[BigJMoney]

Month 12 – The Year Of THE HAG

The sound of hooves followed by the feet of twenty marching men became forever entrenched in the minds of the Ulmish that month. Ruprecht’s name was no longer tarnished among the people, for a new name took his place: Arnaud. Arnaud the villain, who pillaged the city at night, collecting as much money as he and his men could get their hands on. Unfortunately, during this month, some young men were killed when they tried to defend themselves. It was the price to be paid when a shepherd let a wolf roam among his sheep. Hopefully, by the end of the month, the people would see that paying their taxes was not so bad, after all.

“Son, the time has come for you do focus yourself on what you wish to be doing.” Yohlla smiled at Ruprecht, somewhere deep inside the Great Keep that stood watch over the Great City.

“I will do whatever you say, mother. Just tell me what you desire of the people. They have no leaders here. I am sure Erkeborn is faithful to you, and the people respect him, but he is away at war. We need someone to lead the people here, in the city. Why not you? Mother, why not make your permanent home here, among us? We would adore you here, forever.”

Yohlla smiled again, “I know you would, Ruprecht, and I will stay here awhile and watch over your work and the work your master smiths have been doing. However, I am not to be the leader of these people. They need a man. A man has always been the Keeper of Ulm, and a man it will always be. I made it that way myself, a long time ago, and I like it to be that way. There is a young man who lives outside the city. Do you want to know what he does? He makes shoes. He makes shoes for a living, but he deserves to be watching over this city, because he is the only blood here that is tied to the five Keepers whom I killed. Not only is his destiny tied by his blood, but he has a strong spirit. He has no experience with command, but he is one of the bravest and strongest men here; he just doesn’t know it. Bring him here to the keep, and have him work closely with your master smiths. He might even help them develop something they’ve been working on recently, he is an expert when it comes to boots and shoes.” She winked at the old smith.

“Lady, for you I will do anything,” was the smith’s reply.

“And Ruprecht,” said the goddesss.

“Yes?”

“Lower the taxes.”