Warning! This episode contains descriptions of violence,

including a dangerous medical procedure, medieval style.

It's a winter's day in central Europe.

Leopold's Duke of Austria is outriding with a few of his favourite knights.

Their horses hooves drama rhythm on the hard ground.

Steam rises from the animals' nostrils as they snort in the crisp midwinter air.

Leopold's having a great time. It's December 26, 1194, party season,

and the Duke has lots to celebrate. As he and his men gallop along,

Leopold considers the good fortune God has granted him.

Two years ago, almost to the day,

he pulled off a huge coup when he captured the King of England,

Richard the Lionheart, and sold him to the Emperor of Germany.

It was the sweetest revenge for insults he'd suffered at Richard's hands on the third crusade.

Since then, he's also earned himself a pretty packet in his share of Richard's ransom payments.

And he's forced Richard to grant his family a marriage to a wealthy plantagen at Ares.

She arrived in Austria just in time for Christmas.

Leopold's looking forward to marrying her to his son.

So yes, thinks Leopold as he and his knights bound along,

leaping over ditches and thundering through fields. God has finally smiled on me.

Or has he?

Leopold is an experienced rider, but somehow his horse either stumbles or takes fright.

Leopold is thrown off.

...