In a residence in the west wing of the Baron's Castle, a fire in the hearth burned brightly, completely shutting out the howling winter wind outside.
This room, belonging to Lawrence, was elegantly furnished. Heavy wool tapestries concealed the chill of the stone walls, and warm candlelight flickered on exquisite silver candlesticks.
Arthur, Luca, and an old follower named Gilbert sat around a carved oak table. On it were gilt-rimmed glass goblets filled with amber-colored mead.
The four of them first made small talk as usual.
Arthur mentioned that his wife had recently become obsessed with velvet and had commissioned three new cloaks this month alone.
Luca complained that the stock of wine from the South in the cellar was running low, and the new merchant caravan was late due to the heavy snow.
Gilbert, for his part, showed off his new silver belt buckle, its intricate carvings faintly visible in the candlelight.
