FIFTEEN
Lord James
SPRING 966 MC
Lady Jane Goodwin sat alone in the dining hall, eating her meal. Since the occupation, the days seemed to drag on, and she seldom saw her son. Spearing another piece of meat, she popped it in her mouth, barely tasting it at all. Footsteps echoed in the hallway, and she held her breath. Could he have finally returned? The door opened, revealing Lord James Goodwin.
"Good evening, Mother."
"James, it's so nice to see you. I trust everything is well?"
"Well? I'd hardly say that."
"Why? Whatever is the matter?"
He sat opposite her, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "I'm in a somewhat difficult position," he said at last. "As you are aware, the Clans have overrun all of Weldwyn. We hoped they might content themselves with putting their own ruler on
