A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 39: Day 57
"The Lady Lilia, Countess of Newtown," a servant announced as she led Lilia and Bella into the Princess' chambers.
"Thank you, Molly!" Princess Miri said. "That will be all."
The servant departed, closing the door behind her.
"Jillian, you and Bella may depart, if Lady Lilia is amenable."
"I am!" Lilia agreed.
"Take two hours for yourselves," Princess Miri directed.
"Thank you, Lady Princess!" Jillian exclaimed, then took Bella's hand and led her out of the chambers.
Miri walked over to Lilia and hugged her.
"You must call me Miri when we are alone!"
"And I would appreciate it if you call me Lilia."
"I will. How was your journey?"
"Uneventful, but Milos brings grave news to the King. Dania is planning an invasion!"
"That is indeed grave news! We have had peace for sixty years, since the Isle of Heltland was finally annexed to Nystria. Allow our husbands and my father-in-law to concern themselves with military matters. How are you?"
"In good health and with child, and I have a wonderful husband! And you?"
"The same! Come, let us have tea and cakes."
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"That concerns me greatly," King Edward replied. "But it does not surprise me. They are taking advantage of the unrest due to the successive deaths of my nephew and brother. The Black Crows are active as well."
"We should send a garrison to Fulham, Father," Robert suggested. "And dispatch several warships to patrol the coast. We should also send a detachment to Langford."
"Ask General Thomas and Admiral Kenneth to join us."
"Right away, Father!"
Robert departed, leaving Milos alone with King Edward.
"Milos, do you believe Count Matthias is able to protect all farms outside the walls of Fulham?"
"I do, Your Majesty. Already three additional farms have sought his protection, and we will expand our complement of men-at-arms."
"Then I will issue a Royal Warrant creating a county that has borders of the city walls, the Narrow Sea, and thirty miles south and west, crossing the Royal Way and the Southham Road. I name you, Milos, Sheriff of the County."
"Thank you, Your Majesty! You honor my Lord greatly!"
"And you, Milos. For your service, I will confer upon you the office of Knight of the Realm."
"I am humbled, Your Majesty."
"You may immediately style yourself 'Sir Milos, Sheriff' of whatever Count Matthias elects to name his county."
"Thank you again, Your Majesty."
Robert returned a few minutes later with General Thomas and Admiral Kenneth and asked Milos to report what Count Matthias' Company had discovered.
"I will immediately dispatch a company of troops to garrison Fulham and to patrol the cliffs and shoreline," General Thomas declared. "I will also send a detachment of mounted troops to Langford."
"I will send four patrol ships with Marine contingents to patrol the seas off Fulham," Admiral Kenneth added. "I will also order other patrols along the coast. Fulham is a surprising place for an attack, given it is about as far from Dania as any point on our eastern shores. I suspect it is meant as a secondary landing point."
"General," King Edward said, "you are authorized to raise another two thousand troops from across Nystria. I will inform the Lord Treasurer at once."
"It will be done, Your Majesty! Two-year enlistment terms?"
"Yes. This threat will not go away until we restore stability to the Realm."
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The work at Newtown had continued apace, and the second windmill had been completed. That allowed the first grain to be ground to flour, something that would help make Newtown self-sufficient, as well as provide income from both the sale of flour and the grinding of grain. The forge was also completed, and Jorah had struck a deal with Brandon, the smith, to release Lewis to the service of Count Matthias. The extension of the wall was going according to plan, and Jorah's house was nearly completed.
Additionally, the basement cell had been converted into a sewing and sitting room for Lilia. The last item on Jorah's list was the large bathtub, which was due to be delivered the following day. At Count Matthias' request, Jorah had summoned the men Matthias now called John Tinker and Lewis Smith.
"I have another improvement to make," Matthias said. "I wish to build a tower to hold water that is fed by the water windmill, and make the water available through pipes to the privies, the kitchen, and a special room that will have a shower."
"A shower, my Lord?" Jorah inquired.
"A bathing device that causes water to sprinkle like a heavy rain. The water could be heated by a charcoal fire."
"How would that work, my Lord?" John Tinker asked.
"Water flowing through pipes created of iron, copper, or clay. Copper is best, as it does not rust. Lewis, could you make pipes if I acquire the materials?"
"They sound similar to copper tubes used for distilling, only larger. It would take some experimenting, but I believe I could do it."
"Then please do, and report your progress to Jorah."
"Yes, my Lord!"
"John, you will need to modify the windmill to add a second shaft to drive another wheel to raise water to the tower, similar to the one used to raise water from the underground stream. It will need to be able to be engaged and disengaged with ease, even by a scullery maid. I will draw the plans."
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