It was in the fall of 1102 that Annelise’s labor contractions began.
Rolfe was banned from the solar at Viandin and found himself in the hall with little to do but wait. His wife’s cries made him cringe, but he avoided both drink and companionship. He paced the length of the hall and back, time and again.
Childbirth carried no small risk and he feared for Annelise’s welfare. Rolfe recalled every moment he had spent with his beloved wife and knew that there had not been enough of those moments to satisfy him. She had taught him so much about love, given him a faith in the unseen, shared with him her passion for life and all its joys.
He had so much, but he wanted only more.
Twilight crept into the hall and lengthened the shadows. A servant silently lit the candles then departed, leaving
