Ash Wednesday

On board the galley it is Ash Wednesday. Alisona is marked with ashes by the Chaplain along with all the crew. Like them she is reminded of her mortality, but also of the promise of eternal life. Alisona remembers her husband and lays him before God in her prayers. The wound is still deep yet Alisona feels a life alone is not for her. However she must concentrate, in the coming days, upon the task in hand - the delivery of a letter of withdrawl for the commander on Shetland. He is to return to the Duchy to face charges of treason. A new commander is not forthcoming and Alisona is to command ( calming nerves and bruinging concord to all ) in the interim on the behalf of her father. The news will upset many but Alisona , who has seen so much joy and sorrow, will meet the task again with fortitude...