Mary Ann Bernal

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

https://books2read.com/u/bMJGwa

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

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Between Two Worlds with Helga of East Anglia — An Exclusive Character Interview

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.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatd

Universal Link

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

https://books2read.com/u/bMJGwa

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

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Wulfgar of Wessex, Messenger of the King — An Exclusive Character Interview

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.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatd

Universal Link

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

https://mybook.to/PlanetaryWars

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

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Exclusive Character Interview: The Resistance Speaks – Krista, Voice of the Rebellion

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Krista, a courageous operative of the Freedom Fighters. As the first point of contact for Sophia and Lucca, Krista’s choices helped set in motion a daring escape that would alter the course of the galaxy. Here, Krista shares her perspective on survival, loyalty, and the price of defiance in a time of tyranny.

Interviewer: Krista, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you became involved with the Freedom Fighters?

Krista: It wasn’t one dramatic moment; it was years of watching people silenced, families torn apart, and entire worlds crushed under the weight of a regime that demanded obedience. I realized that if I didn’t stand up, I’d be complicit. Joining the Freedom Fighters wasn’t about glory. It was about survival with purpose.

Interviewer: You were the first point of contact for Sophia and Lucca. What made you decide to trust them?

Krista: Trust is dangerous in times like these. But when I met them, I saw something different. They weren’t just running for themselves; they were risking everything for someone else. That kind of courage is rare. It told me they were worth the gamble.

Interviewer: Working under Bret, the leader of the Freedom Fighters, what role do you play in the rebellion?

Krista: Bret carries the burden of command, but he can’t be everywhere. My role is to listen, watch, and make connections that others might overlook. Sometimes that means slipping into places where rebels aren’t welcome. Sometimes it means extending a hand to strangers who might change the course of the fight.

Interviewer: The galaxy is burning with unrest. What do you believe is the greatest misconception about the rebellion?

Krista: That we’re reckless. People think we fight because we crave chaos. The truth is, we fight because we crave peace. Every risk we take, every life we lose is not for destruction. It’s for the chance to build something better.

Interviewer: Meeting Sophia and Lucca eventually led to a daring escape. What was going through your mind during that mission?

Krista: Fear, of course. Only a fool says they don’t feel fear. But beneath it was resolve. I knew if we failed, it wasn’t just lives lost, it was hope itself. And hope is the one thing we can’t afford to lose.

Interviewer: What keeps you moving forward, despite the danger?

Krista: The faces of those who can’t fight for themselves. The children who deserve to grow up free. The memory of every friend we’ve buried. That’s what drives me. That’s why I’ll never stop.

Interviewer: Krista, thank you for sharing your story. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to say to those who might one day join the cause?

Krista: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. There isn’t one. Change begins the second you decide you won’t live in silence anymore.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/490xN8

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

https://mybook.to/ForgivingNero

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

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Exclusive Character Interview: Guarding the Emperor’s Soul: A Conversation with Traian Aelius Propacius

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.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/3GOMvQ

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/CrusadersPath

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

A Reckoning in the East: An Exclusive Character Interview with Robert, Duke of Normandy

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.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/3yNPen

Connect with Mary Ann

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

Amazon author page https://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

https://mybook.to/AnaRoseChronicles

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

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

From Grad Student to Guardian: An Exclusive Character Interview with Josephine “Jo” Hughes

The scent of ancient parchment mingled with the tang of desert wind as Jo Hughes stepped into a world few ever glimpse; a world of relics, ruins, and secrets buried beneath centuries of silence. From the shadowed commanderies of France to the sun-scorched sands of Cairo, Jo’s journey alongside AnaRose Preston has been anything but ordinary. Today, she joins us to reflect on her transformation, the thrill of discovery, and the truths that history doesn’t always share.

Interviewer: Jo, thank you for joining us. You’ve come a long way since your first assignment with AnaRose. How did it all begin?

