When we arrived at Alfer, some of the children were out playing in the street near the entrance to the village. They had the same dirty, rough clothes and gaunt faces that most little kids had around the barony. They scattered as we arrived. The homes were simple wood structures. A young boy went into one of them, and shortly after, a woman came out holding an infant in her arms. She approached us wearily and awkwardly dropped to her knees.
“My Lord, welcome to our humble village. I assume you are here to speak with my husband. He is out supervising the logging currently. Have you come to deal with Ned's family?”
I had learned that Ned was the name of the young man who died protecting Aaron. However, the way she spoke confused me. “Deal with them?”
“Yes, My Lord, their son has disgraced them. He was not at his post when the assassin came.”
“I see. Well, I have, in fact, come to see the family. Please show me to their home.”
“Certainly, My Lord, you will see that we have all properly shunned them.”
With that, we were led to a rundown house at the edge of the village. There were three children outside and a girl that looked about my age. They were all filthy and unwashed. The young woman looked like she was pulling apart some flax. She immediately fell to her knees and began to breathe quite heavily when she saw us approaching. The little children noticed and rushed inside to hide.
Oh, brother, this was going to be one of those meetings.
“Are your parents home?” I said in a cheerful tone.
It took the girl a second to answer as she tried to calm her breathing. “My mother died in childbirth, and my father died of an infection after a tree landed on his leg.”
“Well, Crap, this is worse than I thought,” I said. Only afterward did I realize I had said it out loud.
“Please spare us, My Lord.”
“What is your name?”
“Nancy, My Lord.”
“I am sorry for your loss, Nancy. I did not come here to punish your family. I came here to give my condolences and escort your family to the memorial.”
“I-I heard I was supposed to come to this memorial, but I thought the memorial was for the wet nurse and that…”
“You thought it was so that I could publicly shame you?” I said, disappointment creeping into my voice. I sighed,
I thought we were over this whole, our baron is a scary jerk thing.
I shook my head, “Quite the opposite, I assure you. I consider your brother a hero. I do not condone the fact that your brother left his post. If he had not returned to it when the cry for help came, this would be a different story. But he sacrificed himself to save his lord. His blood not only wipes away the mistake he made but does so much more. He is to be honored for his sacrifice and remembered. Lord Aaron and I will never forget what he has done for the House of Bicman. For his sacrifice, your family will be taken care of.”
Nancy began to cry. I wanted to do something to comfort her, but I knew that would be inappropriate. Dang it, I hate not being able to hug people that needed one. In therapy, I learned how much difference it could make. Should I tell Edward to give her a hug? Ok, that almost made me laugh. Edward, as your lord, I command you to comfort that girl. Yeah, that would be funny.
“Ok, how are we going to get all these kids down to Bicman, Draves? This is going to be quite the walk for little kids. I should have brought the carriage. We could have had them all ride in there.”
I turned and looked at the headman's wife. She was watching me with her mouth agape. I didn’t know her name, so I just said. "Spread the word of what I have said here. Ned’s family is to be honored, not shunned. Now, do you have a wagon or something we can hook up to our horses?”
“There is a cart we use when moving things to Kerisi.”
"Perfect. Let’s go hook it up and get these children loaded. We have things to do before the memorial service, and I would like Ned’s family to be cleaned up beforehand.”
It took about a half bell to get everyone settled, and then we were off. We would arrive just before dinner if all went as planned.
As we traveled, we chatted. Well, mainly Edward and Nancy chatted. I just eavesdropped. I found out that the family had been suffering for the last couple of years since their father had died. Nancy and Ned worked hard to keep things going, but nothing was the same after their father died. Then, the militia was formed, and Ned immediately signed up. Things seemed like they were moving in the right direction. They were recognized in the community for Ned's service in the militia. He was learning to read and had even let them know he had a girl he was courting. Nancy’s own engagement was broken off by mutual consent when her father died. She just couldn’t leave her siblings. Then Ned died, and they fell into disgrace. They were shunned by the community and were barely able to survive.
