Begin with the Merchant's Daughter
There once was a rich Merchant who doted upon his Daughter. He called her the Jewel of his hearth. He cosseted the child enough to make her cheerful and trusting, yet whipped her enough to keep her humble. A wise investment! The girl’s gay spirit and obliging temperament deemed her a competitive bride. The Merchant negotiated a remarkable match into a titled family, into the Nobility. His heart swelled with accomplishment, and from that day forward his eyes dimmed to the girl. She was done being his Jewel. Her task now was to breed sons and secure the alliance.
An autumn day came during his Daughter’s thirteenth year when the Merchant packed up his household and traveled to the castle of a Great Lord.
This story is a work in progress.
