Awake to the familiar crowing of the cockerel and you believe it is another ordinary day. But some days are pivotal, inevitably, we face them unawares. Humming softly, I strolled past Ecgwynn’s chamber, intent on seeking a fresh raw egg to swallow when a sound halted me. My sister sobbing? I listened, not mistaken, the heart-wrenching sound continued. Whatever troubled her was grievous judging by the lament.
I curbed the impulse to burst into her chamber. Would she welcome comfort? Sweet-natured as she is, when crossed, her tongue can be sharper than the lash of a whip. To be honest, when she lost her temper, the fault, without exception, was mine. Although, on occasions, I was slow to admit as much.
That is why I delayed before raising a fist to hammer at her door. By chance, the appear
