Carter - Outremer I

First off I have to thank the many researchers and writers who spent countless years on their own specific specialist area of interest. It is only through them that I was able to assemble, in my mind at least, what appeared to be a complete jigsaw that fitted together, each building upon the next. Within Outremer I have had cause to reference some of those works for historical and religious accuracy and where I have, I have put in a bibliographic reference and listed it as after them.

I must make special mention of my family for it goes without saying my heartfelt gratitude toward them is immeasurable. I need not name them for they know who they are and my feelings as do members of my extended family. But I wish it to be known that without them, Outremer would never have happened. Thank you to the land owners that have allowed items to be hidden upon their grounds. Without your support and assured secrecy, the modern code would not be possible.

To the Chriss, both Andys, DB and Cleyton you know is all I need say. To Hayley, Gareth, and all at the publishers including Lucy for her critical final edit, insights and suggestions, a huge thank you; especially your patience with me only eighteen months late to complete the final edits. To Peter and Sarah for always delivering! And to those special few who persevered reading the proof edits of these four volumes these are dedicated to you because without you it would not have been possible.

To those individuals who allowed me to draw them up in charcoal depicting some of the main characters, thank you. To Wyvern Larp, Cathleen Nichols-Images, to the figurine model manufacturer Pegaso Models, Italia for allowing me to use your superb figurines as reference and imaging to draw up some of the main characters.

But ultimately it is you, the reader, to whom I must proffer my sincerest thanks and appreciation. Some of the reading material is at times difficult to take in, especially the more historical and esoteric aspects, which some may find confusing, initially even boring in parts, but I urge you to persevere for it becomes easier as the story develops. Know that Outremer was written for you.

Paul Plantavalu	Alisha al Komaty
Nicholas Blancofort	Taqi al Komaty
Firgany al Komaty	Brother Teric
Master Gerard de Ridefort	Reynald de Chatillon
Princess Stephanie de Millie	Sister Lucy
Theodoric	Tenno
Brother Matthews	Saladin