A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 26: Day 40
The next morning, the band of adventurers mounted horses at first light and departed Newtown, taking the road that led south.
"Milos, do you have any idea why anyone would threaten your uncle and his family?" Matthias asked.
"No. He raises cattle and grows rye, wheat, oats, barley, beans, and parsnips. He also brews ale. He's well-liked, and I've never known him to have any enemies."
"To whom does he pay taxes?"
"The King; there is no noble with dominion over Dal Valley; it has been a Royal fief since the Peace of King Henry eliminated the duchies."
"Who provides protection?"
"There is a Sheriff, appointed by the King, but the Bailiff from Southham handles any legal matters on behalf of the King, not the Lord Mayor."
"Does your uncle owe money?"
"Not to my knowledge. The farm has always been profitable, and it's self-sustaining, as my uncle grows vegetables and raises chickens for personal use to supplement the milk, cheese, eggs, and bread. He has sufficient land to allow his cattle to graze and has never had trouble selling to butchers, cheesemakers, or food sellers in Southham. He has an agreement with the Millers Guild to grind his grain."
"Do you think it could be Isaac, seeking revenge for perceived betrayal?" Karla suggested.
"That thought had crossed my mind," Milos replied. "Those plans and his journals were worth a small fortune."
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"Good morning, my Lady!" Bella exclaimed happily when she arrived at the Compound, once again accompanied by her older brother.
"Good morning, Bella! Good morning, Kenneth!"
"My Lady," Kenneth said, "may I visit the kitchens to quench my thirst?"
"You may," Lilia agreed.
"He thirsts for Krista!" Bella tittered. "The drink is a ruse."
"He'll be disappointed this morning, as she's baking bread and preparing mash for sourdough."
"What shall I do first?"
"Unpack your things, then join me in the sitting room. We have decorating to do!"
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The band of adventurers arrived in Dal Valley just before sunset, having ridden hard to make the journey in a single day.
"Milos!" Willa exclaimed happily when she saw him, but her countenance fell when she saw Karla riding alongside Milos.
"Good afternoon, Cousin. Where is your father?"
"In the pasture with the cattle. He'll be here shortly. You can take your horses to the stable, though it will be crowded. I'll have the house servants set places for you for the evening meal. There is plenty of stew and bread. How many beds will you need?"
"Four," Milos replied. "Tristan and Lisette will share a bed, as will Karla and I."
Willa frowned as Milos had just confirmed he and Karla were together once again.
"Someone will need to stay in the outbuilding," she said. "As you know, there is a room used by visiting tradesmen."
"Karla and I will take that room," Milos declared.
Thirty minutes later, with the horses stabled and having cleaned up from the road, Matthias and his friends joined Milos' extended family for the usual post-sunset meal of a farm family.
"Please tell us what's happening, Uncle Sean," Milos requested.
"Just some minor trouble with some thugs," he replied. "Nothing I can't handle. I'm sorry you traveled all this way, riding hard, for nothing. Of course, it is always good to see you."
"Father!" Willa protested strongly. "That's not true! They threatened to kill Stewart and Ian!"
"Is that true, Uncle Sean?" Milos inquired.
"Idle threats," Sean replied.
"We're here," Milos said. "Tell us everything that has happened."
"Tell him, Sean," Milos' Aunt Tirah prompted.
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