From the Journal of the Dark Bard,
known also as Rowan mac Clann:
First let me state, so that
there be no misunderstanding, that there are two Lorasias, separated by a dimensional gulf, yet joined by the
Crack of Doom. Long have I watched both worlds, and chronicled therein the acts
of Prester John and Alcina. In one Lorasia, Prester John is Grand Marshal of the Tamarkand,
First Lord of the Vardian Plains, and Prime Minister
of ICON. In another Lorasia, however, he is High Priest of the Balance, and
serves the Bard Aethelu Wintersong, Matron Mother of House Wintersong and the
Horseclans of Ageria. In both Lorasias,
Alcina is a Battlemage, First Advisor to Prester John in one Lorasia, and to Aethelu Wintersong in
the other. And although each world and individual are
separate, their actions are nonetheless drawn together by the Will of the
Greater Ones. I too walk in both worlds, and my task is to Chronicle their
Deeds, and, if need be, guide them. In this Lorasia, I am Rowan the Dark, known
more commonly as Rowan mac Clann,
and I serve Lord Prester John of the Tamarkand. But in the other Lorasia I am known by a
different name which I am not at liberty to share at this time - although I
have ties to Taliensin, Master Bard and mentor to Aethelu Wintersong. This is
my tale.
You may see the poem "The Assault on the City
of