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
http://mybook.to/tbatdconcordia
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.
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
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryannbernal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannbernal
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
X: https://x.com/BritonandDane
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@maryannbernal
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social
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