The carriage rocked back and forth as it travelled along the rough dirt road that was barely there. Thalor sat uncomfortably pale as they arrived at Aberfel. Wet fields of various crops could be seen through the small wooden window. Finally the rocking came to a stop as a small yet well made manor filled the view of the window.

The door opened and one of Thalor's guards greeted him, "The Alderman of Aberfel my lord."

As Thalor stepped out onto the mud his eyes adjusted to the deep orange of a setting sun. For a brief step a ray of light struck his eye harshly, reflecting from the nearby well dug at the village's centre. A well dressed man accompanied a shorter woman greeted him ahead.

"Always a pleasure having you here my lord," the man bowed.

The woman stumbled to follow the mans lead. The man then raised his head, tapping her shoulder to follow. She nervously darted her eyes between Thalor and his soldiers.

Looking at the soldier still on horseback, resting in front of the carriage with a banner in hand he said, "When we saw your banner I had my wife start a meal for your arrival. It will be ready come sunset."

"Much appreciated Eamon but when did you marry?" Thalor questioned.

"Some weeks ago my lord," Eamon gleefully answered, holding his wife's hand tightly. "I met her some time before that and 'twas love at first site."

The woman wore a plain green dress that contrasted against her long dark brown hair and fair skin.

Thalor turned to her and asked, "Where are you from young miss?"

"Elsbeth, pleased to meet you finally my lord," she answered with a curtsey. "I hail from north of the Eerwood."

"East or West of the river?"

"West of course, my lord," she stuttered.

"There are many villages in the north that are west of the river," Thalor persisted. "Where specifically are you from?"

Elsbeth chuckled nervously with a hint of shame.

"Barrenfel... my lord," her gaze drifted to the ground. "I am the lowest of birth."

Thalor's mind stumbled as Eamon held his wife beside him to comfort her.

"Everything and everyone has a purpose Elsbeth, there is no shame of it," he said gathering his composure. "Your purpose now, is to be half of a greater whole."

He then looked at Eamon, placing a hand of comfort on his shoulder.

"I'll be by the manor later this evening, first I wish to speak with Odet," turning to leave he continued. "Please arrange lodging for my men."

Thalor walked down the single road covered with houses on either side, surround by massive fields. The simple carriage was moved to a barn across from the manor where it was stored under a tall but thin tree. Elsbeth returned to the manor skipping over the stone step at the entrance while Eamon walked with the five soldiers.

"Is that barrack ready yet?" a soldier asked.

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"Mostly," Eamon answered with pride. "We're just waiting on a delivery of stone for the chimney so its the barn for you boys tonight."

The soldiers playfully groaned.

Thalor stood outside a humble little cottage. Smoke puffed up from the crooked chimney that stuck out of the thatch roof. The walls were made of rock, coated with dry mud and framed by wood as were most houses in this region.

He knocked on the wooden door that had seen better days and waited patiently for an answer. Warm air graced Thalor's face as the door opened to reveal a broad man with small neck and short brown hair, silhouetted by a fireplace behind him. He wore a simple white tunic with baggy brown breeches.

"Lord Tertios?" the man called, puzzled.

"Odet I need to speak with you, may I enter?" Thalor asked politely

"O-oh of course," Odet stuttered. "Come in, I'll just excuse my guest."

Curious Thalor entered the familiar building. The cottage had a main room with a fireplace at the centre back and a separate bedroom on the right. To his left was a table where a chubby, brown haired child sat eating buttered bread with a young woman.

"Is this some long lost daughter or are you entertaining the company of strange women now?" Thalor asked pointing to the unnaturally pale woman.

Her brunette hair appeared almost black in contrast to her skin. Thalor could only see the colour when looking at her braids that hung down her chest over her tattered black houppelande.

"Erm, My lord this is Alaskir, Alaskir this is Thalor Tertios the lord of these lands."

Alaskir Nodded with a hint of spite, her face stuffed with bread and cheese.

"She's resting here for a few days on her journey to Windermere," Odet explained. "Alaskir would you please wait outside for a while? You can take the bowl with you."

She smiled in thanks taking her bowl and standing to leave. Her smile left as quickly as it came when she passed Thalor who closed the door behind her. Thalor then took a seat at the messy table while Odet had his son go to the other room before joining him.

"What can I do for you Thalor?" he asked passing him a bowl of bread and cheese.

Thalor waved off the offering, "My daughter needs someone to train her in archery."

"I thought you didn't want her to train in any martial practices?"

"I don't.. but our arguments are becoming more frequent and I worry if we continue like this.. I might lose her."

"Well," Odet sighed as he leaned back in his chair. "I'm sure Clara would forgive you."

"Would she though?"

"Thalor. She would be proud of how you've raised that girl."

"I wonder," Thalor dismissed. "You'll return to the castle with me on the morrow. Bring your son, you'll stay as my guests."

"Of course."

Thalor leaned forward after checking the doors and spoke in a more hushed tone, "Any word from the spyrigend?"

Odet leaned in with a stern look on his face. He clasped his hands as his arms rested heavily on the table.

"The Lupyns having been moving small groups of troops into the region for months now," he spoke with deathly quiet. "Last summer there were four hundred troops between Everdon and Ryedon. Now there are fourteen thousand!"

Thalor sat silent for a moment, a cold sweat trickling down his face.

"With the lords of the east I could only bring forth six thousand men."

"What of the king?"

"We would have to adopt a similar strategy if we are to avoid Lupyns eyes. Of course that's assuming his wife doesn't interfere."

Odet scoffed, throwing his hands out and rolling his eyes in disdain.

"I need time to think on this," Thalor said easing his forehead. "I'll take my leave now Odet."

As Thalor stood up the leg of his chair snapped which Odet waved off.

"Don't trust the queen."

"I know."

He stepped outside and breathed a heavy sigh. Alaskir sat on the grass near the door with her bowl void of anything, even crumbs. Thalor thought about her for a moment but quickly dismissed it and started walking down the road towards the manor.

It was a thought for another time.