Autumn 1094 SR
The forge was cold as Charlaine made her way through the room. She had intended to begin work on a new commission, but now, with the threat of the Baron of Verfeld looming over her, she wondered if she should even start.
A knock on the door startled her, and her heart began beating rapidly. Was this the baron’s men? She strode over to the door, determined to face the threat and get it over with. Instead, she opened the door to see the forester, Mayfield.
“What do you want?” she asked, her voice more bitter than she had intended.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I know you blame me for your situation, but I’ve come with a letter from Master Ludwig.”
Her heart soared at the mention of his name, and she felt her pulse quicken as the old man passed over the note. Charlaine tore it op
