Ledgers closed and coffers opened as Herbs & Lotions fulfilled its promise—every employee's purse now heavier by an extra month's wages alongside their regular pay.
◇
A mother counted her coins for the third time, her weathered fingers trembling slightly as she arranged them in neat stacks on her kitchen table. The lamplight caught the edges of each rune, casting golden reflections across her face. A full month's extra wages. She still couldn't quite believe it.
"Mama?" Her son appeared in the doorway, his young face pinched with concern. "Are you crying?"
The mother hadn't even noticed the tears streaming down her cheeks. She wiped them away quickly, embarrassed. "Happy tears, love. Just happy tears." She gestured to the coins. "Lord Alfraed's always paid fair—more than fair, truth be told—but this..." She touched one of the gold-edged coins reverently. "Two seasons we've had rain dripping into that bucket by your bed. Tomorrow, I'll speak with the carpenter about new shingles."
