Summary

It is with great relief to all in the land of Sommerhjem that the challenge to choose a new king or queen has been completed, even if the result of the challenge was very unexpected. What will happen next is unknown. For me, now is the time for reflection.My past catching up to me placed my family in danger. Very few folks know of my wife Ani's and my involvement with those who secretly provided information to Queen Octavia. Nor do many folks know just how deeply involved I was after the death of Queen Octavia in thwarting the regent's intention to prevent Princess Esmeralda from becoming the next ruler of Sommerhjem when she came of age. What is important now is what can I reveal about my past. What do I still need to hold secret? My name is Thorval Pedersen, and this is my tale.In a strange sort of way, the procession up the high hill behind Runa's farm was quite beautiful. The long line of torches flickering in and out of view would have been lovely if the torches were being carried by folks in a procession marking a joyous occasion or even marking the loss of a villager. Unfortunately, this procession marked the loss of faith in a man their lord and lady had trusted--and perhaps a little faith in their lord and lady. I found myself standing there, reflecting about how twice in one year I had witnessed a reeve abuse the folks he was put in charge of when the lord or lady of the estate was away. I wondered if this happened often when a lesser folk moved above others. How did some rise to the occasion with grace and others just become bullies? These were thoughts I would reflect on again and again over the years.