By Laurie McLean
A JOYRIDE ROMANCE
Published by Joyride Books, PO Box 258, La Honda, CA, 94020
The Smashwords Edition
Copyright © 2012 by Laurie McLean
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law.
ISBN: 978-1-937791-25-4
A NOTE TO YOU, DEAR READER:
I had a great time researching the early twelfth century immediately following the First Crusade. The wealth of historical goodies that made its way into my story was truly astounding to me.
FACT: Before buying himself the Bishopric of Durham, Ranulf Flambard was indeed the King’s Exchequer who enforced the taxes based on William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book. Unfortunately, he used his power in a corrupt manner, enraging the barons of the day and making him the first prisoner in the newly built Tower of London. Rumor has it he escaped with a coil of rope that his servant smuggled to him in a cask of wine.
FACT: Abu Zayd is the fictional hero of the first popular Islamic romantic tale, The Maqamat of Al-Hariri. The lyrical adventures of the wily hero were so popular among twelfth century Arabs that The Maqamat was considered a sacred treasure second only to the Koran. It was even used to teach children how to read and write.
FACT: Chrétien de Troyes is considered by most to be the father of the romance novel. His Arthurian tales cemented the ideals of medieval chivalry in the hearts and souls of the world. Who knows…his famous tale, Percival, could have been inspired by our hero!
FACT: King William “Rufus” II was killed in the King’s forest at Brockenhurst. His younger brother, Henry Beauclerk, was in attendance. Whether it was an accident, or murder, is still being debated. Henry became King and spent the next few years fighting his older brother, Robert, Duke of Normandy, to remain so. Henry was passionate about exotic animals and created England’s first zoo at his palace.
FACT: Many knights returned from the First Crusade broken men. They went seeking God’s glory and returned bitter and disillusioned by their experiences. The attacks on Constantinople and Jerusalem were especially brutal. There are many first hand accounts sent from the battlefront that make fascinating reading.
FINAL FACT: The music enjoyed during the twelfth century was monophonic. Chords were not introduced until much later. Listening to medieval music is a real treat.
I hope you enjoy reading about this fascinating period in history as much as I enjoyed writing about it. The daring Paulette’s first romance is waiting to be told, so you may be able to revisit the 1100s with me soon.
Yours for enjoyable reading.
Laurie McLean
Knight Moves
by Laurie McLean
A Medieval Time Travel Romance