Count Vaspar
Mathew bowed as he entered my study. “My Lord, you wished to see me?”
“Don’t be evasive. You know why you are here. Report on your findings.” I said curtly as I sat at my writing table.
He smiled as he strode forward to stand in front of the table, “I think, My Lord, this has been the most interesting assignment I have ever been given. There is so much going on in that small barony that I don’t know if words are adequate to describe it all.”
“You’re not a storyteller, Mathew. You are a Messanger, so out with it.”
“As you wish, My Lord. First, the Bicman pens, as they are called, are, in fact, made there. I believe Lord Bicman brought a large quantity in hopes of selling them here. He also brought a good deal of the paper, which is what he calls the parchment-like material they make. Testing proves that it is not as durable as parchment, but I have seen that they make it in different thicknesses. From my investigation, they can make quite a bit of it daily, even with the small workspace they have.”
This was very intriguing. “What is the process for making it?”
Mathew frowned, “Unfortunately, I never saw it being made. I thought it might be best if you were the one to push him on the matter. I feared that if I pushed too hard, things would start disappearing before I caught people using them."
“You said other things. How much more is there?”
"Three things he brought with him, which I hope others don’t notice until he is back from the markets. First are what he calls stirrups. A simple invention that I am surprised we haven't already thought of. They are leather pieces and ropes that hang down from the saddle with metal loops at the end to put your feet in. I was able to test them out, and they truly make a difference in turning the horse at faster and sharper angles, as well as securing the rider. I recommend having all our saddles adjusted as such. The next is the horseshoes they use. Small metal plates that are attached by nails to the horse's hooves. Apparently, they have been using them effectively to protect the hooves of the horses and oxen while plowing. Even better is that I think they would be more effective on the cobbled streets than the leather we now use.
“He is using the horses to plow.”
“That is what the farmers say. Though I didn’t see it as the plowing was all done.”
“You said there was something else?”
“Yes,” Mathew said excitedly, “You must take a ride in his carriage. He has attached something to the axles to make the ride smoother. I used the rain as an excuse to join the young lord in his carriage. We were jostled around quite a bit on the roads in the backwater, but not nearly as much as I had expected. There was a short downpour between Vaspar and Yett that I used to test it out on more civilized roads, and I have to say I could have fallen asleep in the carriage.”
“Now that I have to have. I hate riding in carriages on these cobbled streets. Who invented this thing.”
Mathew’s eyebrows scrunched a bit. “That is something else interesting. The baron can point out everyone who invented the various items, but when discussing their inventions with the peasants and serfs, I got the feeling that it was all a fabrication. Honestly, if I were to guess, every idea was directly created by the baron, or he had a major influence in its creation.”
“A creative genius then,” I said. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some of these things.
“Oh, you will like this next part. There are whispers of him being a Chosen.”
“Chosen are just pompous pricks that rise up to change the world only to get their heads stuck on a pike. I swear, every time someone tries to help out the peasants in some new way, they immediately proclaim the person Chosen of the Endless One. Sometimes, it isn’t even a new way. Well, we better milk him for all he is worth before he gets his head chopped off.”
“He isn’t proclaiming himself as one.”
“It doesn’t matter. The rulers of the Kingdom and upper aristocracy do not like change. Only those of us on the lower end might benefit.”
“Can we protect him in any way?”
“Why so keen to help this marsh dweller?” I asked curiously.
“This may interest you.” He handed me a leather portfolio. At least, that is what I initially thought. It turned out to be pieces of paper bound together with string sandwiched between two pieces of hardened leather.
“What is this?” I said, opening it up to the first sheet.
“He calls it a book. He gave me several, but this one is called Asop’s Fables, and he thought you would find this one particularly good.”
The artistry on the first page was incredibly beautiful. It felt like the picture was almost about to jump out of the page at me. This was done by a master artist. Flipping through the book, I saw that every few pages, there was another work of art drawn on the page. “Who drew this artwork? It is incredible.”
“The servants of the manor told me that Lord Amos is a master with ink and charcoal.”
“Surely there is no master artist out in Bicman. Where would he have learned to do such work?”
“It is my opinion that he developed his ability during his long years of isolation.”
“Truly a genius,” I said in wonder. “But enough of that, why did he think this book would interest me.”
