Year 1578
Village of Vhalgren
The village of Vhalgren was quiet in the early morning. The sun had just started rising, and
soft light touched the trees, fields, and houses. On the south side of the village, two farms
were next to each other. Their fences were close. Their lands were side by side. The people
who lived there were more than neighbours they were like family.
The first farm belonged to the The Harkens.
Brann Harken was the head of the family. He was strong, calm, and respected in the village.
He had spent his whole life working on the land. His wife, Meera, was a kind wife and a
mother. She looked after the home and also helped others in the village when needed. They
had two children. Lina, their daughter, was seventeen. She was outspoken and sharp
minded. Their younger son, Aldric, was fifteen. He was quiet but strong willed. He helped his
father in the fields every morning.
Right beside them lived The Ashfords.
Darrek Ashford was a tall, serious man with a deep voice. He had fought in border raids
when he was younger but now works at the land like other villagers. His wife, Elia she was
well liked by everyone. They had two sons. Thomas (20), the older one, was away most of
the time, helping traders in nearby villages. The younger one, Konrad, was fifteen, just like
Aldric. He was clever, quick to joke, and full of energy.
The Harkens and the Ashfords had been friends for many years. Their homes were open to
each other. They shared food, tools, and stories. Aldric and Konrad grew up side by side.
They had learned to walk on the same soil, chased the same calfs, and played in the same
river. Their bond was strong, like brothers.