A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 16: Day 18
The following day, Robert, Miri, Matthias, and Lilia departed for Haven, with the men on horseback and the women in a simple carriage. They were accompanied by four mounted Knights of the Realm, and each woman had a household servant with her.
"Are you enjoying marriage, Lilia?" Miri asked once their carriage was on the Royal Way.
"It's wonderful!" Lilia exclaimed. "Count Matthias has performed his duties as husband quite well, and hopefully, I am already with child!"
"That would be wonderful news! I look forward to marrying Duke Robert; hopefully, that will happen soon!"
"How are my Lord husband's friend and servant who were wounded?"
"Resting. Thank the gods they will recover fully."
"Once we return, we will interview potential stewards," Lilia said. "I understand men-at-arms are being hired immediately."
"That is true," Miri replied. "Milos will find two men to begin protecting the Compound right away."
"That is good, for they should be in our employ when Count Matthias and I move to Newtown. I will be glad for the safety they will provide."
"As will Duke Robert, as I will continue to live there until we marry."
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"How is married life treating you, Count Matthias?" Duke Robert inquired.
"I am the luckiest man in the Realm!" Matthias declared.
"Perhaps so; however, I believe there is one maiden you desired more."
"You are not wrong, my Lord Duke."
"Lady Miri has expressed a similar sentiment, but circumstances and the needs of the Realm must take precedence over desires of the heart."
"Well said, my Lord Duke."
"No one must ever know, Count Matthias. It could destroy the Realm."
Matthias recoiled slightly in his saddle, surprised by what Duke Robert had just implied. If Matthias' inferences were correct, Miri had requested — and somewhat surprisingly received — permission from her future husband for trysts. Matthias had been certain Miri would keep it from the Duke, but it appeared she had broached the topic with him, even before their marriage.
"Thank you, my Lord Duke. I will neither dishonor you nor disrespect Lady Miri."
"Lady Miri drives a hard bargain!" the Duke declared with a grin.
Matthias smiled and nodded.
"She is quite determined to obtain that which she desires. You know you have my full support in your quest, and that of everyone in Newtown."
"You will be well rewarded for your loyalty, Count Matthias."
"Thank you, my Lord Duke."
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"I came to thank you, my Lord," Sierra said to Tristan. "Is there anything I can do to repay your bravery?"
The first thought to enter Tristan's mind was the obvious one, but it was something he could not do, given his pledge to Lisette. In the past, he would have replied with innuendo, and Sierra would have quickly surrendered her maidenhead, something Tristan was positive he would encounter should he take her to bed. Sadly, it was not possible to find out whether he was correct.
"Be loyal to Count Matthias," he said instead.
"Of course, my Lord! That is a given. I wished to reward you personally for your bravery."
"Your thanks are more than sufficient," Lisette said, entering the room.
"That is so," Tristan quickly agreed.
"Thank you, my Lord. May I see the young boy?"
"I'll take you to him," Lisette offered.
About ten minutes later, Lisette returned to the room she shared with Tristan, where he was confined to bed.
"I'm sorry ... my Lord," Lisette smirked.
"You are ANYTHING but sorry!" Tristan retorted.
"Perhaps!" Lisette replied with a soft laugh. "In any event, the surgeon said you should not exert yourself for a half-moon while your leg heals."
"We could negotiate," Tristan suggested.
"Are you withdrawing your pledge?" Lisette asked.
"No, of course not," Tristan replied.
"Then there is nothing to negotiate! Do I not give you sublime pleasure?"
"You do," Tristan admitted.
"Then you have no need of maidens!"
"What of the traditional rights of a husband with title or land?"
"You are neither my husband, nor are you landed, nor do you have a title. You are free to withdraw your pledge, but consider the consequences of such a choice."
"Contrary to our jesting, I wish to be with you, Lisette of Newtown."
"And I with you, Tristan of Newtown."
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"I am Gregor," a burly man said to Milos. "I understand you seek the service of a swordsman."
"I do," Milos replied. "Where are you employed?"
"At the Fulham docks as a warehouse guard."
"For how long?"
"Two years, following my discharge from the Navy."
"Do you have a family?"
"I never wanted children, and I strongly prefer my freedom with regard to members of the fairer sex."
"Who can vouch for you?"
"Sir William. I served as his squire before I was called to the Navy during the brief war when Dania tried to retake Heltland. I served as a Marine soldier for six years."
"I will speak to Sir William today," Milos said. "If he vouches for you, the position is yours. I assume the posted wages are sufficient?"
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