I stayed awake all night, mentally beating myself up. I had inadvertently allowed Countess Blackwell to be raised to the title of duchess, which would only accelerate their starting a coup.

I had to prepare my people for what was to come. That meant increasing the focus on our military. What really shocked me was the expense of my military. When I left, we estimated that we would have four hundred people in the Bicman defense force. Most of them were not going to be permanent military forces, just trained to respond in case of an attack. Now, however, I was a count with three baronies. I would be expected to have a larger military force On top of the baronies.

If I had knights, they would have their own forces supported by the lands that I had distributed. I had headmen in Bicman, though, which meant that the cost fell squarely on my shoulders. Before the plow, and if I didn't have my additional income, there is no way I would have been able to raise a force large enough for the expectations set for us.

The stipend for an infantryman was one hundred and eighty silver pennies a year. Sure, they would have to reinvest that into their armor, clothing, and supplies, but it wouldn't all come back to me. That meant if I had four hundred soldiers, the cost would be seven hundred and twenty gold per year. That doesn't include the other expenses involved and the noncombatants needed to support them.

Also, I wanted to ensure that my people had good equipment and superior training so they could survive. After I had built a military force, I would probably end up having them all sent down to the war in Hitub, where they would be tossed into a meat grinder. I still hated the council for the evil they were perpetrating, but I was starting to see the need to end this war. Of course, if it wasn't the war they were fighting, it would be the civil war.

After a sleepless night, I spent the next day finding a caravaner willing to travel to Bicman before the roads became a muddy mess from the rainy season. I finally had to negotiate a deal where the caravan would only go as far as Polman village, and then I would have my own wagons pick up the supplies from there. The caravan will depart in five days.

Once again, the main problem was money. I had no idea how many people would show up at Bicman. If not for the personal income I had earned down in Kimton and the gifts I had received, I have no doubt we would have a lot of starving people.

Barley and rye were cheaper, so, based on what I had already purchased last time in Vaspar, I decided to buy 500 bushels extra. However, the price had risen due to the war, so it would have cost a silver penny and five coppers per bushel. That was ridiculous because outside of wartime, it would have cost four times less.

Housing was going to be a problem as well. Winter was coming, and we needed to house people. I was worried about housing three hundred and fifty people. What if we had five hundred extra people?

Last night, before I left, I asked about getting the latest census and tax data for my three baronies. I had the census that I had gathered from the headmen for Bicman, but I wanted to see how closely the last census I had on file matched the county's.

The census included the population and the amount of land plowed. However, past censuses only included working men in the population count. I will gather more detailed reports. They would be helpful when we move away from a completely agrarian society.

After receiving the reports in the afternoon, I found that the last census report for Bicman was three years ago, but it was exactly the same as it was thirteen years ago. I was surprised, and I believe Casper was, too. Whoever was in charge of census records probably got a huge tongue-lashing. Of course, Casper would also be to blame, but I think it may have been overlooked because we are not even able to maintain our current taxes. I received the past three censuses. They were done every five years. It would be a good place to start.

Of course, they were done with the old numbering system, which Casper also apologized about. Apparently, he and all of Castle Vaspars scribes were in love with the new system I had developed. I was even starting to see signs up in places around Vaspar where quantities and prices were posted in both number systems. I thought it was pretty fast progress, but apparently, anyone dealing with the castle was looked down upon if they couldn't give them the information using my new method. Once merchants found this out, it became a status symbol to know and use the new system.

Thank you, Count Vaspar.

I finally managed to grab a map of Falmoren. It wasn't anything special, and it lacked many details. I would spend some time drawing in what I knew. The map maker also said that the borders between areas were constantly changing, so it would not be exactly accurate.

[See map in chapter notes or on Patreon public access]

One thing the map did for me was give me a better understanding of what the rulers of Falmoren were trying to accomplish. They wanted all the land North of the mountain range that separates Turabe from us. I could also see why they didn't want to stop. They were so close.

After gathering personal supplies for the trip home, I picked up my escort from the castle and headed out. The count had provided me with fifteen soldiers since I had decided never to travel with less than twenty trained men.

I also acquired a young man whose father was a pigioneer. Not to send and receive messages from Vaspar but from the fort. If we were going to be raided, it would be important to receive messages from there. It would also allow me to receive any important updates.

I set a goal of reaching the second town North by evening and made it just before sunset. There was something strange going on in the town, though. I saw some people who seemed to be homeless. They slept in small camps just outside of town. It was just a couple of families, but it stood out to me. They seemed to be peasant farmers. I thought about asking them where they were going, but I figured they were on their way to Vaspar. They would also be uncomfortable speaking with a count or his retinue. Better to just leave them in peace.

One reason I tried to make it to this particular location was that I had stayed at the inn before, and I liked the establishment. The staff took care to wash their sheets and did a good job with our animals. When the proprietor saw me, his jaw dropped.

