***
The characters of this story lived in an extraordinary time and in an extraordinary country. This time, country, and the very world in which they lived is long gone; the only remaining thing is their stories which they tell each other, their friends or neighbors, when they meet, or simply anyone who is willing to listen.
God was merciful to these people. He sent them difficult trials and great joy, war and turmoil, freedom and hope, and many amazing adventures. He spared them one misfortune: boredom.
Therefore, the authors of these stories did not have to make anything up. All they had to do was to pay attention and not to miss anything important.
This work is dedicated to that extraordinary time and to these people -- the characters and authors of their stories, of their lives and destinies. It is dedicated to the last generation of this faraway world.
