"What Happened Next, Uncle Henry?"

"What happened next, Uncle Henry?"

"Ah, well, it turns out the hostages were locked away somewhere else," Henry was saying to his enraptured audience of one, "as me and your father were discussing what to do next, the enemy spotted us and..." he theatrically mimed firing an arrow from an imaginary bow, "thwap! Fired an arrow right into your father's noble backside!"

Heinrich laughed, shaking his head as he tried to control himself, "he didn't!"

"Aye, it's true," Henry could smile at the memory now. He pointed at his chest, continuing his story, "I had to carry him over my shoulder like a sack of grain!"

The two of them were too busy giggling at Henry's story to notice they were no longer alone. Hans stood in the doorway, watching with a fond expression as he gazed at his unconventional family.

"What are you two laughing about?"

"Nothing," they both said simultaneously, suspiciously glancing at each other whilst making shushing gestures. It didn't take long for Heinrich to excitedly rat Henry out, though.

"Uncle Henry was just telling me about Talmberg, Papa."

Hans raised an eyebrow, glancing at Henry questioningly, "oh, he was, was he?"

"Only how brave and honourable you were, sir," Henry replied innocently. Heinrich nodded, running up to hug his father.

"You were brave, Papa. I would've cried if someone shot me in the butt."

Hans paused ruffling his son's hair to glare at Henry who merely smiled guiltily. Sighing, the nobleman covered his son's ears.

"You're sleeping alone tonight."

"Understood," Henry nodded solemnly. They both knew he was lying anyway.