Jo Hughes: I was a grad student in archaeology, working as AnaRose’s personal assistant, the kind of job where you expect to manage schedules, answer emails, and maybe help organize a few lectures. Then she invited me to join her on a field mission in France. I thought I’d be cataloging artifacts and sipping espresso in quiet libraries. Instead, I found myself navigating underground speakeasies, decoding Templar lore, and dodging black marketeers. It was a crash course in the real world of relic hunting, and I loved every minute of it.

Interviewer: That first quest took you to some remarkable places. What stands out most from your time in France?

Jo Hughes: The Underground was unforgettable; a speakeasy hidden beneath a polished restaurant, velvet booths above, secrets below. It felt like stepping into a noir film with a passport to the past. But it was the ruins and commanderies that really left an impression. Avalleur felt like stepping into a forgotten heartbeat. And Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon! That place gave me chills. Locals spoke of cries in the night and a figure in white robes. Frankie and I didn’t see anything, but the air was heavy. You don’t forget places like that.

Interviewer: You and Frankie Travers seemed to hit it off. What’s your dynamic like?

Jo Hughes: Frankie’s brilliant and a bit eccentric in the best way. We were both new to AnaRose’s world, so we leaned on each other. He’s got this quiet reverence for history, and I admire that. We’ve shared some wild experiences, and he’s become one of my closest allies in the field.

Interviewer: In Pharaoh’s Gold, your role expanded dramatically. Without giving too much away, how did that mission challenge you?

Jo Hughes: Cairo was intense. AnaRose was there to speak on stolen antiquities, and I tagged along thinking it’d be a learning opportunity. It was just not the kind I expected. I ended up in situations I never imagined, and let’s just say I got a firsthand look at how dangerous relic hunting can be. But AnaRose was there when it counted. She always is.

Interviewer: You’ve faced some serious danger. What keeps you coming back?

Jo Hughes: The adrenaline, the mystery, the history; it’s addictive. I never thought I’d enjoy the rush, but there’s something about chasing truth through forgotten corridors and ancient puzzles that makes you feel alive. AnaRose warned me it wouldn’t be easy, but she also showed me how meaningful it can be.

Interviewer: By Medusa’s Curse, you’re no longer the rookie. How has your relationship with AnaRose evolved?

Jo Hughes: We’ve grown close, but we’ve also had our moments. I found out she could dive and fly a helicopter, skills she hadn’t mentioned, even after saying she’d be upfront with me. I get why she held back, but it still stung. I thought we were in this together, no secrets. But I understand now; she carries a lot, and sometimes she shields people to protect them. Still, I’ve earned her respect, and that means everything.

Interviewer: What’s next for you?

Jo Hughes: I’m still pursuing my PhD, but fieldwork has changed me. I’m not just studying history, I’m living it. Wherever AnaRose goes next, I’ll be ready. And if she ever needs backup, she knows I’m more than just an assistant. I’m part of the team.

Interviewer: Jo, thank you for sharing your journey. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like readers to know about your time with AnaRose?

Jo Hughes: Just this. History isn’t always found in books. Sometimes it’s buried in sand, etched in stone, or whispered through ruins. And if you’re lucky enough to chase it with someone like AnaRose Preston, you’ll discover more than relics. You’ll discover who you really are.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

Connect with Mary Ann

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

Amazon author page https://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

https://mybook.to/AnaRose

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

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Brushstrokes of the Past: An Exclusive Character Interview with Francois “Frankie” Travers

The scent of linseed oil lingered in the air as sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting crimson and gold across centuries-old manuscripts. In the Paris suburbs, nestled between a gallery and a studio, Francois Travers, known to most as Frankie, paints history not just on canvas, but through the stories he preserves. As AnaRose Preston’s latest mission leads her into the shadowed legacy of the Knights Templar, she turns to Frankie for answers buried in time. Today, he joins us to discuss relics, ruins, and the ghosts that refuse to be forgotten.

Interviewer: Frankie, thank you for joining us. For those unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you do?

