Now you, my dear readers, have finally learned how I, Willas Gunderson, author of this tale, first entered the

Now you, my dear readers, have finally learned how I, Willas Gunderson, author of this tale, first entered the acquaintance of Baron Varn and his companions. But as much as I would like to delve into this remarkable meeting, I must remind myself that by no means am I the main character of this book. Perhaps one day it will occur to Baron Varn or the General to mention me in their memoirs... For surely our encounter must have made an impression upon them as well!