Mathew shrugged. “He did not say, but when he gave it to me, one of the corners of a page towards the middle of the book was bent down. I think that is the story he wanted us to see.”
I read the title “The Kayver that Laid the Golden Eggs.”
It was a quick read, but I still paused to admire the artistry and calligraphy. After sitting back and pondering for a moment, I said, “It appears quite similar to the story of the foolish man and the Cura Tree.”
“I thought the same. The man chops down the tree to get to his fruit quickly, but the next year, he starves.”
“He allowed you to see much while you were there but is promising more,” I said thoughtfully. I set the book down, not wanting to be distracted by something I could look over later on my own. “Any other golden eggs?”
Mathew smiled. “He is trying to change the world’s counting and measuring systems.”
“Please don’t be cryptic, Mathew,” I said flatly.
“Sorry, My Lord,” he said while setting a long stick down on the table. It had lines along one edge along with numbers and circles.
“This, My Lord, is a meter stick. It is to measure length. This is one meter long. As you can see, there are lines dividing it up.” Mathew then began to explain the concept of this new measuring system. After understanding what a meter, gram, and liter were, he went on to explain that this strange young baron wanted to figure out how to measure everything.
“But I am confused by these circles with a slash through them?”
“This is the symbol for zero or nothing. He calls it a placeholder. He reworked his counting system to include it.”
"Explain this to me. Why does he need a number for nothing?”
“At first, I was confused by it as well, but I spent some time in his education classes and found that with this method, peasants were completing addition and subtraction problems faster than me. And with this device, it only takes moments to do the higher math of multiplication and division.”
He pulled out a frame with rods and beads on it. “This was one thing I took without permission. Much of my time there was spent with an instructor who taught me how to use this and the number system.”
“You felt it was that important?” I said with surprise.
“My Lord, everything was important, but this took me the longest to understand. With the proper writs for the things, I think you would probably be wealthier than the duke. Of course, he would probably have you killed for that, but I am sure you could find a workaround. Now give me two large numbers.” Mathew said excitedly.
We tested the device a few times, and he was right. Anyone who had to manage numbers should have at least one of these.
“We will discuss this in more depth after supper. I will invite Casper to join us, and we can figure out how to use this system. Is there anything else?”
“Here are a few books that he also gave me. Unfortunately, a few days ago, he asked for some of the collection back. He called them primer books and flash cards. I think he was giving them to a young woman who joined us.”
This made me frown. “That does not sound good. I was hoping the rumors of his lifestyle were false with all that you have told me. I would prefer that he refrain from having children until after he is married. Illegitimate children before then can cause too many complications. And he shouldn’t be just picking up random women with his station. Where does she come from?”
“That is the thing. I think she came from Decmoore, but I didn’t even realize she was with us until the night after we left Decmoore, and by that time, we had passed through a few towns. I do try and refrain from digging into nobilities choices in their harlots if at all possible. She looked like she may have been a servant girl in Decmoore.”
“I see,” I said, trying to keep the annoyance out of my voice. “It was hoping to cultivate this boy, but if he is willing to just sleep around with anyone… We shall see.”
“It is odd, though. Up until that point, I would have thought the young man to be free from such vices. His manner of treating everyone, including the serfs, was with respect and modesty. Strange that he waited until we were on the road, but then again, he is noble. Some nobles do tend to put on a manner of falsehood when around their subjects.”
“Your tongue may get you in trouble someday. You need to watch it."
“Of course, My Lord. Thank you for your wisdom. I will refrain from speaking so around nobles that actually care.” He said cheekily. He always did this when he knew he had the information I wanted.
“Are you perhaps looking to get your job changed to court jester?” I said with just a hint of annoyance in my voice.
Instead of responding, he straightened and took on a more formal tone. “Well, perhaps he was trying to get his people to perceive him differently in the barony but decided to let go of his inhibitions on the road.”
“If that is the case, then he truly is a fool. It will be on all his guards' tongues when he returns to his estate. But let us stop gossiping like women of the court. The matter is of little concern to me. Let us get back to the important things.”
We spent the next hour discussing in more detail the things that he had discovered in the barony. I was quite pleased with the findings. We would have to be careful when leveraging these things, or the duke would get angry.