Frankie Travers: I’m a painter by trade, but my passion is history, specifically Templar history. My gallery showcases my art, but my office is where the real treasures live: maps, scrolls, relics, and theories that most historians won’t touch. I’m not officially affiliated with any academic institution, which gives me the freedom to dig deeper, ask questions others won’t, and occasionally help people like AnaRose when the past refuses to stay buried.

Interviewer: AnaRose sought you out for your expertise in Templar lore. What drew you into this world?

Frankie Travers: I grew up fascinated by the symbolism; the red cross, the secrecy, the idea of a brotherhood guarding something sacred. But it wasn’t until I inherited a collection from my grandfather, a historian himself, that I realized how much had been lost or hidden. The Holy Nail, embedded in a dagger, is one of those legends that keep resurfacing. When AnaRose came to me with questions about Lord Balian’s ring, I knew we were chasing something real.

Interviewer: You’ve visited several commanderies with AnaRose. What was it like exploring the ruins at Avalleur?

Frankie Travers: Haunting, in every sense. The architecture still whispers of purpose; stone corridors built for silence, not spectacle. When we found the ruins, it felt like stepping into a forgotten chapter. There’s a weight to places like that, as if the stones remember. And when you’re standing there, knowing what might be hidden beneath your feet. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

Interviewer: One of the commanderies you visited, Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon, has a reputation for being haunted. Did you experience anything unusual?

Frankie Travers: That place is different. Locals warned us about the sleeping quarters, sharing stories of cries in the night and a figure in white robes bearing the Templar cross. We didn’t see him, but the atmosphere was heavy. Ghost Hunters International tried to film an episode there, but the footage was lost, and the results were inconclusive. I don’t know if it’s truly haunted, but I do know that history leaves echoes. And some echoes don’t fade.

Interviewer: The Ordo Christi plays a major role in this mission. What can you tell us about them?

Frankie Travers: They’re not exactly villains. Their goal is preservation; to protect sacred relics from misuse. But their methods, let’s just say, they don’t always ask nicely. They believe the Holy Nail must remain hidden, untouched. Legend has it, the Holy Nail was concealed within a Templar dagger, a weapon forged not for war, but for secrecy. AnaRose and I don’t disagree with the need for caution, but we do disagree on who gets to decide what’s safe and what’s sacred.

Interviewer: You’re an artist as well as a historian. How does your painting influence your research?

Frankie Travers: Art teaches you to see patterns in light, in shadow, and in silence. That skill translates beautifully to historical research. Sometimes a fresco reveals more than a scroll. Sometimes, a forgotten symbol in a painting can lead to a clue that no one else has noticed. My studio is where I reflect, but my gallery is where I connect the dots.

Interviewer: Without giving too much away, what’s next for you?

Frankie Travers: I’ve got a few canvases waiting, and a few theories I’m still chasing. AnaRose has a way of turning quiet days into quests, so I’m sure I’ll be pulled into something soon. And if the past has taught me anything, it’s that relics don’t stay hidden forever. They call to those who listen.

Interviewer: Frankie, thank you for sharing your insights. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like readers to know about your work or your time with AnaRose?

Frankie Travers: Just this; history isn’t a straight line. It’s a labyrinth. And if you’re lucky enough to walk it with someone like AnaRose, you’ll find that every twist, every shadow, every mystery is worth the journey.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/bp2Gzg

Connect with Mary Ann:

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

Amazon author page: https://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

https://mybook.to/AnaRoseMedusasCurse

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

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Into the Depths with Miles Bordel: An Exclusive Character Interview

Moonlight rippled across the Aegean as currents whispered through the ruins of a temple long claimed by the sea. In the shifting shadows, relic hunter Miles Bordel fought for breath and survival, fending off mercenaries among toppled columns and statues whose stone eyes seemed to watch. Somewhere in the darkness, the Medusa pendant waited, its empty ruby sockets promising either fortune or a fate carved in myth. Fresh from this perilous mission with Dr. AnaRose Preston, Miles sits down with us to share the truth behind the legend, the man who would wield it, and the cost of chasing history into the deep.