Edward constantly told her how impressed he was with her fortitude, but from the way he looked at her. I think he was more impressed with her eyes and figure. Well, dang, this guy moves fast. But from the way she looked at him, she didn’t seem to mind. Maybe I should have commanded him to give her a hug. He would have thanked me for it.
Instead, I just said, “Edward, I want you to take responsibility for Nancy and the children while they are at Bicman Manor. Make sure they are fed and washed. Also, see if you can find some clean clothes for them all. Get with Marshandra for anything they need. Don't forget the memorial service starts just before dusk. I expect you to take good care of them.”
“As you wish, My Lord.” He said with a grin.
As soon as Nancy turned away, I smiled back and gave him a wink. This caused his grin to go even wider.
We didn’t catch up to the gentlemen on the way back to Bicman. Brian said that they had left about a bell before we arrived. He said both of them seemed very knowledgeable. Henry kept griping about how foolish I was when he thought nobody was listening.
“I almost knocked him out for disrespecting you, My Lord.” He seemed visibly upset.
I just smiled. “Don’t worry, Brian, if he thinks I am foolish, then he won’t suspect what we are really doing. As long as he does his job well, I don’t mind if he spreads rumors about the foolish baron who built grain mills for no good reason.“
That caused Brian to laugh. “You are a shrewd one, My Lord. How long do you think you can hide this marvelous invention?”
“I’m not planning on hiding it for long. Once it is up and running effectively, I will sell the design to the count. He will then sell it to the duke. I want the political protection that coming up with these ideas brings. Trying to hide them would do the exact opposite if anyone gets wind of what we are doing. Jealousy is a powerful thing. And making entitled nobles jealous is a good way to get a knife in my back.”
“I don’t know what entitled means, but I think you are insulting your own class of people.”
“Well then, we best keep this between you and me,” I said with a grin.
“As you wish, My Lord.”
I slapped him on the shoulder, “Good man.”
We arrived in Bicman right on time. Before I left, I had not gotten a chance to do some things that I wanted to get done before the ceremony. First, I went to see Sam. I gave him the practice brush and showed him which holes I wanted.
“This will be interesting, My Lord. I look forward to seeing the results.”
“I do as well. Now, I would love to stay, but I have a lot to do and not much time to do it. I hope to see you at the memorial tonight.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. Amy was a wonderful woman. Tom hasn’t been the same lately.” Sam said sadly.
With that, I went on to finish my next task. I approached the next home with a heavy heart. Getting down off of Blaze, I went and knocked on the door. “A young boy about six came and opened it. This was Tom Jr or Tommy.
“Daddy, lord is here.”
I bent down and mussed Tommy’s hair. “Thanks, Tommy.”
Tom came to the door, grief evident on his face. Unlike Nancy and her siblings, this was a hard meeting. I knew Tom. What was I supposed to say? So, I just did the first thing that came to mind. I reached out and pulled him in for a hug before anyone could object. “I’m so sorry, Tom. I wish- I wish I had the right words to express how sorry I am.” There was a long pause before he finally hugged me back. It was a brief hug, and then we both stepped back.
“Thank you, My Lord. It means a lot to know you care,” he said with tears in his eyes.
“Tom, I know that I sent someone to tell you earlier, but I wanted to personally invite you to the memorial service tonight.
“I- We will be there. And thank you for doing this. I can’t say that I wouldn’t rather just have Amy back, but… but this means a lot. You are a good man, My Lord.”
“Thank you, Tom. I would rather that all my people see me as such than all the nobles in the kingdom. I will see you tonight.”
And that concluded all I needed to do before I bathed, ate, and prepared for tonight. I found Nancy and her siblings at a table with Marshandra and Edward. The little ones were stuffing their faces as if they hadn’t had a good meal in a long time, which was probably true. I sat at the table with my engineers, and we discussed their findings. They were quite excited about the ease at which we would be able to build the new watermill.
