The next morning, I started with my regular routine, followed by a delicious breakfast that included something that reminded me of Greek yogurt with honey. After that, we walked the grounds of Ridgeland Keep. I think with the grounds the way they were, it deserved a castle around the whole keep. Unfortunately, due to the keep's closeness to the ridge, it just wouldn't look right.

I started making different sketches and writing down ideas on the various pages. As we walked, we talked about what I could expect to find in Kimton. First, he recommended I find myself a place to stay before even approaching the Kimton Castle. They will not invite me in right away and may make me wait, which means I may have an uncomfortable time finding a place to stay in the evening.

I should not expect the meeting to take place within the same tenday as I arrive. That means I must find people to associate with as I wait. He gave me two letters of introduction to barons he knew. If I made a good impression, I would be invited to parties and expand my list of contacts.

I finished my drawings at the third bell past dawn. I thanked him, Baron Sophis, For his time and information.

"My boy, it is unfortunate that you have such a poor barony, or I could introduce you to a few barons that would gladly give you their daughters. Unfortunately, the circles I move in would never give their daughters to such a poor baron, no matter how talented you are. Find a good wife. Raise your children well, and I am sure you will be able to pull your barony out of obscurity."

I wanted to laugh. Apparently, Sherlock Holmes had not deduced everything about me. I wouldn't have to wait until my children were grown to have a prosperous barony.

"Thank you, Lord Sophis. Your hospitality has been grand. May the Endless One bless you with continued prosperity."

"Oh, I don't bother the Endless One with such trifles. He is busy enough. I bring about my own prosperity," He said with a chuckle.

As we left, I took one last look at the impressive keep. I hoped that we would be able to maintain friendly relations in the future, but I had a feeling that the upcoming conflict would pull us in different directions.

We traveled quickly with Baron Sophis's mounted men, and the next few days were peaceful. Benjamin and I spent the time discussing projects that we might be able to implement with the different people we had received from the King. If all went well, we would have more food than we would need, even with the added people. That meant I would need to find something for the people to do. We could definitely increase our mining operations. Cash crops like cotton and pootba would bring in a lot of money, especially if the cotton gin were built. The publishing house was a side project, and at this point, I just wanted to see how well it would do. Of course, with Fredrick helping things get started in Vaspar, maybe it would take off. Or maybe it would be burnt to the ground. I wasn't too worried; when we figured out how to build a printing press, it would definitely take off. The bonus of building a publishing house now is that if we were already known for making books when we built the press, we would be making money hand over fist.

Most of the Barons were not at home when we passed through their lands. They were either at war or at the annual festivities. The closer we got to the capital of Kimton, the more people seemed to be gone. On the sixth day, we arrived at the castle of Count Zimen. After we were ushered into his great hall and introduced, the tall, sour-faced count stood up. He was quite young. Maybe in his late twenties.

"So, you are the famous painter, Bicman. You must think you are something special to be invited to Kimton by the duke himself. You are not, boy. You are a marsh dweller and little better than a commoner. You will be forgotten within a year once the novelty of your paintings is no longer uncommon. My advice to you is to finish your painting quickly and slink back to the marshes where you belong."

This wasn't anything I hadn't heard before. He may be a little more blunt than the others, but I had plenty of people who didn't believe I belonged in civilized society. I was just glad that there were no duels of honor here. I would have died a thousand times over if I had to challenge people to duels when they insulted me.

"Thank you, Lord Zimen. It is sound advice. And I have to admit that a quiet life is much preferable to this constant attention I have been receiving. At times, I wish my talent had not been discovered."

I got no reaction to my response. "You may find my manner of address harsh, but you will not find guile in my speech as the sycophants are so eager to spout. Now I have more important things to attend to. Steward, make sure my guests are fed, and the baron's needs are met tonight."

"Of course, my lord," said the rat-faced man who introduced us to the count. "Lord Bicman, if you would please follow me."

The best way I could describe Count Zimen's castle was sterile. It had no adornments anywhere. Other than Bicman Manor, this was the first time I had seen a place so bland. After a dinner of bread and a watery porridge, I was brought to a room that reflected the rest of the manor. A reed mattress bed, a nightstand, and my trunk were all that adorned it.

"My lord, might I have a word." The shifty-eyed man said.

"Of course," I said.

"Please forgive Count Zimen. He has recently lost his third wife and is very distraught."

"That is a shame. Did they die in childbirth?"

"No, my lord, That is the tragedy of the situation. All three committed suicide after not being able to produce a male heir. He has eight girls and no heir."

What was that quote? Once is a chance, twice is a coincidence, and third is a pattern. I think we have a Henry VIII thing going on here. And all because his X sperm are faster swimmers than his Y. I was so looking forward to not being in this castle anymore.

We left the next day straight after breakfast. The place gave me a bad feeling, and I had trouble sleeping that night. As soon as we left the castle grounds, Benjamin let out a sigh. I am glad it wasn't just me.

********

"So Benjamin, we know the king sent spies among the peasants. Do you have any idea why the king didn't just send a messenger to ferret out our secrets?" I asked as we sat in the carriage, trying to pass the time.