Amos
There was a certain feeling of emptiness in the carriage now. But I had no time to dwell on the loss of our companion. I had to do the shopping, and I had to do it fast. I needed at least two outfits. One is for dinner tonight, and the other is for my meeting with the count. Tonight I would not be the only noble in attendance and I had to wear something befitting of my station.
There were three shops in the main district that sold clothing, but only one that catered specifically to my needs. I apparently couldn’t buy clothing at the same shops as freeman. When I walked into the small shop that catered to nobility, I saw a man in his late fifties behind a counter speaking with a younger man who looked very similar. Most likely father and son. They both had coal-black hair which was predominant everywhere I had been. In fact, the only place I had seen anything other than black and brown hair was in my barony. It was very odd. A long aquiline nose was prominent on both their faces. And with their wiry frames, they reminded me of birds.
Before I could say anything, the younger man in his thirties or early forties gave an expression of shock as he looked between me and Draves. “My Lord, were you robbed!” He said in a concerned tone.
That caught me completely off guard, “What?” I said, losing the eloquent and dignified sentence I was about to say.
He rushed around the counter and reached me before I had made it even halfway into the room. Bowing, he said, “Forgive me, My Lord, my name is Jasper Draper. I see that you must have had your clothing stolen and been forced to wear this out-of-fashion and ill-fitting clothing.”
Stolen novel; please report.
Was this guy making fun of me? I looked at Draves, trying to see if he was getting the same vibe. Before I could say anything at all, though, the man continued on. “Fear not, My Lord, we are at your disposal. My father is the finest draper in all of Vaspar, and I myself am also quite competent. We shall have you in the latest styles in no time. How may we assist you?”
After that fun deluge of information, it took me a moment to get back on track. “Uh… Yes, good Drapers, I am indeed in need of your assistance. You see, I have just arrived in town and was told that I must attend a dinner with Count Vaspar in a few hours.”
Jasper let out a dramatic sigh, and his shoulders slumped. I had a feeling this man did not do or say anything without a little extra drama added to it. “Alas, My Lord, though we are truly masters of our craft, there is no magic in this world that can make an outfit befitting a baron that would be suitable for such a dinner in a near couple of hours.” The man seriously did act like he was telling me about a child who had been eaten by a bear.
The older gentleman came around the counter while staring hard at me. Finally, he said, “Havermar.”
Everyone looked at him in confusion. Jasper said, “Haver… Ah! Father, you are a genius! I will be right back.” Jasper shot out of the room like an arrow. There was an awkward minute while no one said anything. The old man seemed quite content with this. Maybe the reprieve from listening to his energetic son was something he looked forward to.
“Here we are, an outfit fit for a meet with the count. You are so fortunate as Baron Havermar was recently here and commissioned these to be made for his son. Unfortunately, they were called away early and requested that we send it to him when we were done. We were told that if his son liked it, he would send us money. Well, we are not in the habit of doing that type of business, you see, and so we have this available for you. Which is so fortunate as it is in the most modern of styles, and the embroidery is exquisite. See the stitching along the sleeve,” he said while practically shoving the black material into my face, “Yes, my father is excellent at judging sizes, and I think we can have alterations done in an hour. And since you are new in town and we would love your return patronage, I insist we give this to you at a discount of three silver crowns.”
Without thinking, I said, “Three silver crowns! That is outrageous. These are just clothes.”
The look of offense Jasper gave me was like he thought I was the bear who had eaten the child. “My Lord, I apologize for wasting your time, but I cannot help you.” He turned as if to put the clothing back.
Even Jasper's father looked annoyed with me. Realizing I must have said something seriously insulting, I tried to back peddle. “Master Draper, forgive me for the insult. I truly spoke without thinking. You see, I was recently out in the market haggling and was in that mindset. Of course, three Silver Crowns would be an excellent price for such an exquisite work of art.”
Jasper immediately turned around with a beaming smile, “Ah, I see. I myself enjoy a good haggle in the market. Not that I participate in such things. Alas, my face gives away my excitement, and those market vendors always get the best of me. Nevertheless, I do wander the markets sometimes, listening to the hagglers. Fascinating that a baron, such as yourself, has such a talent.”
“Now, the scarf of your mantle seems to have seen much wear. I must insist we provide you with a new one. Seeing as you are a shrewd man who knows the value of a coin, we have a fine white scarf with silver embroidery for only seven silver pennies.”