"Baron Bic-I mean Count Bicman. It is an honor to see you at my establishment. When your rider came earlier to ask me to prepare a room and meals for his lord. he neglected to tell me I would be hosting a count. I am afraid I have never hosted a count before, and I am not sure my accommodations would be worthy of your station," he said. Stumbling over his words.

"Nonsense, Goodman Jerimiah, I came here specifically because I was satisfied with your accommodations on my last visit. A room and your delicious food are all I require."

The proprietor beamed at my praise and assured me that my food would be out shortly.

I rested well that night, probably because I was finally on my way home. I awoke refreshed and excited to be on our way. But a few days later I had the displeasure of being in the town of Decmoore, at the home of the Baron of Malcomp.

It was the first time I had the opportunity to meet the man, and it did not go well. When we first arrived, he was out of the keep. According to his steward, he was out hunting with his three sons and two grandsons.

Benjamin and I were shown into the great hall, where I was met by the women of the house and a few children. It was interesting to me that Baroness Malcomp was no more than twenty-five, which made her younger than her three daughters-in-law.

They greeted me very formally as if they were automatons running a simple program. If I asked her any other questions, she would say, "I must defer to my husband. " It made it quite awkward. I was invited to take a room and refresh myself before I dined with the baron in the evening.

That night, I was finally able to meet the baron. He was a tall man with greying hair and a permanent frown on his face. It wasn't the stone-faced look of some other nobility but of constant dissatisfaction. His voice had an edge to it that made him seem constantly angry. I would have thought it was me, except he seemed to use that tone of voice with everyone. The memories I had of Baron Aaron Bicman were not even this bad. Amos's father was just gruff.

Needless to say, there was no conversation at dinner. Fortunately, his cook was good at their job, and the meal was delicious.

I had gotten some information on the Baron's background from Casper. Baron Malcomp was a cousin of Baron Yabeth. He had distinguished himself in battle in the South and had lost his eldest son to the war while taking a fort. His men called him the hammer of Yabeth. Casper did not explain the details of how he acquired Decmoore and his title, but he did not seem pleased about it.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

After the meal, we adjourned to his office to discuss his barony. Like the rest of the keep, his office had an austere feel, which was quite different from Baron Decmoore's. Benjamin had coached me on what to say, and after taking this man's measure, I decided to mirror his body language.

"Baron Malcomp, I have read the reports from Count Vaspar concerning your performance since you have taken over this barony and can say I am quite pleased with your ability to govern your affairs. I am sure that it is a reflection of how you conducted yourself as a knight. I see no reason to change the way you have been handling your responsibilities. Tomorrow morning, you will gather your household, and you will swear your allegiance to me as your count." I said firmly.

He bowed, "Yes, my count."

"Furthermore, I request ten of your men to accompany me to Plimgus Manor. I had to send a few of my men back with the group that King Asput sent to Bicman."

"Understood. Your escort will be ready tomorrow morning."

The guy may be unhappy, but at least he did not give me any reason to complain about his willingness to serve.

"Speaking of the group that traveled North, The mercenary company the king sent to guard my people misinterpreted an order of mine. And started gathering people to bring along. Do you know how many people came through your lands?"

"I am sorry, my count, I was still away at the festivities when they passed. My people said there were quite a few."

"I hope they did not cause any problems," I said.

"I am not aware of any problems by that group, but there have been reports of missing food after future groups have passed."

That statement caught me off guard, "Future groups?"

"Yes, apparently, rumors are spreading that you will feed and clothe anyone who comes to your barony. There are some who are desperate enough to believe it."

I was stunned. One letter, one letter caused a mass exodus to my lands. The weather was not freezing yet, but it was certainly not warm. This was all the fault of the caravan and mercenary company.

"Did the mercenary company and caravan I sent north pass back through here yet?"

"I believe it was ten days ago. However, they turned south to take the road to Grethnes. If what you say is true, it was probably to avoid encountering you."

"I agree, and I will have to send a complaint to the king about this. Have you had any come back this way saying that the rumors are false?"

"None so far. But they could just not have made it back yet. I doubt that all groups made it there to start with. These were the desperate."

Draves was probably waiting for me to come back before making a decision. Why hadn't they sent a letter? Something was wrong.

"Baron Malcomp, is there anything I, as your count, can do for you or anything that you are in need of?"

"Not that I am aware of. While down in Vaspar, I saw the new shoes you invented for horses. Quite useful. We have started producing them here."

So word did get out that the shoes came from Bicman after all.

"Are you familiar with the new plow the king created?"

I was a little annoyed that I gave the king credit for that.

Since most of my inventions were public knowledge for those who knew where to look, I decided to see if I could get my county to take advantage of these things first. I was hesitant, but mainly because I wanted the Barony of Bicman to be the most successful of any of my baronies. It would prove that I had been a successful baron. I, however, was no longer just the Baron of Bicman. I was the Count of North Cove. That meant that I could not hoard the success to just Bicman. I needed to spread it to my whole county. My power, influence, and safety now depended on my having a strong county. If I had a strong county, that would protect Bicman.

"No, my lord. Although there is gossip in Vaspar about new farm equipment."

