That you believe the story I am to tell does not matter.

 

That you listen with care and attention is up to you.

 

Steady now. I know that we have but only met. But listen some. For moments few, take heed and ponder. Make supposition or pretend that you know me as I do you. 

 

We are not so different, you and I. We hail from a fine, fair hall of brethren kin. But it is not in blood or birth, tongue nor skin that such kinship is born so fully formed. It is of another order. It is not from name or monied wealth, studied trade or belief so bound and blinkered that we do stand together now as one. Our unity, she is of another rank.

 

You see, it is in the spirit that we of the same. And that is something that was not our choosing. But yet, in such brotherhood, there is recognition. Your mind may not know my name, but does your heart not sigh in silent joy?

 

I caution you: such things of which I speak are possible, although perhaps they are not so common in your place and time, as they are in mine. The realm of possibility is wider than you think. Truth prevails.

 

Beyond our daily lives, there is a ticking. There is a wondrous ticking. Can you hear it? It is a mechanism that seems to be of a realm unknown, but yet is the same as the ticking of your heart, so close, so life-giving. There it is — do you see? — so present that you do not notice.

 

If I told you now of a sword of mighty steel, would I have your attention full? Is it of jousting lances and dragon's breath that you wish to hear? My tale is not of that. It is of something greater. Do you follow what I say? Do I need to slow my pace? From full-on gallop to gentle trot, I shall pull back upon the reins. Listen to the fullness of my words:

 

I sit before you now because I know that a grail search, a lionsheart and a just crusade are only shadows and reflections of our purpose true. Draw close your chair. Bring your attention full. Your search is noble. As I before you was bound to one just cause, so are you. It is to seek and so to find the truest self. 

 

And so to this single quest and to you, good friend, I dedicate this tale. Although you may not know, your honour is august, higher than that of any knight.