“Tomorrow, we will go to Melnon. There, we can put in a waterwheel for just that settlement.” I said firmly, as if somewhat disappointed about the last location. Then, I paused as if an idea had just struck me. “We should build two up there with a bridge between them.”
“Two, My Lord? Why would you need two?”
“Think about how fascinating it would look. A dam with two wheels on either side. Then, we build a bridge between them. As the area expands, we can mill grain twice as fast. Even if we didn’t, it would be impressive.” I could see Henry struggling not to roll his eyes. I actually did want two mills up there: one to crush the rocks and one to run the bellows and trip the hammer. I didn’t think one was sufficient to do it all.
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We continued to talk, and I became bored as the conversation turned towards some count whom the king had chastised for a particular scandal. It disgusted me that the count had been given a slap on the wrist and sent on his way rather than being given prison time. A public shaming was not going to change behavior. Well, actually, I couldn’t guarantee that. I just didn’t have the background to understand how public censure from the king would affect a noble. He may lose connections and influence, which may be more effective than prison time. I really needed someone to train me in court politics.
Draves approached the table, interrupting my thoughts. “My Lord, might I have a word with you?”
“Sure,” I said, “Excuse me, gentleman, but it appears I am needed.”
We left through the door to my study.
“My Lord, I can tell you are nervous about addressing your people, but remember they trust you. You are not speaking to a court full of nobles. These are simple people, and simple words will be fine. Just the fact that you are honoring them is more than enough.
“Thank you, Draves, it is a good reminder. I just worry that my words will not express the gratitude I feel.”
“None of these people are fools. That already know that you care.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
“My Lord, I also wanted to inform you that your hunters have reported on your compass. They are all very impressed. Of course, having used it on our way home from Vaspar, I was already aware of its excellence.”
“I’m glad it is useful. How is the rope coming along?”
"It will probably take a week to finish the one hundred meters. That is a lot of rope.”
"That is true, but I want to measure the new road we are building and make it as straight as possible.”
“Without following the existing path, a road to the Nore will probably take a year to build with our current manpower. It will require removing quite a few trees.”
It can follow the existing road for the most part, but I would like to avoid any major deviations. This is all part of our five-year plan anyway. First, we need to focus on food production. Then, we can move more people from farming to other occupations. Right now, we need at least five farmers for every other type of laborer. I want to reduce that to a two-to-one ratio.
“I will leave that up to you, My Lord. I am a simple soldier.”
“Speaking of which. How did you enjoy learning the new math last night?”
“It will take some time. I fear I do not have the head for it.”
“Don’t worry. It takes time for everybody, especially since the method is new. You will get it.”
“Thank you for your confidence, My Lord.”
It was time to head to the square. To say I was nervous was an extreme understatement. Draves said I didn’t have to worry about what I was going to say, but he wasn’t the one standing before all the friends and family of those who had died.
The light of the sun was just over tree tops when we made it to the square. It was packed with both old and new residents of Bicman. A stand had been erected for me, and I climbed the stairs nervously. I really just wanted to flee. As I looked out into the crowd, I saw the friends I had made smiling at me.
Speak from the heart, Amos. You can do this.
“Citizens of Falmoren, my people, my friends. We come together on this day to recognize the valor of our people, to mourn death, and to celebrate life. I would like to express my gratitude to those who fought to defend their lord. First, to Amy. She was no warrior, but her love for my Nephew compelled her to fight for his life. She was my friend and your family. Her sacrifice will be remembered.”
I opened a small box. And pulled out one of the pins that had been made for this occasion. Though small, it glistened in the setting sun.
“This pin is a token of her bravery and sacrifice. All who die in the service of the barony shall receive such pins. It is to be worn by the oldest living relative or put in a place of honor within their home. Tom, please step forward and receive your pin.”
Tom stepped forward, and I personally pinned it next to the collar of his shirt.
“Next, we are to honor a young man who ran towards danger when the call for help came. There have been rumors that the boy disgraced himself. These rumors shall stop," I said firmly “His blood was spilled in the defence of his lord and shall be honored alongside all those who fall in the defence of Bicman. Nancy, please come forward and receive your pin.”
