Aldburg

Five gold coins was the price of my husband. Five gold coins for the slaying of Osgar son of Hincmar, a well-respected man in Aldburg. Five gold coins for a strong youth killing his weakened elder. Five gold coins for my beloved’s blood spilling out of his body. Five gold coins for the man I loved most to die in the darkest of nights, sputtering and gasping for breath. Five gold coins is a paltry sum. What fee can buy a husband’s love? A father’s care? A freeman’s fealty? That was no worthy trade.

It was near sunset when the rider was spotted cantering up the snaking path that lead to the outpost of Stangard. The green and white banners snapped in the evening breeze, golden light bathing the rough palisade walls.

“Drink of this...”

A hand pressed against the back of her head, lifting it slightly. The smooth over-used wooden rim of a bowl pushed against her bottom lip.

“Drink it... you will feel better for it.”