"The king constructed a new plow that churns the dirt better. I got the plans in Vaspar. It should work well with the harnesses we created. The harnesses do not choke the horses when pulling heavy loads. I will be sending a wagon with one of each to you and Plimgus. That way, your men can make more. Apparently, according to rumors, it doubled our crop yield in the fields that they used them. It also sped up the time it took to plow significantly."

"That is most generous of you, my lord. I welcome the assistance."

"You are part of my county. We are a team. During your time on the campaign, would you not want the soldier next to you to have high-quality weapons and armor? We rise and fall together."

He still had a sour look on his face, but I wanted to imagine it was less so.

"One last thing. I require a census of all your people and a survey of your land. I will send the exact census data I require after I return to Bicman, and I will send my own survey team in the future.

The next morning, the family gave their oaths, and we departed our way.

We traveled for half a day before we found a group of people camping along the road. There were eight in their company. I had the driver pull over, and I got out of the carriage. Immediately, everyone in the group prostrated themselves on the ground before me.

"Please rise," I said in a cheerful voice, hoping to put them at ease. It didn't work. These were peasants in the presence of a count. Some peasants would not see a count in their entire lives. The people were filthy and barely clothed. They all had fear on their faces.

"Who is in charge here."

A man of about thirty stepped forward but kept his head down. "I am in charge, my lord."

"Your name?"

"Tony, my lord."

"Where are you headed, Tony."

"We seek the safety of Bicman," He said hesitantly.

"What makes you think you will find it there?"

He paused for a long moment. I knew he was searching for the right words to say so that he didn't offend me. "It is said that the fields in Bicman produce plenty, and work is abundant. They say the Baron is generous and will feed those who are in need."

"Tony, I have seen many people traveling to Bicman, and at least five hundred have already arrived. There may not be as much opportunity there as you think, and eventually, the food will run out with so many mouths to feed."

I had an idea. I pulled out a silver crown. "Tony, I am concerned that many, like you, will find their way to Bicman and not be able to support their family. I will give you this silver crown, and I ask you to make your way south and tell people what I have told you."

The man fell to his knees and wept. After a moment, he calmed down and said, with despair in his voice. "I will do as you command, my lord."

I was completely confused. A soldier received eighteen silver crowns a year. What was bothering this man?

"Tony, I can tell you are still concerned. I need you to answer me honestly so that I might know how to help others. What is troubling you?"

There was a long pause before he said, "My lord, your generosity is beyond anything I could hope for. But there is no work for me south. The good land is overcrowded. Many lords will only allow serfs to tend their fields. Peasants must give up their freedom to work their lands. The money you have given me will dry up, and we will starve. Lord Bicman is our only hope."

I was shocked. This was something I had neglected to discuss with other nobles. It was all about making connections and who was doing what in high society. I had not looked into how the nobility was handling their people. I paused for a long moment as I thought of something I had had to memorize for a play. I think it was in the third grade, but it stuck with me. I didn't even remember where it came from.

Keep your lands and your pomp! Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the refuse of your shore. Send me, the homeless, the tempest-tost. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

I think that may have been how it went, but it had been a long time since I had even thought about it.

Could I refuse these desperate people? I have always been a strong supporter of strict immigration policies. And I still see the point, but was my situation the same?

I had the land—heck, I had more than enough. If Sophis was right, I would also need people to clear the land so that when the true wave of refugees came due to the civil war, I would be able to accommodate them. The duke may force me to accept them. If I could plant and fertilize enough fields this spring, we may be able to pull this off. It wasn't like I was making the gold to buy a mountain of food, but that would soon dry up as my expenses grew as a count. If we had more people, then we would have dealt with it. I would need someone down in Vaspar to shut down the rumor mill. I need to convince people that my barony was not the land they were promised.

"Stand up, Tony. I am the Baron of Bicman, and I am also the new count of these lands. I have a job for you. And I will make sure you survive. I want you to do what I asked regardless of the fact that some people may not have anywhere else to go. I want you to take a letter to Bicman Publishing House in Vaspar. We need to stop this mass migration so that people do not travel all the way to Bicman just to starve there. Even if they don't starve, the north winds of winter may cause them to freeze because there is not enough shelter." I tossed him the silver crown. "Once you are done delivering the letter, return to Bicman, and I will have more work for you."

I wrote a quick note to the person over at the publishing house to spread the news that the rumors concerning Bicman handing out free food were false and another one for them to give to Vaspar, telling him what happened. I told him to post guards on the borders of his lands to prevent his peasants from crossing the borders. As I entered the carriage, I turned to Benjamin. "Did you hear all that?"

"Yes, my lord. Please forgive me. I did not think the masses would have this type of reaction to gossip."

"Nor did I. But if you think about it, the amount of generosity I showed in Vaspar had never been seen before, and these types of rumors were bound to spread. Any idea how to stop them?” I asked

“We will send people back along the road after we arrive in Bicman, and they will spread the word that their hopes were false."

I stayed silent. He was right. We could not let this continue. But was there truly nothing I could do for these people that would starve?