Chapter 20

Kearbel Thicket, Olnfield, the Kingdom of Wuthia, 1125

Richard Laenas (Marak Faerson)

Weeks had passed since my siblings and I faked our deaths. According to the local authorities, news had spread that the wanted siblings’ bodies had been found burnt to a crisp in the Kearbel Thicket. They believed the narrative of the marauders, and with some of our belongings at the scene, the world now believes that the Laenas Family is dead. My siblings and I could finally enjoy our new lives without the worry of being found. Even now, as I strolled down the bustling market of Olnfield, I felt free as a bird.

My family and I had a now working estate with servants and even tenants on our lands. The tenants, the Tamsari, were a blessing in disguise. Their payment every three months was enough to keep my family afloat, along with paying the Phasionites their worth as part of our agreement with them. So far, life has been great.

We even had money to spare, allowing us to shop and spend on things we dreamed of having when we were on the farm in Freymount. Solomon, with his money, started to rebuild and refurbish the library at the manor. He was really becoming a book scholar in the making. Mabel brought herself a new bow and arrow and began practicing in the fields of our land. The first time I saw her practicing, her aim was perfect each time she shot an arrow at a tree. She was a fierce warrior with the bow. I feel bad for any fool who thinks they can bow her; she will give them a run for their money. Bridget brought herself new clothes and jewelry, something that made her feel like she was no longer a barmaid in Crowkeep. She became on good terms with a local tailor in town, who made custom clothes for her, most often at a good discount. Probably because Bridget is their best customer and a major investor in their shop.

As for me, I took a page out of Bridget’s marketing book and invested greatly in most of the local inns and taverns in Olnfield. Taverns and inns are places of great merriment, community, and are really good places to get a good drink. They were like my second home, which is why I have a great interest in them. It wasn’t long before I had a great return on my investments. Like I said before, life has been great so far.

The sun stood high in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over Olnfield. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and roasting meats, mingling with the earthly tang of hay and pine. The cobblestone streets, usually worn and uneven, had been swept clean in preparation for the festival of the Crimson Moon.

This was our first time at this festival, so we decided to attend it. We had a few festivals at Freymount, and they were fun, so hopefully this festival was as the ones in Freymount. Just hope they had a seven-minute prayer to the Holy Seven like they did in Freymount. Those always killed the mood of the festivals, but it seems that no church influenced this festival, so my hopes were high.

Wooden scaffolding lined the central square, where workers were securing banners of deep red and gold that fluttered like ribbons in the wind. Overhead, a massive bonfire pit was being prepared in the center of the square, a large stack of dry timber rising in the middle, ready to be set alight when night fell and the Crimson Moon appeared. Nearby, a troupe of performers in painted masks rehearsed their dances, their movements swift and fluid.

I entered the Nimble Lyre, where it was packed more than the normal amount during this time of day. Most were other farmers who hailed from neighboring villages and towns, while others were merchants – local and out of town- all here to enjoy the Festival of the Crimson Moon. I smiled at the possibility of my investment being interesting and rising with all these new customers.

Taking my seat at my normal table, Delores instantly appeared with a fresh-poured mug of beer. I frequent this tavern quite often. I am a regular customer and a very good investor. I think I invested more in the Nimble Lyre than in the other taverns. Probably that’s why I always get this kind of treatment from Delores. “Your normal round, Marak.”

“Thanks, Delores,” I said, taking a drink from the mug. Refreshing. “Pretty busy in here today.”

“All thanks to the festival tonight,” Delores said. “It’s supposed to be more grand than last year’s. Probably from the business arrangement the mayor made with the Merchants and Workers Guild. He lowers some of the taxes for a month, and they supply a generous donation to the festival.”

“Seems like a pretty deal if you ask me,” I said, taking another drink. “Are you attending the festival?”

“Probably not,” Delores said. “We’re quite busy tonight. All hands on deck, Ulf keeps preaching to us.” A couple of men raised their mugs in Delores’ direction. “Well, gotta get back to work. Nice seeing you, Marak.”

“Same here,” I said, as Delores quickly and smoothly made her way to the men’s table.

I finished my drink and left the Nimble Lyre, making sure I left Delores an extra tip. I like Delores, even though we never fucked, she had a certain charm about her that made her likable. A charm that I know quite well.

Faerson Manor, Olnfield, the Kingdom of Wuthia, 1125

Solomon Laenas (Jared Faerson)

I stood in the center of the manor’s library. Once a forgotten relic of dust and decay, it now stood as a testament to both resilience and refinement. It took me a while, but I finally restored and refilled the library; the room felt alive with purpose once more. I used my personal funds to restore the library, even though Mabel told me that this would count as manor upkeep and I shouldn’t use my own personal funds. But I wanted to. I wanted a task to show my ambition and determination. I believe I have succeeded.

The walls, once lined with broken shelves and the remains of crumbling books, now boasted sturdy oak shelves that stretched all the way up to the vaulted ceiling. Each shelf was filled with books and manuscripts I brought from local shops and from other towns; their spines and an array of colors that ranged from deep burgundy and navy to worn gold leafing that gleamed in the light.

Sunlight streamed through tall arched windows, their glass newly cleaned and casting soft, dappled light across the room. I had the heart rebuilt. It was now a large hearth that sat at the far end, its stone frame intricately carved with images of mythical creatures—dragons, griffins, and lions—while a crackling fire provided warmth and a comforting glow that danced along the stone floor.

In the center of the room, a long wooden table, polished to a high sheen, stood surrounded by chairs that invited hours of study and contemplation. Some chairs were stuffed with plush cushions, others were simple but sturdy. There were even a few soft leather armchairs, positioned in cozy corners for quiet reading or conversation. The library was now back to its formal glory.

“It’s wonderful, m’lord,” Eudora said as she entered the library. She has really come into being an exceptional stewardess for our manor. She was a great leader for our staff and helped with the financial records when it came to maintaining the estate. She was everything and more.