"I believe the question has two answers. The count has already sent a messenger. That could be explained by the fact that there was a change in the head of the house. However, a messenger, especially from the king, would draw a lot of attention. Second, sending a messager is a short-term thing. I think the king expects more surprises from you and wants to keep an eye on you.

"Well, that is just peachy. How do we prevent it? The letter I sent to Draves ahead of the caravan said to hide everything, that we could not move to the fort. I hope it gets done.."

"I think that is a good first step, especially if we can evacuate all the critical workers there. They won't be happy, but if we can keep the three hundred new people from traveling to the cove, then the most valuable secrets can be kept safe. Then we can just work on trying to identify spies."

"That is a problem because I have no idea how to identify spies. Also, the secret of paper is out. If we move it to the fort, then the spies will search for where we move it. I wish we had had more time to think this over before sending the letter." I said in frustration.

"Draves is a smart man. Between him and Edward, they will get things figured out. As far as discovering the spies, we can ask my father when we get to Kimton. However, he is a spy for the king. So he may approve of them being there. He may even have requested it just to make sure I am safe." He said, with just a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Not your fault, Benjamin. Parents are going to be overprotective."

Just then, we were interrupted by the driver as he started to slow. "My lord, soldiers ahead."

"Well crap, can we not just make it to Kimton without any more delays?" I said as Benjamin and we stepped out of the carriage.

A large man in chest armor and a helmet rode forward. "What is the meaning of this, captain?"

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"We will be inspecting your carts."

I was so stunned at the man's audacity. I almost didn't stop him. But I composed myself as he waved a few of his men forward.

I recovered and said, "You will not touch my wagons. How dare you, a soldier, stop a baron for such a thing. Do I look like some common merchant?"

His expression did not change, "These are our orders from Baron Bacob himself. I must insist."

"And I say you will not touch my wagons on the pain of death." There was no way I was going to show some of what I had to these men.

"Then you must come with me to see the baron. You cannot refuse the request of a baron whose lands you pass through."

"Take me to your baron then. He will have to answer to the duke for this delay."

"As you say, my lord, " he said with a bow. It was always impressive how they could make a bow look good while on horseback.

When we got back into the carriage, I asked Benjamin how I had done.

"You are getting better, my lord. You regained your bearing quite well after his attack."

"What is this all about?"

"Most likely, we have run afoul of a robber baron whose appetite has grown too large. They are little better than thieves," he said, disgust evident in his voice.

"I am surprised that he would try this with a baron."

"He will blame it on his soldiers and promise to reprimand them while at the same time trying to get access to your goods."

"Seriously, what is with these nobles? It is like dealing with children sometimes."

The trip to Salacs, the city where the Baron lived, was not on the main road. It meant we had to travel several kilometers away to reach it. I was more agitated the closer we got to the city. I hated jerks, and the fact that I had had to deal with more jerks in the last month than I had to in high school was saying something.

Arriving at the baron's manor, we were escorted into his great hall. The Baron sat in his chair casually as if my very presence bored him. Courtiers and knights gossiped in corners as we approached.

"May I introduce Baron Amos Bicman?"

The Baron looked indifferent as he said. "The Barony of Bicman must be very small, I don't think I have ever seen it on a map."

"Apparently, you need a new mapmaker."

"Perhaps. But why have you come seeking an audience with me?"

This guy was really starting to bug me. "I did not seek an audience with you. I was waylaid by your soldiers, who claimed they needed to inspect my wagons. I refused to subject myself to such humiliation even though I told them I had urgent matters to attend to."

"Urgent matters? Intriguing." He said in a tone that implied he did not believe me. "What is so pressing that you could not be delayed

"That is between me and the duke."

"Well, that is interesting, but nevertheless. It is the law of the barony that we inspect all carts to make sure they are not contraband."

"The goods I carry are for Duke Kimton. They are not for the eyes of common soldiers or even a baron unless approved by him. And this delay will be reported to him if he cares to ask why I was late."

"Hmm. I find that hard to believe," he said with a sneer.

I was prepared for this and pulled out the letter I had received via pigeon. Fortunately, the transcribers who receive the Duke's pigeons have a seal to stamp onto the transcribed letter, signifying its validity.

"Steward Benjamin, show this to the baron's steward so that he may verify the seal. Do not open it as the contents are private." I said as I pulled the letter from one of my inside vest pockets.

Benjamin approached Baron Bacob's steward. After the steward inspected the seal, he turned slightly green. "It is genuine."

A frown appeared on the baron's face. "I apologize for the misunderstanding, Baron Bicman," he said calmly. "If you had shown this to my soldiers I am sure that this whole misunderstanding would have been resolved on the road."

"What is the point of being nobility if you have to explain your actions to common soldiers? I find that the actions of a soldier reflect that of their Lord." I didn't mind figuratively slapping this guy in the face. Nobles here did not duel, so I didn't have to worry about that type of retribution. However, getting stabbed in the back or poisoned was tolerated, but I wasn't too worried about this baron doing anything now that I had shown him the seal.

