A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 17: Day 20
Two days later, on the day following their return to Fulham from Haven, Matthias and Lilia took time from their honeymoon bed to interview candidates for the position of Steward of Newtown. The first two were not acceptable to Matthias, but the third seemed promising — Jorah, son of the city Treasurer, and an aide to the most important banker in the port city. Jorah was solid-shouldered and mature-looking for his years, with dark hair already graying at the temples and a neat salt-and-pepper beard.
"Your money management skills are beyond question," Matthias observed, "but the job of steward involves managing servants, staff, and land as well."
"I oversee clerks at the bank," Jorah replied. "I also oversee my grandfather's estate as he is infirm."
"What is your view on taxes, Jorah the Banker?"
Jorah smiled, "Asking a banker about taxes is like asking a sheep about a shearer! Taxes are necessary, of course, but must be justly assessed. That means ensuring the household budget is sustainable without regular tax increases, which only harm farmers, tradesmen, merchants ... and bankers."
"Well spoken, Jorah, son of Morris. What will the bank owner say if you leave his employ?"
"He expects my father to arrange an official position for me, so he would not be surprised by my leaving, only the reason for it."
"If that is so, Jorah," Lilia said, "why accept a role as a steward?"
"Truthfully, I find government service too limiting. If one does not abuse one's position, a comfortable living may be made, but no more. The level of integrity instilled in me by my father and grandfather would not permit me to abuse any position to which I was appointed. I believe employment by your Lord husband would afford far more opportunity for gain for a man with integrity."
"And the offered wage?" Matthias asked.
"Is sufficient. If hired, I would ask for a grant of land on which to build a house for my wife and three children."
"Would woodlands adjacent to the Compound at Newtown, in need of clearing, be acceptable?"
"Yes, my Lord Count."
"My wife and I will discuss this and send word to you by tomorrow with our decision."
"Thank you, my Lord."
He departed, and Matthias and Lilia returned to bed, cuddling naked, their preferred way of making decisions.
"I have known his youngest sister since I was an infant and she had completed eight years," Lilia said. "His family is very well respected, and I have never witnessed Jorah act cruelly, nor have I ever heard him utter an intemperate word."
"Do you know how many years he has?"
"Thirty-one, I believe," she replied.
"Do you believe we should retain him as Steward of Newtown?"
"I do. His children are well-mannered, and their behavior shows him to be a good father."
"He is acceptable to me, if he is your choice."
"He is. Thank you, Lord husband!"
"You're welcome!"
Matthias summoned a servant and sent two messages — one to Jorah to inform him he had been hired, and one to Milos to inform him that a steward had been retained.
"Do you have another potion from Lisette?" Lilia asked once the servant had departed.
"I do."
"Then, Lord husband, make haste to drink it!"
🎲🎲🎲
"Now that David is here, we should investigate the woods where we were ambushed," Karla suggested to Milos. "Miri can assist us, as Duke Robert trusts you to protect her."
"Are three of us enough?" Milos queried.
"I think so," Karla replied. "If there are more men in those woods, they won't surprise us as they did the first time. The one who took an arrow to the knee is unlikely to be able to venture far, if at all."
Nor be an adventurer, given he'd taken an arrow to the knee, Miri thought mirthfully, recalling the joke Matthias had made.
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