I just nodded. I hope this doesn’t become much more expensive.
“Very good. Now, Uh… Do you, Ah, insist on wearing that hat.”
“Of course,” I said with a smile, “It is part of my signature look.”
Jasper's eyes lit up. “Signature look! I dare say I truly love that term, My Lord. I will most certainly be using that in the future. Now, Hmm… Well, I am sure that that will look splendid with the outfit, and with your good looks, you may even start a new fashion with that style.”
“See, he gets it,” I said to Draves. I could tell the captain wanted to roll his eyes.
“Indeed, I do get it. Now, I do know a good barber. Unless that is, the mustache and goatee are part of your Ah… signature look.”
“Yes, it is.” I said proudly, “What is the point of being nobility if you cannot start a new trend.”
“A man of confidence I see, well, very good. Let us take your measurements.” He said, leading me into the back.
As we stepped into the back room, I said, “I truly appreciate your excellent service.”
“Do not worry, My Lord, we will make you look like a true baron. Take off your pants.”
It was only an hour later when his father, Ferdinand, had finished my outfit. After trying it on, I was amazed at how comfortable it felt. I also looked amazing. I am so glad that the current style was not chock-full of lace and other frilly stuff. This looked more like a military uniform. The strange thing was that although there were buttons, they were only decorative. That made me wonder. Did they use buttons how they were supposed to be used? Everything here seemed to be tied. If they had buttons, why didn’t they have buttonholes? I decided to just ask.
“Ferdinand, Jasper, have either of you heard of the concept of a buttonhole.”
Ferdinand just shook his head. Jasper raised one eyebrow and said, “A buttonhole?”
“I see. Maybe you have a different name for it, but it is an idea I thought of. Do you have a scrap of fabric?” We were in the back, so it didn’t take long for Jasper to find a small grey piece of fabric.
“Make a silt here about this long I said, holding out my thumb and forefinger.”
After doing that, I used a button on my coat to show off the concept. Then, I went through the various uses of it, including button-down trousers and shirts. Also, I reminded them to strengthen the hole with stitching.
“You are a genius, My Lord,” Jasper exclaimed excitedly.
“Just don’t forget my commission,” I said jokingly. I did regret getting so curious that I let out the knowledge of this without having compensation, but no use crying over spilled milk.
“Well, uh, I…” Jasper was, for the first time, at a loss for words.
I smiled, “I’m just joking. I need no compensation. It isn’t like we are producing a lot of clothing out in Bicman.”
“Ah, a fine joke. A fine joke indeed. I know! I will call it the Bicman Buttonhole. Has a ring to it. Your name will be famous everywhere.”
I doubted the longer name would last outside of Jasper's shop, but I appreciated his effort.
“Well, I would love to stay and chat, but I have a dinner to attend. Captain, please pay the man.”
Ferdinand, who looked lost in thought up until then, raised his hand up to stop him. “No.”
I was confused at first, but after a moment, he continued. “Your idea will bring us much wealth and prestige. Take the clothes as a gift.”
At first, Jasper looked shocked, but then, a second later, his face lit up again. “Brilliant! What a brilliant idea, father. Gentleman, it has been a pleasure, but we really must be off. I have so many ideas. Father, where is the charcoal.”
We left without so much as a goodbye from Jasper. I sighed. I really needed to keep my mouth shut.
The trip back to the castle was quiet. I was nervous about my upcoming debut with nobility. Well, I guess Decmoore was my first, but I really didn’t count him since I didn’t care about his opinion, and he didn’t have the ability to execute me.
Since we had time before dinner, I decided to go to my room and request a bath. As our carriage entered the courtyard, servants came out to welcome us. After stating my desires, I followed the servants to the room they had set apart for me. It reminded me of the original room I woke up in. A bed, a bedside table, and a trunk at the end of the bed. I was starting to get annoyed with this world. I figured it was the fact that I was in a poor barony and that we didn’t have dressers or closets. It’s not like I had a lot of clothes. But now I was starting to think they just didn’t exist. I justified Decmoore’s manor, but for a count not to have them, it was just ridiculous. Nothing really had drawers. Even the desk in my study was just a table. Had I even seen a drawer?
