Ryder's Resting Place

TW: child death

Willowmoor Cemetery welcomed its first child within the first year of the village's construction. Although the community was devastated, they weren't surprised... Winters were harsh and their medical equipment left much to be desired, so it did not take long for the first child to be joined by others.

Then, there was Ryder Eldritch.

Not yet 13 when Willowmoor was ransacked by an invading militia, Ryder was slain with many of his peers. The only difference he held from them was being the son of the village captain, Adam. Though it had long been established that the captain can receive no personal favors from the job, Adam was distraught enough to dismiss the rules and none would risk being called heartless by going against him.

Thus, about 6 years after Willowmoor was built, it came to pass that the first person was buried outside of the cemetery. Little Ryder's body was laid to rest beneath a mound of carefully chosen stones just a few yards away from Eldritch House, where his father was known to spend agonizing hours standing before the barrow, mourning his son's loss and cursing those who would murder children. It is thought by many historians that the boy's death was the impetus for Adam to retain power indefinitely - whether that had always been his plan or not.