Before we conclude, is there one message you would like readers
to take from your story?
Brother Martel: Only this: that strength is not
measured by the sword alone. True strength lies in steadfastness of spirit, in
compassion, and in the courage to uphold what is just, even when the world
trembles.
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.
In this special interview, we meet
Helga of East Anglia, a Norsewoman whose life is entwined with loyalty to her
people and unexpected ties that cross cultural divides in The Briton and the
Dane. Helga shares her struggles, her strength, and her hopes in a world
torn by war and divided by faith.
Interviewer: Helga, thank you for joining us. Can
you tell us about your background and how you came to be part of this conflict?
Helga: I was born on English soil, though my blood is Norse. From my
earliest days, I lived between two worlds, never fully belonging to one or the
other. By the time I was grown, the Norse were already settled in East Anglia
under treaty with King Alfred. Even in uneasy peace, the struggle shaped every
choice I made.
Interviewer: Many see the Norse only as raiders.
What do you believe is most misunderstood about your people? Helga: We are more than the clash of steel and the burning of villages.
We are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. We seek honor, yes, but also a
place to belong. Too often, only the bloodshed is remembered, and not the bonds
of kinship that guide us.
Interviewer: Your story is closely tied to others
beyond your own people. How has that shaped your choices? Helga: It has not been easy. To care for someone outside the shield wall
is to live with constant fear—fear of discovery, fear of betrayal. Yet the
heart does not ask permission before it binds itself.
Interviewer: What has been the greatest challenge
you’ve faced in these turbulent times? Helga: To walk a path where every choice risks betrayal of someone I
love. My loyalty is tested daily—by blood, by oath, by the quiet voice of my
own heart.
Interviewer: You’ve witnessed both Saxon and Norse
ways of life. What do you believe each side fails to see in the other? Helga: The Saxons see us as heathens, blind to the depth of our
traditions. The Norse see the Saxons as weak, blind to the strength of their
faith. Both sides forget that beneath the banners and the gods, we are all
people who bleed, grieve, and hope the same.
Interviewer: How do you find strength when the
world around you is so divided? Helga: In the small moments—the laughter of children, the warmth of a
fire, the memory of a promise. These are the things that remind me why we
endure.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you hope your
legacy will be? Helga: That love can bridge even the deepest divides. If those who come
after me can live in a world where Saxon and Norse walk side by side, then my
struggles will not have been in vain.
Interviewer: Before we wrap up, is there anything
you’d like to share with our readers? Helga: Only this: even in times of war, the heart still seeks peace. May
those who come after us remember that truth.
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.
In this special interview, we step into
the world of Wulfgar of Wessex, King Alfred’s trusted messenger in The
Briton and the Dane. Known for his tireless journeys across the land,
Wulfgar carries not only messages but also the weight of England’s survival on
his shoulders. Today, he shares his experiences of loyalty, danger, and the
quiet hopes that sustain him.
Interviewer: Wulfgar, thank you for joining us. Can
you tell us a little about your background and how you came to serve King
Alfred?
Wulfgar: It is my honor. I was trained from youth to ride hard and carry
word swiftly between lords and burhs. My service to King Alfred began when I
proved myself reliable in times of peril. Since then, I have been entrusted
with messages that could turn the tide of war.
Interviewer: As Alfred’s messenger, you often carry
news that can change the course of battles. How do you handle that
responsibility? Wulfgar: With vigilance and prayer. A single delay or misstep could cost
lives. I ride knowing that the fate of men may rest in my hands, and I strive
never to falter.
Interviewer: You’ve crossed paths with many lords,
warriors, and even enemies. What do you believe is most misunderstood about the
Saxon cause? Wulfgar: Many think we fight only for land. But it is more than soil we
defend. It is our faith, our families, and the hope of a future free from fear.
That is what drives us to endure.
Interviewer: Your duties keep you constantly on the
move. How has that shaped your personal life? Wulfgar: The road is a lonely companion. Yet even in solitude, I have
learned patience and endurance. A man who serves must often set aside his own
desires for the greater good.
Interviewer: What dangers have you faced most often
in your journeys? Wulfgar: Ambush and betrayal. A messenger is a tempting target, for
silencing me can silence a king’s command. I rely on speed, caution, and the
goodwill of those who shelter me along the way.
Interviewer: You’ve witnessed both triumph and
tragedy in your service. What moment has left the deepest mark on you? Wulfgar: I recall carrying word of a victory hard-won, only to arrive at
a village already burned by the Danes. The joy of triumph turned to ash in my
mouth. It taught me that even the swiftest rider cannot outrun sorrow.
