Chapter 40: Day 58

Matthias woke alone the next morning, as Zoë had slipped from the bed while it was still dark so she could attend to her duties. Matthias had sensed it, but had quickly fallen back asleep. He arose at first light, as he typically did, and dressed in a casual tunic. He went downstairs to have breakfast, but as none of the others had risen, rather than requesting his meal be brought to the main dining room, where he would have to sit alone, he went to the kitchen and sat down at a small table.

"Good morning, my Lord!" Krista exclaimed. "Is something amiss?"

"Not at all. None of the others are awake, so I thought I'd eat in the kitchen."

"Will eggs, porridge, and bread be sufficient, my Lord?"

What the porridge needed was sugar or cinnamon, but both had to be imported at very great expense, and, generally, nobody in Nystria would pay the price. Maple syrup would be a good choice, but it was a New World product, along with molasses, which required sugar. Another source of sugar — beetroot — did exist, but it wasn't used for that purpose. Berries were the best option, but only in season, which left honey as his only option.

"Absolutely," he replied. "A dollop of honey in the porridge, please."

"Right away, my Lord!" Krista declared and immediately began preparing his breakfast.

"How are you finding your work here?" Matthias asked.

"I am happy, my Lord," she replied. "I enjoy cooking, and everyone is kind."

"If that were ever not the case, please bring it to my attention at once."

"Yes, my Lord."

It didn't take long for her to finish preparing his meal and set it before him, together with dandelion tea. He thanked her, then ate his breakfast while watching her perform her usual kitchen duties. When he finished eating, Matthias thanked Krista again and then decided to stroll the grounds.

"Good morning, Terrence," Matthias said when he encountered the new guard Milos had hired. "I take it all is well?"

"Yes, my Lord. A quiet patrol."

"Good to hear; continue."

Terrence acknowledged Matthias and continued his circuits of the Estate. As Matthias walked, he decided that, with the extension of the walls, there would be enough room for several apple trees, something he missed from the OP, and which were his 'go to' snack. The vanes of the windmills were turning in the morning breeze; water was being drawn, but no grain was being milled. Paul, a miller's assistant, would join them as the Newtown Miller in four days, and Jorah had arranged with all the farmers to make use of the Newtown mill.

"Good morning!" Lisette exclaimed, coming out of the Manor House. "What brings you outside at this hour?"

"I woke as I usually do and, after eating, decided to walk the grounds. And you?"

"Gathering some herbs for the stew Krista is preparing for our evening meal. I'll also feed the chickens, as Lucas won't return from Haven until this afternoon."

"If he's going to drive the carriage and wagon, and train with Milos and Karla, we're going to need another servant for the grounds."

"Would you consider my cousin Thomas?"

"I would. If you vouch for him, the job is his. I'll let Jorah know. It's a good thing the barracks will have room for ten men; we're going to need it."

Lisette went to the herb garden, and Matthias completed his walk around the grounds, then went into the Manor House.

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