For proprieties sake, I had Marshandra put the pin on Nancy’s collar.
“If it were in my power, I would bring these people back from the dead. I cannot. All we can do is remember them. I swear that they will never be forgotten. As proof of my commitment, I will be preparing a special field where all those who die in the defense of Bicman will be buried. Each grave will be marked with a tombstone.”
This caused a murmur in the crowd. Tombstones were not common. Most graves were marked with sticks and a wooden sign with the person's name painted on it. Family members would come and maintain them, but most fell into disrepair after the spouse or parents died, and soon, nothing remained but a memory and an unmarked grave. Tombstones were for the nobles and wealthy freemen.
"Furthermore, a monument will be erected holding all the names of those who died protecting Bicman. So that all may look upon it and remember the fallen.”
Suddenly, I felt embarrassed. I had already forgotten my saviors. Wrapped up in the sacrifice of the two who had given their lives for Aaron. That could have turned into a disaster.
“I have not forgotten the others who have died, Sacrificing their lives for me. Guardsmen Franklin, Hector, William, and Hunter Dwayne. Their families shall receive tokens, and their bodies will be moved to Valor Field.”
“My people, we are not just here to honor our dead but also our living. Emily, please step forward and turn to face the crowd.”
Emily had been standing next to Marshandra at the front of the crowd, and I saw her face turn red in the dying light. I smiled as soon as she turned to face the crowd. Nothing quite like embarrassing your friends.
“Emily, you stood side by side with the fallen to protect Lord Aaron. You slew the Assasin with his own blade. Many would consider this impossible, but with courage, even the impossible becomes possible. If I could, I would grant you nobility for your actions, but I am just a humble baron. And so, for the feat above and beyond what any person could expect of you and your loyalty to your lord, I grant you freedom to choose your destiny. Turn and kneel.”
As she did so, the crowd once again began to whisper about the meaning of my words.
“Emily, henceforth, you shall be Freeman Emily Papermaker. You may rise.”
I had no idea if the law even allowed me to free her. I couldn’t find a single scrap of paper in the study on it. When I asked Edward about it, he said I should be able to free a serf, but he wasn’t knowledgeable about the procedure. He had shown me a scroll with a statement to the effect that he was a freeman. It had some official's signature on it as well as the signature of a priest. It also had a seal of the barony he was from. All children of freemen had to get one at the age of eighteen. It cost him a silver crown. I figured I was out in the woods far enough that it didn’t matter if the procedure was followed exactly. I mean, who was going to verify it as long as it looked right?
Emily’s mouth was hanging open, and Marshandra had tears in her eyes. Someone in the crowd began to cheer, and then the crowd erupted in applause.
When everyone calmed down, I continued. “We face the reality that there are those who wish us harm. Whether it is to destroy our barony or seize control, we know not. I will seek answers to these things through my connections in Vaspar. One thing I promise you is that I will not stand by idly while people try to harm my people or their efforts. We are Bicman, citizens of Falmoren. We will protect our land and country.”
As people cheered, I thought to myself how I actually didn’t give a crap about Falmoren, just like they didn’t care about us. I believe most of my people felt the same way, but I had to put that in for the new people.
“Thank you all for coming, and please travel safely,” I said.
With that, I got off the stand and started to walk back toward Draves, Edward, Sanders, and Henry. Edward looked like he was trying to hold back tears. Draves was his normal impassive self. Henry looked bored, which didn’t bother me. I wasn’t really looking for his approval. Sanders, however, had an appraising look on his face like he was trying to analyze me. More like dissecting me with how intense his gaze was.
“That was a very moving speech, My Lord,” Edward said.
“Thank you.” was all I could think to say.
“If you would excuse me, I would like to give my condolences to Nancy and her siblings.”
“Of course, as long as you pass along mine as well.”
“As you wish, My Lord.” He said with a bow.
Before I was able to greet the others, I noticed Headman Richard approaching.
