Duke Baulino

From PatchworkWiki

Once upon a time there lived a spry old man called Baulino. He knew that his name was Baulino because he carried in his pocket a letter from the King of Castille proclaiming him "Duke Baulino", and congratulating him upon his rank. Baulino also knew what a duke was; he knew what he was, after all, and he was clearly a duke. Fortunately it had never occured to Baulino that this letter might not belong to him.

"The Duke of Medina Sidonia, Knight of Leon, and Confessor to his Illustrious Majesty King Philip of Castille" stands five feet and four inches tall. His mediterranian features have been bronzed and worn by the sun for sixty years, and his hair is silver grey. Nevertheless, there is a spry spring to his step, and a youthful glint to his eye. His many experiences have not burdened his gentle soul.

He wears an expensive and ornate purple cloak, embroided with golden thread. It has been somewhat bleached by the sun, and Baulino usually forgets to remove it when he is weeding his vegetable patch. Leaves of parchment habitually protrude from his pockets, and he will often pause to make a note of some idea or other as they come to him; ink stains his fingertips as well as his apparel. A small crucifix and an iron key hang from a light chain around his neck.

Today, he is usually to be found relaxing by the pond, watching his beloved goldfish. Those who encounter the Duke often find him perceptive, attentive, and intelligent. But somehow completely clueless.