Then I started to get excited. What if they didn’t exist? I could corner the market on desks and dressers. If they didn’t have closets, then they probably didn’t have hangers, and that meant they probably didn’t have Armoires. I needed more carpenters. I needed to expand the road to my estate. That stupid Mathew had stolen some, if not all my ideas, and with the road the way it was I couldn’t transport goods effectively. Dressers and other things would be too heavy to transport cost-effectively, and as soon as one showed up on the market, somebody would start making them closer to civilization. As I had looked into writs of exclusivity more, I realized that there was no way the king would grant me one unless I could meet the demand generated by my idea. The idea of paying a percentage for the right to produce a good didn’t exist, and as far as I could tell, neither did guilds.
If I could build a train and transport goods that way, then we could probably get goods to market fast enough. Unfortunately, I only knew the basics of boilers and steam power and little about locomotives. I really never looked at that type of stuff. Maybe I could build a port in the bay and use ship travel. I became obsessed with ships for a while after getting my small boat sailing merit badge. Maybe…
Just then a brass tub arrived carried by four men. They set it in the center of the room and left. A group of women entered with buckets of water. I was starting to fit better into the tub at home, and this one seemed a little bit larger. Water was filled halfway, and all the women left except for one of the young women. When our eyes met, she immediately looked down and gave a coy smile. Uh… this was not the reaction I was expecting. Girls were supposed to be afraid that I might ask them to do something, not smile as if they were eager to please me. A test from Count Vaspar, or perhaps she was hoping for a gift in return for services rendered. I know I was not as obese as when I got here, but I was definitely still at least thirty to fifty pounds more than I wanted to be. I mean, umm… Dang, what was that in kilograms? If I was going to make everyone else do it, I had to do it too. It was like two pounds to a kilogram. I decided to get it over with before it got any more awkward, “You may leave. I will call for someone when I am done.”
She bowed and left without saying a word. There was a bar of soap and a wash rag left on the table. Also, I found a small jar that ended up containing some sort of liquid. The scent was strong, so I was supposed to either dilute it in the water or put it on afterward as a cologne. I decided not to mess with it as I didn’t want to use it wrong. I wish they had back brushes here or any type of brush, really. I needed to get around to trying different animal bristles to make those.
After my bath, I pulled myself out of my thoughts and the tub. I used a rough towel left by the servants and then got dressed in my new outfit, which was lying on the bed. The comb I used was made out of some sort of animal bone and actually worked quite well, considering the thickness of my hair. Then I stuck my head out in the hall and asked about the time until dinner. I was told it would be half a bell and so I followed up by asking if the servant was able to give me a quick tour. And so began my tour of the keep. The walls were adorned with tapestries, but their artistry was not very impressive.
I had seen examples of Renaissance-era tapestries that were much more magnificent. Most decorations were in the form of sculptures, which I had to admit were, in fact, very striking. We actually didn’t get too far into the tour because I kept stopping to observe the sculptures. Another disappointment was the paintings. The techniques used were just so crude and allowed for no depth of picture. It was just… ugh. As an artist, though, looking at it from a historical perspective, it was quite interesting. I don’t recall if any antiquity-era canvas paintings survived, but if they had, I imagine they would look like these. Somehow, before I realized it, we were at a small waiting area with a few groups of people around chatting like old friends. I got a few odd looks from some of the gentlemen standing around, but most of them ignored me.
My servant left to say something to a man who was announcing people as they went into the next room. Then he returned, and we waited in line. As we entered, the man proclaiming names said, “Lord Amos Bicman, Regent of the Barony of Bicman.” Coming from him, it sounded very impressive. I was guided to a seat almost at the end of a long table in the center of the room. The room was well lit, both by a chandelier and wall lighting. The table itself was finely crafted and set with bronze knives, forks, and spoons. What I called a fork did not look like the forks we have today. They were more like two-pronged spears used to hold meat in place as you cut. The talking around me continued without my involvement. I knew some etiquette, but I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to introduce myself or insert myself into a conversation.
The parts of the conversations I did hear seemed to be full of inane chatter or on topics I had no knowledge of. Mainly, it was about what was going on in the capitol and the latest fads. I was getting bored, but then the count finally seated himself, and servants started coming out with the food. The count took his first bite, and the room became silent as everyone dug into their food. Dinner consisted of salted pork, heavy rye bread, and some fruit soaked in honey. Wine in bronze goblets were placed in front of each of us. But I abstained from drinking it. As the plates began to empty and more and more wine began to be poured, the conversations started up again. I asked the servant, refilling the wine, to get me a cup of water. A man in his twenties, two seats down, leaned around another young man sitting next to me and said, “Lord Bicman, I have to say I am unfamiliar with the name. I fear I was not very attentive during my geography lessons.” He had the standard black hair that most people at the table had and a slightly pudgy face.
