After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe descended into what we know now as the Dark Ages, a period of the early medieval era marked by poor education and extreme reliance on the Church to fill the power vacuum left behind by the Romans. During this period, most people were illiterate and starving, and lords had more power than kings—only submitting to the Pope, the mortal voice of God.

Many young men became monks during this period. It was really the only opportunity for the common man to be educated, and it was a position that provided a lot of protection. In fact, during this particular period, monks were even allowed to be married and have families. It was simply too good of a life to pass up.

Godwin was one of several in the fiefdom that had chosen to retire to an abbey, a sort of monastery. He was an impressionable young man that enjoyed learning, but he soon realized that becoming a monk was his only way of pursuing any sort of education. Since the age of fifteen, he had been living as a monk at Harrison Abbey.

Godwin was sitting outside, sighing softly as he felt the breeze. Weather as calm as this was rare in Wessex, as it frequently rained heavily. He enjoyed the peace, but it was short-lived as he heard the church bells toll. Time for mass.