Bandy

This story is a completely fictitious account of the son of Abelard and Heloise, two of France’s most popular figures during the twelfth century. For those who are unfamiliar with the background of the story, Peter Abelard was a well-known scholar and teacher in Paris when he met Canon Fulbert’s niece, Heloise. He became her tutor, and the two subsequently began a passionate love affair. Though Abelard apparently married Heloise, this was still not enough to satisfy the disgruntled Fulbert, who eventually had Abelard castrated. Heloise eventually gave birth to a son, who they named Astrolabe or Astralabe. Nothing is definitively known about this son though there does exist a reference somewhere that he might have become a monk. Even this is subject to speculation, for it might refer to another individual entirely. His parents both ended up taking up the religious life and soon began a correspondence, giving to the world the letters for which they are known today.

 Adalbert is an intelligent but restless young man who is determined to make his own way in the world and cast himself from the shadow of his famous father Astrolabe. His mother Asperia attempts to keep him and his twin sister isolated from the evils of the world, but events unfold that make this quite impossible. Adalbert crosses paths with the villain of Astrolabe, Robert de Langton whose diabolical behavior seems to have been arrested. He now lives a solitary life of repentance and takes Adalbert under his wing, but he holds a long time secret that Adalbert attempts to extract from him. The adventure culminates with a dramatic sea voyage into the icy waters of the northern Atlantic where Adalbert and his burly Viking friend Halfdan seek a long forgotten treasure. They battle with sea-pirates and encounter a giant sea monster that attempts to destroy their ship. They are also pursued by the villains Childeric, a schemer and plotter who seeks to undermine the voyage, and the menacing Marcoul the Bastard who has kidnapped Adalbert's love interest Matilda. We are also introduced to the Ethiopian prince Wedem and his twelve year old charge Clement, who is the son of the voyages benefactor Count Hugo. The quick witted and obstinate young kitchen maid Dagena provides comic relief throughout the book as she strikes up a friendship with Clement. The novel is filled with battle scenes, romance and makes for a marvelous 12th century adventure in the vein of Sir Walter Scott and Howard Pyle. 

Clement is no ordinary thirteen year old boy. He lives in a castle in 12th century Normandy. After helping Adalbert on his journey into the northern sea, Clement and his friend, Dagena, return for another adventure. This time, Clement must overcome the evil ambitions of his wicked uncle Sven the Terrible! Prepare yourself for some medieval action and excitement that you will not soon forget. This is book # 1 in the Clement Series. 

 Normandy. The year 1161. King Henry ll sends the 14 year old Clement, Count of la Haye on a secret mission. The young count and his friends travel in the wake of the mysterious mariner known only as Sir Humphrey Rochford. Their destination? The legendary land of Vinland, known only from the Norse sagas. The journey is full of adventure and intrigue. Clement battles with a tyrannical Irish king and then finds his vessel attacked by a massive monster from the deep. The Green Ship sails to the sparse and barren land of Greenland where more trouble awaits. This is Book # 2 in the Clement Series.

Clement and Dagena return for another adventure. This time they journey to the fabled land of Vinland to seek the legendary treasure of the Knights Templar. Along the way, they must overcome Clement’s nemesis, the diabolical Sven the Terrible! This is book # 3 in the Clement Series. 

 Clement and Dagena return for another adventure. This time, they journey to Abyssinia on a quest to find a holy relic, and the legendary colony of Prester John. This is book # 4 in the Clement Series. 

This collection contains 40 stories and sketches. The subject matter is wide and ranges from material with a supernatural theme to portraits of unique individuals both real and fictional. It is hoped there is a little something for everyone in this volume.

The forest is a place of discovery. No two trees are alike, the colors of each leaf unique. A stroll through the woods is beautiful during daylight, but earily  unfamiliar in darkness. A Forest of Stories attempts to capture the same diversity that can be found in nature with a collection of 24 unique stories.     

Just like a stroll through the forest, there is something for everyone to discover.

This book is a comprehensive history of meteors and  other atmospheric phenomena such as Wil-o-the Wisp, Ball Lightning & St. Elmo's Fire. There is also a timeline of meteor sightings from ancient times until the beginning of the 19th century.