Spring 1095 SR
Mulsingen was a small town surrounded by outlying farms. The Grim Defenders marched through, knowing their true destination was the keep that lay on the far side. The villagers watched them, keeping their faces neutral.
Sigwulf smiled as they passed by, content in the knowledge they were close to their destination. “Just like last time,” he remarked.
Cyn turned to Ludwig. “We passed by here on the way to Torburg,” she explained.
“Is Mulsingen a free city?” asked Ludwig.
Both Sigwulf and Cyn gave him a blank look.
“A what?” asked Cyn.
“A free city? Malburg was given a charter by the king to govern themselves, electing a council of commoners to do that very thing.”
“Why?”
“Yes,” agreed Sigwulf, “why in the Continent would a king agree to something like that?”
“My cou
