Legends
Novel, Historical Mediaeval, England
When you first start making up legends it’s important you’re the only surviving witness. After a while the respect of those at court wanes and another quest or holy deed must be undertaken. Knight Sâledàr finds he must live up to his reputation but now has to have companions that requires a change of plan. How do you slay a non-existent Welsh dragon everyone locally knows is an excuse for sheep stealing?
He finds a noble lady with chronic depression and ‘rescues’ her by marriage. He’s a sympathetic old soul really. From a lonely wanderer he becomes a family man. The strange thing is that his youngest daughter has his boldness and very quickly acquires a legendary reputation as a general which is her strength.
The Kingdom is vastly improved as Sâledàr’s devious imagination and insight are put to good use.
This started as a pack of lies told by a knight to bolster his status. Then his deceptions help him deal with the deceptions of others. Then going on a quest, even if it’s a sham, is good training for apprentice Knights. Rebellion can be countered by spreading invented propaganda about the rebels. Finally if you’re nothing but a fierce girl you can use a legend to project strength and character, recruit volunteers and gather real strength.
I found it interesting as the base lies of a desperate knight were just the start of a really useful outlook on the value of invention. Also how it can sometimes take on a life of its own by suggesting ways the real people should behave. Of course there are real mediaeval histories which are never less than somewhat biased and often completely loopy.
| Beginning | A5 PDF | |
| Beginning | 2-Col PDF | |
| Paperback | A5 148 pages | |
| Full ebook | A5 PDF | |
| Full ebook | 2-column PDF |