Interviewer: In such turbulent times, what gives
you strength to continue? Wulfgar: Faith in God, loyalty to my king, and the memory of those who
have fallen. Each ride is a promise to them—that their sacrifice was not in
vain.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you hope your
legacy will be? Wulfgar: That I was faithful to my king, to my people, and to the trust
placed in me. If I am remembered at all, let it be as a man who carried his
duty with honor.
Interviewer: Before we wrap up, is there anything
you’d like to share with our readers? Wulfgar: Only this: even in times of war, loyalty and service endure.
May those who come after us remember the strength found in faith and duty.
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.
He’s a prince, a warrior, and a man
burdened by destiny. Now, Robert, Duke of Normandy, speaks for himself in a
format as commanding as his legacy.
This AI-generated virtual character
interview brings Robert to life with striking realism. His voice carries the
weight of leadership, his gaze reflects the cost of war, and his words reveal
the tension between duty and desire. It’s not just an interview—it’s a
reckoning with history.
Watch the full interview here:
This is part of our ongoing series
exploring the world of Crusader’s Path through immersive storytelling.
Each character adds depth to the First Crusade, and Robert’s appearance reminds
us that even legends must choose their path.
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.
Torchlight flickered across the marble
halls of Rome. The empire whispered of treachery, and every oath was tested by
fire. From the heart of Nero’s court, where loyalty could mean salvation or
ruin, Praetorian Guard Traian Aelius Propacius steps forward to speak of duty,
conscience, and the cost of guarding a man history would never forgive.
Interviewer: Traian, thank you for joining us. For
readers unfamiliar with your role, how would you describe your duty in Nero’s
Rome?
Traian: I was first sworn to guard a child,
not an emperor, a boy barely past his second year, spirited and curious, who
bore the name Lucius. His mother had been sent into exile, and in her absence,
I became his shield. My duty then was simple: to keep him safe from harm, to
guide his steps, to be the steady presence he could trust. Yet even in those
tender years, I understood I was protecting more than a child’s body. I was
guarding the promise of what he might become. Later, when Rome began to call
him Nero, my oath remained unchanged. To me, he was always Lucius, the boy I
once carried on my shoulders, the boy who dreamed of justice before the world
taught him fear.
Interviewer: Many saw Nero as a tyrant. From your
vantage point, what kind of man was he?
Traian: He was both boy and emperor, burdened
with a crown too heavy for his years. There were moments when he longed to rule
with mercy, to be remembered as more than his bloodline’s curse. But Rome was
merciless. The Senate whispered, the people demanded spectacle, and cruelty
became the coin of survival. I saw him hesitate at the edge of mercy, and I saw
him push past it.
Interviewer: The Great Fire of Rome remains one of
the most infamous events of his reign. From what you learned, how did it change
him?
Traian: I was not in Rome when the fire began.
When I finally found him, he told me what had happened. He had been at his
estates outside the city, and when word reached him, he rode into Rome. He
opened his gardens to the homeless, ordered supplies, and tried to fight the
flames. For a time, he was the Lucius I remembered, desperate to help,
desperate to be loved by his people. But when the whispers began, when the
blame turned toward him, everything shifted. To protect himself, he struck
back. That was when the Christians became his scapegoats. It was not mercy or
cruelty that guided him then, but fear.
Interviewer: Do you believe he wanted to be a good
ruler?
Traian: Yes. In his heart, he wanted to be loved,
to be remembered as more than his bloodline’s shadow. But Rome is not kind to
dreamers. Every step he took toward mercy was met with suspicion, every attempt
at justice twisted into weakness. In the end, he became what Rome demanded and
what Rome feared.
Interviewer: The palace halls were rife with
treachery. How did you endure such a world?
Traian: With silence, vigilance, and with the
knowledge that every ally might one day be an enemy. Even among the Guard,
trust was fragile. I stood between Lucius and conspirators cloaked as friends.
But the greater battle was within myself; how long could loyalty endure when it
began to feel like complicity?
Interviewer: History judged Nero harshly. Do you
believe he deserved forgiveness?
Traian: Forgiveness was not mine to grant. I
can only say this: he was not the monster the poets would write about, nor the
saint he once dreamed of being. He was a man caught between fear and destiny.
Perhaps that was the tragedy of Rome, that even emperors were prisoners of the
crown they wore.
