I was born in the forests surrounding the city of Yew and educated in the
traditions of the Druids. Having been raised in the city of Justice, I was
taught to always strive for fairness in dealing with others, and these
teachings left a lasting impression upon me. But while I found trees, birds
and moons to be very beautiful, I determined to dedicate my life to the
service of people. So it was l left to seek my fortune in the world.
This was a time when, over Lord British's objections, unruly lords waged
war against each other, so there was little else to do but become a fighter
in the city of Jhelom. I regret killing, although much of what I did helped
bring peace to our land once more. I learned well how to defend myself and to
find the courage one must have to survive in battle. I also learned respect
for those of valor who earn their wage by combat. Eventually those little
wars ended, and I found myself penniless and without a trade in the capital
city of Britain.
I became a Bard simply because a Bard was needed at the Blue Boar. There
were none about, and I had the loudest voice. Never had I considered myself
to be musically inclined, but it was a fair alternative to starvation. My
voice was painful. My mandolin stings would break rather than let me stroke
them. After much heckling and many a thrown bottle, my talents did slowly
develop. As the years passed I began to feel the deep compassion that bards
know when singing of heroic deeds. I discovered that sharing a spiritual
rapport with my audience was very moving. Several of my ballads are still
sung today (although by tradition, the player will no doubt take credit for
composing them himself).
While in Britain, I met two remarkable individuals. They were twins,
Elizabeth and Abraham. They were also well versed students of philosophy, and
many were the hours we spent in discussion and debate. We did raise our
voices on occasion, gentle friend and traveller, but that did not prevent us
from becoming fast friends. Although I would never presume to intrude upon
their privacy by revealing the many fascinating details I learned about them
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