Chapter 45

“We simply cannot afford the celebrations,” one man said.

“It’s important,” another countered, turning to Cashel. “The winter was long, m’lord. Long and hard. Give the people cause to celebrate.”

“Let them wait till May,” the first man said. “Concentrate on getting the crops sown.”

“Beggin’ your pardon, John, sir,” said the third man, the one dressed in more simple clothes. “But the crops aresown. Each farmer has done their all, and they deserve to have the first spring dance as we always do.”

“Please,” Cashel said. “Let’s not—”

“It’ll cost us too much, Todd!” John snapped. “The grain stores are already low, we simply cannot afford to lower them more.”

“By the time we need grain again, we’ll have enough to trade with come summer,” Todd replied.