Currently, King Aethelred of Wessex was alongside his Ealdormen, including the Earl of Chester, who had regrouped with the western levies at the Welsh border where they were currently inspecting the crumbling Roman walls.
They were inside the royal pavilion within the encampment, where they were discussing budget allocation for the ongoing refurbishment that had already been dragging on for a total of fifteen days at this point.
While going over preparations for a new tax levy to pay for the stone, a courier rushed into the tent with dire news in hand.
"My King, I am sorry for the intrusion, but the market volatility is urgent!"
Seeing the distressed expression on the courier's face, King Aethelred calmly responded to his uninvited appearance.
"What news is so grim that you would interrupt my fiscal council?"
