Summer 1094 SR
Charlaine splashed through the stream, guiding her horse up the far bank, past two elm trees. Ahead was the village of Verfeld, after which the barony was named. Beyond its modest huts stood the towering keep that Lord Frederick called home. It was square in shape, but two of the corners, opposite from each other, jutted up higher than the rest, giving an impressive view of the surrounding countryside.
She halted briefly, taking it all in, imagining soldiers trying to storm the place. It would be tricky, she thought, for the entrance was raised up from the ground, only accessible by stairs where one warrior could hold back many.
She shook her head, wondering at the mind of whoever had dreamed up such a defence. Urging her mount forward, she made her way through the villag