Interviewer: Miles, thank you for joining us. For readers new to your work, how would you describe what you do?

Miles Bordel: I track down relics that history has misplaced, or that someone’s willing to pay handsomely for. I’m not in the business of returning treasures to dusty museum cases unless AnaRose is involved. When we work together (and we have many times), I have to play by her rules, which means developing a conscience, at least for the duration of the job.

Interviewer: Your latest mission began with a call from the Aegean Sea. What set this hunt in motion?

Miles: I’d just delivered an ancient drinking cup said to have belonged to Alexander the Great to a collector in Thessaloniki. The cup bore the image of Medusa, and I suspected it was more than decorative. While I was there, I overheard him speaking in ancient Macedonian to his associate, bragging that this was proof Alexander had used Medusa in battle, and that they’d soon claim the pendant and its ruby eyes to “rule the world.” The only reason I understood a word of it was because I’d studied the language years ago. I hadn’t yet realized how deep this organization’s ambitions ran. That would come later, after I met with AnaRose. At the time, I just booked passage from Thessaloniki to Athens, figuring I’d get to the pendant first, and maybe make a tidy profit before anyone else knew it was in play.

Interviewer: The underwater scenes sound intense. Can you walk us through the dive and the fight with Alekos Chloros’s men?

Miles Bordel: The ruins were stunning, with columns draped in coral and statues half-buried in sand, all freshly revealed after an earthquake shifted the seabed. A lot of Medusa-themed artifacts had surfaced at the Alonissos Underwater Museum, so AnaRose and I went looking for the pendant. We were navigating a collapsed temple when the water seemed to breathe, a slow, deep shift that made the silt swirl around us. That’s when Alekos’s divers appeared. Armed, fast, and clearly trained, but they didn’t press the attack. We fought them off and made it back to our boat, but they never followed. At the time, I figured they were just trying to scare us off. They didn’t know yet who we were, or how far we were willing to go.

Interviewer: Alekos Chloros has been likened to a modern-day Alexander the Great, with a god complex. What makes him so dangerous?

Miles: He’s not chasing wealth; he’s chasing immortality through legacy. Chloros believes he’s destined to restore Greece’s ancient glory, and he’ll twist myth into a weapon to do it. That kind of conviction, backed by money and an army of mercenaries, is deadly. I’ve dealt with greedy men before, but true believers are far worse.

Interviewer: You and AnaRose have worked together before. How would you describe your partnership?

Miles: She’s brilliant, relentless, and has an instinct for seeing patterns others miss. We don’t always agree; she’s all about preservation, while I’m all about acquisition. However, when the stakes are this high, trust is everything. She keeps me honest, or at least, honest enough.

Interviewer: The Medusa pendant is said to petrify with a gaze. Do you believe in the curse?

Miles: I’ve learned that legends often grow from a seed of truth. Whether it’s supernatural or just the fear it inspires, the pendant has power. In the wrong hands, that’s as dangerous as any curse carved in stone. And if you’re smart, you don’t stare too long, wondering which it is.

Interviewer: What’s next for you now that the dust has settled?

Miles: Taking time off would be nice, but history doesn’t rest, and neither do the shadows it leaves behind. There’s always another relic, another danger, another story waiting to be written. And if AnaRose calls, I’ll answer without hesitation.

Interviewer: Miles, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your work or any upcoming adventures?

Miles Bordel: It’s been a pleasure. Although I’m not usually in the habit of giving away my secrets. I will say this: working with AnaRose Preston is never dull. She’s sharp, fearless, and has a way of turning even the simplest job into something worthy of the history books. We’ve faced danger on land, at sea, and now under it, and I’ve no doubt there are more high-stakes missions in our future. Just don’t expect me to admit I’m looking forward to them.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/m20XR1

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, the 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.

Connect with Mary Ann:

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

Amazon author page https://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