Autumn 1094 SR
The Feast of Saint Agnes came and went, and with it, any hope of Charlaine seeing Ludwig. Days stretched into a week, then two, and she became increasingly concerned. It was not until almost three weeks later when she finally saw him again. She was closing up the shop when his familiar voice rang out.
“Charlaine!”
She gazed across the street. “Ludwig? Is that you?”
He waved her over, staying in the shadows. “Hurry,” he said. “I haven’t much time.”
“Whatever’s the matter?” she asked. “I haven’t seen you for weeks.”
“My father has kept me incredibly busy,” he said, “and has f*******n me to see you.”
“That didn’t stop us before, so why does it now?”
“This time"s different. He’s got someone watching me.”
“Watching you?” She glanced up and down the street. “I don’t see a
