Sit with me, noble reader, and I shall tell you a tale of valour worthy of Homer himself. The epic poems of ages past tell of fabled wizards, fearsome monsters, fickle fairies, and fated heroes. Many of these poems herald the deeds of brave Orlando, favourite paladin of Charlemagne, chief among the twelve Peers. No champion of man or beast could overthrow Orlando, nor ever draw his blood. I do not doubt the veracity of these poems, only their extent.

The final poem about Orlando tells of his ferocious fighting at the Battle of Roncesvalles, where he and his companions were ambushed by three armies. Many paladins perished that day, and loyal Orlando, stricken with grief, took the last rites and gave up the ghost. Strangely, there the account ends.

Yet Orlando lives! I have just returned from a great voyage with him; with the mighty Orlando. What follows is not so much our story as it is a continuation of his.