A Maid at King Alfred's Court: A Story for Girls

Set in the amber‑coloured woods of ninth‑century Wessex, the story opens with a kindly old minstrel and his bright‑eyed granddaughter, Egwina, making their way along a forest road toward Winchester. Their arrival is announced by the plaintive call of a horn, a custom that echoes through the towering oaks and colorful autumn foliage. As they pause beneath a great oak, the girl’s striking beauty and lively spirit contrast with her grandfather’s weary, seasoned demeanor, hinting at the bond that will guide her through the challenges ahead.

Egwina’s journey soon carries her beyond the forest and into the bustling royal court of King Alfred, where music, loyalty, and the expectations of a young maid intertwine. Along the way she encounters seasoned travelers, learns the songs of her ancestors, and discovers a quiet strength within herself that belies her youthful appearance. Listeners will be drawn into a world of medieval pageantry and familial duty, feeling both the chill of autumn woods and the warm promise of a new beginning.