Four Mornings in Winter

December 1420

The smial was too silent. She walked into the empty room where Fredegar had spent his days, a brave soul, facing his misery day by day and still not giving in… until his strength faded at last and the morning came when she found him here, sleeping his last sleep.

I love you, child. I wish I had been a better father.

You have been the best father any daughter could wish for. I miss you. I miss you so much, Papa.

She stood there, staring down on the neatly made bed and felt an endless winter freezing her heart.