“It is no wonder, Sir Helgar, it is the northernmost land. The Marsh Dwellers, “ A man across the table said. This man was older, with hints of grey in his hair. He had sharp features and a long nose that made me want to flick it after his derisive comment.
“The Marsh Dwellers. Didn’t I hear the whole family was assassinated?” A man about my age said. He was one of the only ones at the table with brown hair.
“That’s what you get for listening to court gossip rather than official records. This young man and his charge are the only ones left in the family. But I am sure those things are common in such an uncivilized wilderness.” Said the sneering man.
“And now you are regent?” Said Sir Halger, surprised. “Is um… the boy in good health?” This elicited a chuckle from someone.
“At the time I left, he was in excellent health. His first birthday is tomorrow, and I am grieved that I am missing the opportunity to spoil my nephew on his first birthday. But fear not, I have sworn on the grave of my brother that I will do all in my power to raise Lord Aaron to fulfill his duty as Baron of Bicman.”
“A noble gesture indeed.” the boy next to me said.
"A toast to the health of Lord Aaron!” He proclaimed loudly. He seemed to have been drinking more than his fair share already. I raised my wine glass with the rest of them but did not drink.
“Lord Amos, do you refuse to drink with us?” The boy said.
“Please take no offense. I have sworn off alcohol of any kind. It does not agree with me.”
“It is a shame,” the sneering man said, “But I suppose when you are used to drinking swamp water, how could you expect to understand the pleasures of a fine vintage?”
This got a chuckle from a few people. I did not rise to the bait. I had been prepared from many years of historical dramas and fantasy TV shows to know better than return tit for tat. “My Lord, I am afraid I did not catch your name?” I said with a smile to the sneering man.
“Baron Kithmoore,” He said in a tone that made it obvious he was preparing for a fight.
I just smiled and said, “Well, met Lord Kithmoore. Well, gentleman, it would seem that Lord Kithmoore had extensive knowledge of the region I come from. We do indeed boil our water. You must have a great passion for the field of education.”
He had nothing to say to that. I think he was trying to find a hidden insult in that statement. There were a few chuckles, as I am sure some people were also assuming I had just tried to insult him. They must have wanted to seem as if they had gotten the joke even though I hadn’t made one.
Making fun of the “Northman” seemed to die down for a while until the young man next to me, Lord Issac, once again tried to draw me into a conversation. “So, how are things going up in the Barony of Bicman.”
“Very well, we expect to produce a good amount of grain this year and may even have some to export.”
The sneering baron scoffed, “The day the Marsh Dwellers have enough of anything will be long after we are all dead.”
“Ah, once again, Lord Kithmoore, your understanding of northern economics is a boon to us of the younger generation. In truth, you are right. It takes quite a bit of ingenuity to produce anything from the lands of Bicman. However, the harsh conditions do help to stimulate creativity. If you doubt my word, go see Ferdinand Draper and ask about their new clothing line. Let him know I sent you.” I said while sitting back with a smile.
“Lord Bicman, this is most unkind.” Sir Helgar said excitedly. “A new clothing line from Ferdinand and Jasper, and you won’t say a word. And how does this relate to your barony.”
“My lips are sealed, my friend. You must find out tomorrow.” From his clothing, I was guessing Helgar was quite the fashion junky.
“Tomorrow? I will rush there after dinner.”
“Sir Halgar, control yourself. Master Ferdinand is getting old. Come with me tomorrow morning, and we shall see this latest fashion for ourselves.” Another man said.
And with that, once again, the conversation was diverted. Lord Kithmoore had a few more quips that evening, but I ignored them. Count Vaspar stood abruptly, thanked us all for joining him this evening, and left. As soon as he departed, the rest of us were escorted out. Some of the people were guests at the castle, but not all. The servant escorted me back to my room, and I spent the next bell writing out another story in a blank book. As evening came, I lay back in my bed and fell asleep.