The Lovely Couple
ANA
is princess of the Kingdom and daughter of Don Florentin, coveted by many noblemen who want to take her as their wife.
Brave, irreverent, unconventional and very charismatic, Ana cherishes her freedom and the close bond she has forged with the people during her habitual walks through the streets of the town.
She is usually accompanied by her beloved maid Ophelia, in whom she confides, and her four pet pigeons.
THOMAS
is a young, talented artisan who makes original guitars. He lives in the town governed by Don Florentin and is loved by everyone because of his big heart.
He’s very easy-going, generous and concerned about other people. Because of his humble nature, he prefers the tranquility of a peaceful life.
Determined and daring when the occasion demands, Thomas always has his faithful life-long companion by his side, his beloved dog Pogo.
The Faithful Companions
GENERAL
is a tough old grey and black pigeon full of battle scars, medals and military decorations. He’s a true career general, serious, disciplined and demanding. He maintains his rigid composure even when the other pigeons following him are up to their comical pranks, and is always ready to put them in order when the situation demands.
LIEUTENANT ORPHEUS
is a large grey pigeon, second in command and artillery lieutenant of his unit. The markings on his wings display his military rank. Tough and muscular, he is serious when on a mission, but can easily loosen up and join in with the others when the fun begins.
SERGEANT OCTAVIUS
is a grey and white pigeon of medium stature that always carries a little assault pack. He’s the joker of the group. He doesn’t take things very seriously and is always ready to play a prank on the others. Being the first to lose his military stiffness, he is also the best at covering up and so never has to suffer the consequences. But when it comes to a battle, he’s ready to give his all.
PRIVATE OTHO
is a white pigeon with grey markings and wonky wings. He is the smallest and most fragile of the group, which is why he always wears a helmet for protection. He never speaks and always looks like he doesn’t want to or shouldn’t be there at all. Being the lowest ranking pigeon, he always gets the blame. In spite of being the pigeon that suffers the most, he also gets the most love and attention from Ana (which makes him blush with embarrassment).
POGO
is a Portuguese Podengo. He’s small and short haired, but very lively and energetic. Proud of his origins and lineage, he’s loyal and protective to Thomas. He believes he’s part of a special legacy dedicated to the present and future of his master’s guitar-making tradition. As such, he has a haughty and superior air. However he is always ready to wade into a fight and is a true hero when put to the test.
Family & Friends
DON FLORENTIN
is the governor of the town and Ana’s father, and is still tormented by the death of his wife. In spite of his severe air, Don Florentin is genuinely concerned about the succession of his Kingdom. That’s why he’s always looking for a nobleman for his daughter to marry.
OPHELIA
is Ana’s maid and confidant. She’s willing to do anything to keep her mistress happy. She has a cheerful, obliging, generous nature and is a bit of a chatterbox. Somewhat naive, when nervous she becomes clumsy and comical and can’t stop talking.
CAPTAIN BARTHOLOMEU
is a military strategist and leader of Don Florentin’s army. In spite of his loyalty to the governor, he is ready to use his influence and power to help his great childhood friend, Thomas. Ambitious and pragmatic, and with a great sense of responsibility, he’s straightforward, brave, astute and, above all, cheerful.
AZIZ
to escape a life of oppression, he left his native land and took shelter in a boat anchored in the most dangerous and darkest place in the town: the docks. Although he comes across as mysterious and possibly dangerous, he reveals himself to be a man of a cheerful disposition with a great heart. Aziz is a skillful goldsmith, who has mastered the ancient technique hitherto unknown in that region: filigree.
The villains
THE DUKE OF ARAGON
is a cold-hearted man and the big villain of this story. He’s one of the many suitors for the marriage of Ana, and although he nurtures a real passion for the princess, he wants to formalize the relationship for political interests.
He is always accompanied by his vile eagle, Machiavelli, with whom
he shares his cunning schemes, and whose claws have already
scarred many men.
MACHIAVELLI
is a huge royal eagle, black with brown highlights and a threatening air. He doesn’t speak much and almost always adopts a prominent pose next to the Duke. his master. He only obeys the Duke and inspires fear in those who go near him, getting a certain pleasure in making others suffer. Always watchful, even when he doesn’t appear to be, he’s the first to draw the Duke’s attention when danger lurks.
Main Places
VIANA is a small well-kept town on the mouth of a river and next to it, a beautiful castle standing proudly on a hill. In the center of the town, noticeable amongst the houses, is a square with stalls selling food and hand-made articles, particularly jewelry. Next to the river are some docks where ships are anchored, but the place is so dark and dirty it hardly seems to belong to the same town.