The little cap : Or, The lost heir of Sternfelden

In the summer of 1552, amid the thunderous siege of Metz, a modest German foot‑soldier named Gaspard Stettele stands out for his quiet courage and steadfast honesty. Serving under the banner of Emperor Charles V, he is respected by his comrades not for plunder but for the integrity that guides every step he takes. At home, Gaspard shares a simple, loving life with his industrious wife Katherine, whose careful stewardship keeps their small family of three children from want despite the hardships of war.

As the conflict intensifies, Gaspard’s regiment receives orders to join a Spanish assault on a key French position near the besieged city. The soldiers have gone three weeks without pay, and the couple’s modest savings are dwindling just as Katherine’s birthday approaches—a day Gaspard has always marked with a modest gift. Torn between his duty on the battlefield and his desire to honor his wife’s special day, he faces a poignant test of his values and the resilience of their humble household.