“My Lord, may I say that your words were very moving. Thank you for inviting me.”
“You are welcome, and I am flattered by your praise. If only I were more eloquent.”
“All who were present could tell that the words came from the heart, and that is what matters.”
“Thank you again. But let us move on to other matters.” Turning to the others, I said, “Gentleman, forgive me for my rudeness, but I must speak with Richard in private.”
“As you wish, My Lord,” Sanders said, and both the engineers left.
“I am glad you got my message.” When we moved far enough away not to be overheard, I said, “How are things going?”
“We are hurrying as fast as we can, My Lord. Most of the evidence of coke and concrete production has been covered up, but we may need more time to disguise the things we have already built out of concrete.”
“You will have until tomorrow afternoon.”
“Why do we even need a mill up there?”
“You don’t. You need a rock crusher, trip hammer, and automatic bellow. And before you ask, I will show you all of it after these men leave. First, we need to hide everything.”
“You think that these men will steal the processes.”
“Yes. I am worried that they will share what they have seen with others and that it will attract unwanted attention. I am not ready to reveal it yet, and when I do, I want to make as much money as I can. Because of its weight, concrete is not a viable export material. I will sell the process to Vaspar.”
“I hope you get a lot.”
“I do, as well. He won’t just be getting Melnon Concrete but also coke. As we have discussed before, that is how we are going to make high-quality steel. That will definitely be worth exporting.”
“Won’t that cause a stir as well?” He said with a hint of worry.
“Only if they know it’s us,” I said with a grin.
“How-”
“All in good time, my friend. I will reveal my master plan when it is ready to implement. By the way, are any of your people from the original clan that Falmoren conquered?”
“No, My Lord, I believe the greatest concentration is Cofi. That was their original settlement.”
“I see. I really need to get down there and meet people. I feel so negligent.”
“There is only one of you, My Lord.”
I sighed. “Well, do you have a place to stay?"
"I will be staying with my cousin tonight and returning to Melnon in the morning. And fear not, My Lord; we know how to act our part. We will pull the wool over these outsiders' eyes.”
Sanders
“Quite the day,” I said as I sat down on my bed. Removing my boots.
“Yes, I am already regretting being here,” Henry said.
“Really, why is that?”
“This place is just like I thought it would be. A backwater dump. On top of that, the baron is a clueless idiot.”
“How so?”
"He wants to build a dam and waterwheel in the middle of nowhere.”
“He did listen to us when we recommended a different location.”
“What is the point, though? They can’t possibly have enough grain to require another mill. And he even wants more. The man is a fool.”
I was about to share my thoughts when Henry continued. “And the way he was acting in front of the peasants? I can’t figure out whether he was trying to impress us or keep the peasants from uprising.”
“So you don’t think he is truly concerned about how they are feeling.”
“Everything is a game of manipulation for nobles. The only thing I am curious about is what he has to gain. Did you hear him call that girl a paper maker? What even is paper?”
"I actually saw a few pieces. When I asked about it, the servant was very nervous. She said it was something like parchment but not as good. She said she was told it was extremely hard to make and very time-consuming, so they didn’t have much of it at all. It was something the lord thought was impressive.”
“See, just like I said, the man is a fool. More expensive to make than parchment, and yet the lord wants it made."
I decided to keep my thoughts to myself. The girl had been trying to be evasive. I thought she was lying. The baron was giving me mixed feelings. He did seem like a fool sometimes, but other times, I had seen him act completely rational. It was like he wanted us to think he was an idiot.
Then there was the fact that he wanted us to design everything but not stay for the complete construction. We were paid to help build the dam and the wheel, but then claimed he would have his people do the rest. I had lived long enough to know he was hiding something. I had to be careful, though. I didn’t want to get killed. I didn’t know who was backing him, and sticking my nose around in places it didn’t belong was a good way to get it chopped off.
One thing I can say for sure is that this man did love his people. Henry could say what he wanted, but the way he treated his people was genuine, and for that, I had to give my respect.