A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 94: Day 123
"Again?" Lilia asked the following morning. "You said you had traveled to your OP for the last time!"
"I changed my mind because I have a good reason. We need to increase our income quickly, and I need some books. In addition, I want to bring back more potatoes, more seeds, and a special kind of apple. I'll also bring more supplies for Lisette, and, of course, candy."
"Are you trying to bribe me, Lord husband?"
"I prefer 'mollify'," Matthias said with a smile.
"What about my father?"
"I will address it with him and try to convince him his quest is futile."
"When would you go?"
"After the harvest is complete and most of the grain is ground."
"How long would you be away?"
"Three nights, I think, but it could be less. I need to make sure I have enough time to gather everything I need."
"I don't like it," Lilia said. "But I won't tell you not to go."
"Thank you. I discussed it with the Queen, and once I make this transit, I will give her the remote, and nobody, including me, will be able to use the device without Royal assent."
"My father will be cross about that."
"I know, but using the machine is like the mythical ring of power that corrupts the user. We cannot destroy it because we do not know what would happen, so the second-best solution is to limit its use."
"That makes me happy. What would make me VERY happy is lots of chocolate! A whole pile!"
Matthias laughed. "I promise! Now, let me speak to your father."
Matthias went to find Tranos, who was with John Tinker. Matthias asked Tranos to come to the library for a private conversation.
"I'm making one last transit to the OP," Matthias said. "Our current circumstances require it."
"I could travel with you and observe," Tranos suggested.
"Given how and where I appear in the OP, that isn't possible. You would seem to appear from nowhere, and immediately stand out, being dressed in a way not done for centuries."
"There must be a way!"
"None that are safe or easy. There is one period that would work, but you would see nothing you have not already seen in Nystria. I have yet to come up with a way for you to safely travel to a time and place where you were able to observe, see more advanced technology, your clothing would fit in, and you wouldn't need ID."
"Can you not scry a place that is private where I could put on appropriate clothing?"
"Possibly," Matthias allowed. "But you would not be able to function in that world. Phones, computers, cars, planes, and myriad other things which are normal for everyone there, but completely foreign to you."
"Could I not study by scrying?"
Matthias considered. "I suppose it might be possible, but I still do not recommend it. To return, you need to use a device that can only be obtained with identification and money, or by a criminal act. Even that is likely to fail given the protections on those devices from unauthorized use."
"But it is possible?"
"Exceedingly difficult, but possible. I do not recommend it, and your daughter will be distressed."
"Show me how to scry, so I may see for myself."
Matthias considered for a moment. "I will."
A knock interrupted them.
"Come in," Matthias called out.
The door opened, and Jorah stepped in.
"Sheriff Milos is here with a prisoner for trial in the Manor Court," Jorah said.
"What charge?" Matthias asked.
"Housebreaking."
"We will hold the trial near the barracks. Assemble as many as are here to witness."
"Yes, my Lord," Jorah replied.
He departed, and fifteen minutes later, most of the Company and many of the staff were assembled in the open area by the barracks.
"The Manor Court is convened," Jorah announced. "All who desire to be heard, come forward."
"I, Edwin, wish to be heard," the farmer said.
"Draw near and state your case!" Jorah commanded.
"My Lord Count, the man in chains committed housebreaking," Edwin said. "I caught him trying to sneak from my land with my property in his possession. Per your edict, I refrained from exacting punishment and turned him over to the Deputy Sheriff."
"What property?" Count Matthias asked.
"A dagger which belonged to my great-grandfather, a gold ring with my wife's father's insignia, and a small leather bag of coin with my initial branded on it."
"Thank you, Edwin," Matthias said, then addressed the man in chains. "What is your name?"
"Theodore from Elmsborough."
"What say you to the charge of housebreaking, Theodore?"
"My family has fallen on hard times and has nothing to eat."
"You appear able-bodied. Why not work?"
"There is no work to be had, my Lord."
"What is your trade?"
"I am a cooper. I have tried in every city and town along the coast and have found no work."
"You know the penalty for being caught red-handed when housebreaking?"
"I do, my Lord — the house owner may kill a housebreaker if he is caught in his home, or cut off his right hand otherwise."
"And yet you broke into Edwin's house."
"I did, my Lord, please have mercy."
Matthias considered.
"I sentence you to a ten-day in the custody of the Sheriff, who may put you to work. I further order two silver in restitution to be paid to Edwin, as he has foregone his right to sever your hand from your arm."
"What is to become of my family, my Lord? And how can I pay restitution with no work?"