Edmund the Bear

''Edmund? That Great Bear? Tall as a mountain, strong as an ox, gentle as a spring lamb… he broke my lute! Oh, he's a strong arm, but a kindly and good heart for all… a heart of honor, romance and true chivalry… just don't let him pack anything fragile.'' - Pons Edmund is a gentle giant, chivalrous and deeply spiritual. The illegitimate son of Archdeacon William le Clerk, even as a youth he stands a head taller than most men. Few doubt that Edmund carries the blood of the ancient race of giants from his mother, the Saxon witch Entswith.

Despite his illegitimacy and monstrous blood, Edmund's father acknowledged him from birth, and raised the boy fairly as a member of his own household. Large even from childhood, Edmund proved a natural athlete and wrestler, but also a kind and spiritual lad who valued honor and fairness.

As a youth Edmund, along with his cousin Rosamund, slew the Great Bear of Lynham, and he wears the beast's hide as a cloak. With this heroism as proof of Edmund's worth, Archdeacon William secured for him a position as squire to Sir Henry FitzPicot, son of his neighbor Lord de Say.

As squire and companion, Edmund has proven his strength and his honor time and again, defending the innocent from outlaws, raiders, terrible beasts, fearsome giants, and wicked knights, including the evil Sir Garbedec the Fiend and the dark sorcerer Ulrich. For his deeds and his nobility, Hal seeks to convince his father than Edmund is worthy of earning his knighthood.

Since his first days as Hal's squire, Edmund has loved the Lady Margaret and courted her in the manner of Courtly Love. Though, to his grief, she is now wed to Hal's uncle, Hanne the Seneschal, the pair continue their secret romance.