ANNO DOMINI 1514, Februar

When Ulrich awoke from his slumber, he knew today was one that would end up being terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad. For starters, after leaving his bed Ulrich unfortunately went foot-first into a large splinter. Secondly, his food-taster unfortunately passed after a rather unappetising quail roast. Thirdly and lastly, Ulrich on his way to what was meant to be a lovely relaxed Hunt ran into Hans von Hutten, a kinsman of Ulrich von Hutten who unfortunately volunteered himself to accompany the Herzog. So far, an overall terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Truly though, how could today get any worse for the slightly unhinged Ulrich von Württemberg?

On the upside, the Hunt was filled with some of Ulrich's closest friends (Does he know?) and the day begun to turn itself around. Ulrich was successful in hunting a large buck and he was celebrated for his amazing archery and patience (His page had actually hunted it down). After what he thought was quite a successful start of the hunt, Ulrich took a break in a small outcrop between the trees.

The scene begins in a small refuge from the dark forests of Swabia. Ulrich is loosening his armor and is adjusting his clothes as Maria von Hutten breaks through the branches and leaves and comes upon the Herzog. Both are pleasantly surprised.

ULRICH: Maria, a pleasure to see you. I was wondering when you would find your way to me.

MARIA: Herzog, it is always my pleasure to be received by you.

The young Herzog smiled dashingly, who knew he had it in him?

ULRICH: I unfortunately ran into your husband on my way here, inept brute isn't he?

Maria looked concerned and quickly tried to relieve the Herzog's stress.

MARIA: Forget him, M'Lord, I have already sent him on a wild chase for some women's berries, he won't find us.

Ulrich smiled and leaned closer to Maria.

ULRICH: He is forgotten, a man of such low stature should be thankful to even cross my mind.

Maria smiled and leant in for a kiss and whatever followed...

The scene continues some time later, both Ulrich and Maria are naked wrapped in a fur. They lay there peacefully until rustling is heard nearby. Maria calls out asking who is there.

MARIA: Who goes there? I'm not decent!

A laugh comes from the bushes and a man adorned with a sword and a rich gambeson pushed through the flora.

???: Oh Maria! I thought I could hear your voice....

The mystery man stood in shock as his eyes descended upon his wife... and the Herzog as naked as the Lord made them. He stood there silently before drawing his sword.

HANS: You foul servant of Satan! I should strike you down! How could you betray me?

Ulrich jumped up quickly and drew his sword, albeit with his other sword exposed.

ULRICH: Turn away from this place, you upjumped peasant boy. The adults are busy.

With that, Hans swung his sword wildly over his head, no skill, just anger. To which Ulrich deflected the sword with his own, sending sparks into the sky. Ulrich was vastly more skilled in swordplay than a minor Knight and he took his time slowly cutting down his opponent.

After the Knight had been cut all across his body and could barely stand to continue fighting, Ulrich spoke.

ULRICH: You know, you just attacked an Imperial Prince. You have violated the law. Usually I would allow someone to go to court and pay a fine or service their sentence. But for you, I utilise the rights ascribed to me by our Lord God above. I sentence you, to death.

HANS: Please...

Ulrich swiftly cut down the man with a smile on his face. He looked around and saw a couple men-at-arms had seen the brief melee.

ULRICH: You, soldiery. Did you see everything that happened here?

MEN-AT-ARMS 1: Ye... Yes M'Lord. All of it.

ULRICH: I expect you to alert your superiors of this, I have had to kill a knight in self-defense. Right? Self-defense. He attacked me. A Herzog! The audacity.

He looked around dumbfounded, quite an odd sight as he was covered in the blood of Hans von Hutten. After looking around he saw the now widowed Maria.

ULRICH: I think it's time you departed Württemberg. I heard the Abbey is wonderful this time of year.

Maria looked at him saddened and shocked before one of his Guards picked her up and begun walking her back to the main camp.

ULRICH: You know what, this was quite the hunt!

The deranged Herzog said to himself out loud before turning and also beginning to make his way back to the camp.