He ignored the jab and said, "Nonetheless, I apologize for the misunderstanding. It is too late in the day to make it to the next respectable town. I insist on you dining with me, and I will give you a room for the night."

I really didn't want to, but on the other hand, he was correct. It would be unwise to head elsewhere so close to evening. "I will accept your offer of hospitality. But I am afraid I am not in the mood to eat at this time. If you have quarters prepared for me, that would be appreciated."

"Certainly, and if you need any companionship tonight, let my steward know, and we will find someone to attend to you."

I grit my teeth. What a slimeball. What is it with some of these nobles?

"I will be sure to keep that in mind. Now, if you don't mind, I will be off to see my men and consult with my steward," I turned and walked out of the hall without letting the conversation go any further.

Once out of earshot, I whispered to Benjamin, "One to ten, how did I do?"

"A solid seven, my lord."

"Dang, are you serious? I thought I portrayed enough confidence."

"Your confidence wasn't the problem this time. It was that you showed your irritation. Irritation can be a good tool when you are trying to pressure someone, but in this case, we had no need to do so. You are getting better, and it was a good idea not to dine with him. I doubt he would have poisoned you, but drugging you would not have been off the table."

"Well, I hope we aren't murdered in our sleep," I said cheerfully.

Captian Charles Draves

My horse was nearly spent as I rode into Kerisi just as the sun was setting. The children had noticed my presence, and they rushed to get their parents. By the time I reached Paul's home, he was already stepping out of his house. Looking at my state and the state of the horse, his eyes grew wide in alarm.

"Draves, what has happened? Where is Lord Amos?"

I climbed off my horse and handed the reins to his wife. "We will speak inside. The lord is fine."

There was a look of relief on his face as we stepped into the home.

"Please don't leave me in suspense. Why have you returned."

"This information is for the headmen only, but it will eventually be spread to the whole barony. We received information that a large force is coming to attack us." I said. I watched the color drain from Paul's face as I spoke.

"We do not know if it will be in the north or the south. We most likely have a few months, but we must prepare as if it is coming now. Send messengers to the two headmen and the Chief of Karr. They are all to meet us in Bicman tomorrow morning. I must leave immediately for Bicman."

"But it is night soon. Should you not stay here until morning?"

"This cannot wait. I must speak with Edward. My horse is too exhausted to travel. Bring him in the morning when you arrive. I expect all headmen to be there by no later than the noon bell.

With my message delivered, I moved on as quickly as I could to Bicman before the last of the light faded, forcing me to use a lamp to light the way. The road, however, had been greatly improved and straightened since we left. It was not as good as Amos's grand vision, but it was smoother, straighter, and wider than when I left. I had my doubts as to whether we would ever need a road that could fit two wagons comfortably on it, but for some reason, the lord insisted. All roads should be built at least ten meters wide.

Lord Amos claimed that where he came from, there were roads twenty meters wide so that faster traffic could pass slower traffic on each side. When he spoke of things like automobiles and airplanes, I had a hard time believing he was actually sane. Nevertheless, I believed he would lead these people to prosperity. We only had to survive.

When I arrived at the manor, I was pleased to see that there were two guards at the gates and more patrolling the wall. My light was easily seen, so I was greeted partway down the hill.

"Captain Draves!" said a young man as he stopped to salute me. I didn't recognize him, but he wore the shirt of a member of the Bicman Defense Force. "We did not expect to see you back so soon."

"I am glad to see you are alert at your post, young man. Please let me through the gates."

He beamed at my compliment and hurried to the gate. Shouting up to the guard on the wall, the message was relayed to the men on the other side, and the bar was removed. I slipped through and went to see Edward.

Knocking on his door, I heard two voices talking with each other behind me. It was probably Nancy. A tired face looked out at me a minute later. The sight of me caused his to vanish.

"Meet me in the study as soon as you are dressed," I said, and I left immediately to go to the study.

Pushing aside Lord Bicman's table, I pulled out a stack of his flip books from under the stone. Amos's flipbooks were something he was very proud of. They were small books that you could use the force of your thumb to rapidly flip the pages, causing the image on the page to seem like it was moving. I looked through the stack, which included a few things that I had already seen, like the catapult and ballista, but there were a few I didn't know what they were. The words trebuchet, rifle, pistol, land mine, and cannon I was not familiar with. Amos had admitted to me that he did not know how all the things he drew worked, but he was hoping that we might be able to build them together. He said that some of these ideas he actually hoped he never had to use but needed to be written down anyways.

I finally found the crossbow I was looking for. There were actually a few books bound together by string. The first showed a man pulling a string back on the bow while his foot was in a metal stirrup on the ground. The second showed a man cranking a shaft while the string was pulled back. It was not very detailed. It made me think that Amos was not quite sure how it worked. The third book showed a man with a crossbow against his shoulder and firing it. The last thing in the bundle was a sheet of notes; unfortunately, it was in the code language Amos called Cursive English. I had not had time to study much of it, and that is what I had Edward for anyways.

The crossbow was interesting and looked useful, but I did not know how helpful it would be in staving off invaders. Amos had to know more about this weapon than I understood. Hopefully, it would be worth the time it took to make it.