It was a cold, blustery afternoon and Shalane greatly disliked the thought of having to go outside and chop more wood for the fireplace. She had spent the last couple of days cleaning it and had postponed bringing in firewood until all was back in order. Now she was upset with herself, and decided to get the task over with just before she saw a small group of armed men on horseback accompanying a coach coming along the trail to the house.
She was on the porch awaiting them as they stopped at the gate to her yard. Two of the men clad in black garments wearing light chain mail strode purposefully up the walk and confronted her.
“Peace be unto you, lass,” the dark-haired leader addressed her. “We do not mean to trouble you.”
“No?” The tears spilled down Shalane"s cheeks as she visibly trem
