The Gumba was travelling along the fringe of the lands of Castle Catalano last summer.
Making sure the battlements were in place, the villagers were happy and peaceful.
Food was abundant for it was summer, everyone was happy and life seemed well.

The Gumba noticed a young lady approaching him along the road back to the castle, she was a little odd, shaking, talking to herself as if she was having a conversation with an imaginary friend.

As the Gumba came closer, he noticed she was in truth, alone, so who was she talking to? and why?
Was she bewitched?
Had the Wood sprites cast a spell upon her?

He had not seen her before, so she must be a visitor to the lands, hence, he must be gracious!

As they approached each other she stopped and made herself presentable to the stranger, whom was the Gumba.

She was the first to speak, "hello" she said, the Gumba replied,"hello", I am the Great Gumba, I own these lands and all are welcome, to whom do I have the honour of addressing!

I am Mad Marie, she said, I come from a place far away, I stole away on a ship and found myself here on the shores of the Northron Regions.
Maddy, stop that she said!, Not now!

The Gumba stood, looking puzzled, but decided not to say anything as of yet.
The Gumba asked if she had a place to stay and she replied, yes I live with a young man named Redbeard.
Ahh Redbeard the Gumba said, I know him well, he is on of the pirates in the area, you would do well to stay away from the likes of him.

Marie said, Maddy, no, stop, he is a nice man, behave yourself!!!!!

The Gumba could not take it anymore, he spoke. Who is Maddy, he commanded.

Mad Marie said, why she is my friend, she stands beside me can you not see her?
Ohhhh, I see, no you cannot see her, you are not one of the chosen few who can, actually, I am the only one that seems to be able to see her, too bad for she is quite beautiful.

The Gumba stopped, stared, looked, and looked somemore, but no, he could not see Maddy.
he thought and he thought, he looked and he thought some more, Either she was quite mad, or he was just not seeing something.
He went with mad, yup, she must be quite mad indeed.

So, that is how the Great gumba met Mad Marie.
Many a journey lie ahead for the Gumba, many a friend to meet.
The journeys involve all, and many characters are yet to be met.

Long live the Great Gumba and Kerry the Bard.

Huzzah to Mad Marie and Red Beard.

Long life and prosperity to all.

So Sayethe Tha Great White Sage of the Northron Regions.