My poor, darling Aethelflaed, why did you leave me so soon? The last few days have drained me. I do not wish to speak with anyone, I pick at my food and find no ease in sleep. My heart is broken.
I wander wraithlike from my quarters to the chapel where her mortal remains lie. Time passes with me on my knees beside the rough wooden coffin containing her lovely body. It is the temporary resting place of my love. Thence she will be taken to the cathedral in Glevcaestre where a more dignified sepulchre awaits her next to her husband’s.
I shall accompany the procession there, and Breath Stealer will keep robbers at bay. There are curs who will go to any lengths to defile the tombs of the mighty. I know for sure this coffin contains Aethelflaed’s jewels and her sword. I cannot imagine her in a
