The Bronze Statue, or, The Virgin's Kiss

# The Bronze Statue

This serial opens in July 1435 in Bohemia. A young, aristocratic traveller of about twenty-seven—noble bearing, faultless features, skilled swordsman—is lost near a vast forest while riding to Castle Altendorf. He hears piercing shrieks and discovers three men abducting an unconscious woman. He defeats two assailants in combat and rescues the beautiful Angela, a peasant girl. Carrying her to a nearby cottage, he finds she belongs to the household of Wildon, the Count of Rosenberg's head forest-keeper, and his elderly wife. Angela was attacked while fetching water from a well. The traveller learns the castle lies one league distant. Wildon, grateful for the rescue, hints that the Baron of Altendorf bears a cruel reputation, though he professes ignorance of specific charges. The narrative establishes a mystery surrounding the attack and introduces questions about the Baron's character.