Silver, Speik and Sumpters (2024)

In the medieval mine of Oberzeiring, a vagabond applies for a job as a miner and, after an evaluation by the head of the community, is accepted into one of the mining crews. Deep underground, a boy and his uncle teach him all the essential techniques needed to successfully extract silver. However, danger also lurks in the mine, and a tragic accident occurs in which the boy's uncle is buried alive. Many other fascinating locations and historical details are explored until the mine finally falls victim to a catastrophic flood, in which most of the miners perish. Parallel to this, we follow a medieval pack trader (known as "Säumer" or sumpter) as they transport goods over treacherous mountain passes. With their pack mules, they carry valuable goods, wine, and rare spices for trade in the South. Along the way, the pack trader faces various challenges, such as arbitrary toll checkpoints, becomes entangled in medieval court proceedings, and shares old legends about robber knights around the campfire. His journey only comes to an end when he finally reaches Venice. —Martin Zillner