Interviewer: And what of you, Traian? What future
did you see for yourself beyond Nero’s shadow?
Traian: When I was discharged, I found myself
standing at a crossroads. I had given my years to Rome, my loyalty to Lucius,
and in return, I carried scars no one could see. What comes next is not glory,
nor triumph. It is simply the search for peace, a life lived quietly, away from
marble halls and whispered conspiracies. Whether I will ever find it, only the
gods know.
Interviewer: Do you have anything to add before we
wrap up?
Traian: Only this: be careful how you judge
the past. History is written by those who survived it, and in Nero’s case, by
men who came long after his death, men who had never seen him, who shaped him
into villain or monster to serve their own ends. All documents are hearsay,
colored by fear, politics, or faith. If Rome teaches us anything, it is that
truth is fragile, and if we are not wary, history will repeat itself.
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.
The desert wind carries the scent of
dust and memory, whispering through the remnants of a crusader camp where
banners once flew and prayers once echoed. In the shadow of Jerusalem’s walls,
Robert, Duke of Normandy, reflects on a journey marked by blood, betrayal, and
the burden of legacy. Fresh from the events of Crusader’s Path, he sits
down with us to speak of vows made, battles fought, and the soul-searching that
follows a war waged in God’s name.
Interviewer: Duke Robert, thank you for joining us.
For those unfamiliar with your role in the Crusades, how would you describe
your purpose?
Robert: Purpose is a slippery thing. I left
Normandy not with a clear mission, but with a need to escape, to reclaim
something lost, perhaps even to outrun my own reputation. The call to arms came
at a time when my coffers were thin and my conscience thinner. I answered not
as a saint, but as a man seeking distance. Whether I found redemption or simply
distraction is for history to decide.
Interviewer: You’ve been described as both a noble
leader and a man of indulgence. How do you reconcile those sides of yourself?
Robert: I don’t. I live with them. I’ve worn
the mantle of Duke, but I’ve also worn the weight of jealousy, rivalry, and
regret. My youth was spent chasing pleasure and prestige, and I’ve paid dearly
for it. The Crusades stripped away the silk and left only steel. In the fire of
war, you learn who you are or who you’ve failed to become.
Interviewer: Etienne plays a central role in Crusader’s
Path. How did your relationship with him evolve?
Robert: Etienne came to swear fealty after his
father’s death, and I saw something rare in him, honesty without arrogance. I
invited him to court, and he followed. We rode together, fought together, and in
many ways, he became my conscience. He gave me counsel I didn’t always want but
often needed. I leaned on him more than I ever admitted. He reminded me of the
cost of neglect, even when I was too blind to see it.
Interviewer: The Crusades tested many. What
challenged you most?
Robert: The silence of God. We marched under
banners of faith, yet the answers came in blood and betrayal. Disease struck
our camps, treachery brewed in our ranks, and every step toward Jerusalem felt
heavier than the last. Leadership is not glory, it’s a burden. And in war, that
burden grows with every soul lost.
Interviewer: What do you believe the Crusades
accomplished?
Robert: That depends on who pens the
chronicle. Some will say we reclaimed holy ground. Others will say we desecrated
it. I believe we revealed the fragility of men who claim divine purpose. The
Crusades tested our faith, yes, but more than that, it exposed our humanity. And
our failings.
Interviewer: What’s next for you, now that the
campaign has ended?
Robert: I returned to Normandy with fewer men
and more ghosts. My duty now is to remember, to ensure that the lessons of this
war are not buried with the dead. Redemption is not found in conquest. It is
found in reflection, in humility, and in the stories we choose to tell.
Interviewer: Duke Robert, thank you for your
candor. Is there anything you’d like to share with our readers before we close?
Robert: Only this: history is not forged by
swords alone. It is shaped by the choices we make when no one is watching. And
if you ever find yourself at the gates of Jerusalem, ask not what you’ve won, but
what you’ve lost to get there.
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.
He’s charming, cunning, and always
playing both sides. Now, Francois “Frankie” Travers steps into the spotlight in
a format as unpredictable as he is.
This AI-generated virtual character interview
captures Frankie’s charisma and edge with uncanny realism. His voice, his
smirk, his evasive answers, every moment is a masterclass in misdirection. It’s
not just an interview, it’s a game of truth and illusion.
Watch the full interview here:
This is part of our ongoing series
exploring the world of AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest through immersive
storytelling. Each character reveals another twist in the tale, and Frankie’s
appearance raises more questions than answers.
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.
