The wood smoke lingered in the air, carried by the brisk wind from a distant sacking days prior. Though it was not simply wood that burnt, for the creatures that partook in such a deed cared not for mercy, for child or animal, all were slaughtered without discrimination. It was a village like many others, made of wood, cloth and straw, the perfect tinder. Some had escaped, their fate delayed only a little as they walked with death at their side.
It had become a familiar tale, the orc raids once a whisper from afar were now being discussed openly in the hall. Fortifications were being built and an ever flowing and growing presence of strength passing through to purchase supplies for their eoreds, to use the comfort of a good bed for a night or two, to have their wounded cared for, to have a moments peace and respite, to fathom ways to return word to loved ones of the dearly departed.
The farm thrived. Horses as fine as any to grace that of Edoras, grazed in the nearby field. Trained to a high standard, yet, not one having a black coat, for all knew that they brought ill omen to any farm. The blacksmith worked tirelessly, forging new weapons, repairing old, and along with the tanner reinforcing armour for both man and beast. The children also had their duties, washing clothing alongside their mothers, baking the evening bread and it was due to this task that something odd was discovered. Theodwyn, a sprightly little girl with pigtails of straw coloured hair and all but seven summers young, went to the mill to fetch more flour under the guise her mother needed it. In truth the child was simply bored of the talk the women did concerning the handsome, brave guests that had recently passed through the town. The mill was dark in places, the natural light pouring through small windows and a door, dustmotes filling the shafts of light, but even so, there were spots where the light did not touch. With her bucket in hand, she went to the sacks of stacked flour, a cup in her tiny hand burying then into the soft flour, but then she saw him. She saw a body, knowing not if it be alive or dead. Then she heard him, a groan, one of pain, one to be pitied...and she fled.
