A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 29: Day 43
"Welcome home, Lord husband!" Lilia declared happily.
Matthias hugged and kissed his wife.
"This is Bella," Lilia continued, "my best friend and personal attendant."
"Pleased to meet you, my Lord!" Bella exclaimed.
"And you," Matthias replied. "Lilia, if it's acceptable, I would speak with Jorah and check on the construction. You will have my undivided attention after our evening meal."
"Take care of your business, Lord husband; I know it's important."
"Thank you."
Matthias quickly washed from the journey, changed into a clean, casual tunic, then met with Jorah in the library.
"First," Jorah said, "a messenger from Haven brings an invitation for you and Countess Lilia to arrive in Haven the day before the coronation for a private meal with the Duke and Duchess. I took the liberty of replying favorably on your behalf."
"Very good."
"Next, the construction of the mill to drive the waterwheel is nearly complete. John has a question about what you called the 'brake'. In order to not create an overall delay, they began construction of the grain mill."
"If you summon John when we conclude the Manor business, I'll answer his questions."
"I will do so," Jorah replied. "Countess Lilia has, as you know, retained the services of her friend Bella as her personal attendant, which completes the complement of four servants you authorized. I have names of eight men and one woman who have expressed an interest in guard positions from the notice I posted in Fulham's town square."
"Give those to Milos; he has full authority to retain their services with the salaries we specified."
"Yes, my Lord. The final item is that the shepherdess, Sierra, reports seeing men in the woods near her pasture, but neither those men nor any predators have disturbed her flock or her family."
"I'll ask Tristan and Karla to visit her and gather information."
"Very good, my Lord Count."
"How is the construction on your house proceeding?"
"Apace, my Lord. We will be able to move into the house in a half-moon."
"Excellent news! And the household budget?"
Jorah smiled. "Despite Countess Lilia's best efforts, she has not put even a small dent into our accounts."
Matthias laughed. "Good. Was there anything you considered excessive?"
"No, my Lord. The greatest expense was a gown for the coronation, and the price was fair."
"Is there anything you need that you do not have?"
"No, my Lord."
"Then send in John Tinker, please."
"Right away, my Lord."
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