A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 46: Day 64
"You seem to be in a better mood," Matthias said to Tristan when Tristan returned to Newtown by way of Ostford late the next afternoon with the Royal Writ from King Edward.
"We have a mission, and I had the company of a beautiful maiden last night," Tristan declared. "Two of the best things in life!"
Matthias nearly laughed, thinking of Conan the Barbarian in an OP movie saying that the best in life was 'To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women!'. Knowing Tristan, though, it wasn't lamentations, but moans of pleasure that were heard.
"So long as you're happy," Matthias said. "We depart tomorrow at first light. Meet us here at Newtown."
"I'll try to get enough sleep tonight; last night I did not sleep much!"
Matthias laughed. "I've seen you sleep on horseback after some very long nights!"
"One cannot hold back when in the company of a pretty maiden! She deserves the best!"
"Just be ready to ride tomorrow."
"I will."
They shook hands, and Matthias conveyed the Writ to Tyra.
"A Royal Writ, complete with King Edward's seal," he said as he handed it to her. "You have the right to possess charged mana crystals without wearing mage robes or displaying your medallion."
"Thank you," Tyra said. "I really would prefer not being burned to death!"
That law, codified in the Peace of King Henry, had been in effect since the end of the Mage Rebellion a century earlier. Prior to that, most mages had not revealed they possessed the Gift, giving them a significant advantage over any unsuspecting opponent. At the same time as that law had been passed, another law was passed requiring anyone carrying a sword in public to wear the crest of his or her Lord or, if he or she had no Lord, to wear a distinctive personal symbol.
"I'd prefer that not happen as well," Matthias agreed.
He left Tyra and went to find Sir Milos and Captain Michael.
"How are you finding things here, Captain Michael?" Matthias asked.
"The walls are sturdy, but the gates could not deter a determined opponent."
"I'd strongly prefer not to turn Newtown into a fortress."
"I understand, my Lord Count. That was simply an observation. That said, a watchtower at the far end of the newly enclosed land would be useful."
"Speak with Jorah; I have no objection."
"Gregor will continue to stand watch until I hire a new man," Captain Michael said. "I will make provision for his duties as Deputy Sheriff until he can be released completely to Sir Milos."
"It is my fervent hope that those duties will be minimal," Matthias declared.
"Until we construct a jail, I've arranged with the Lord Mayor to use the Fulham jail," Milos said. "Again, hopefully, we won't have need for that anytime soon."
"I'll take my leave, as you both seem to have everything well in hand."
Matthias left them and went to see Jorah.
"Is there anything needing my immediate attention?" Matthias asked.
"No, my Lord," Jorah replied. "The architect, Filip, has arrived, and he, John the Tinker, and Lewis the Smith are working together to complete the design of what you called 'plumbing' for the addition to the Manor. The barracks building is nearly complete, and when it is, the workmen will begin building the stables."
Matthias thought about correcting Jorah about the use of 'the' rather than turning the trades into surnames, but decided to simply use what he considered the correct form himself and wait for others to adopt it.
"Captain Michael will come to see you about a watchtower at the far end of the land inside the extended walls. He has my approval."
"It is a good thing you have this new mission, as the outflow of coin was far outstripping the inflow. As I've noted, even our significant reserves can be depleted. Things will change once the work at Newtown is completed and John the Tinker and his men build the mill at Haven."
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