A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 49: Day 67
Count Matthias' Company had arrived in Wickham very late, just before the doors to the Full Moon Inn, the largest inn in the city, were locked, and they had managed to secure rooms. Having had a good night's rest, they ate breakfast and set out to gather information to aid them in their mission.
Tristan accompanied Matthias/Kristof to find the merchant, Randolph. They had no difficulty in doing so, as the first person they asked had given them directions to Randolph's shop.
"I'm looking for Pârsân tapestries," Matthias/Kristof said, providing the code phrase.
"I received two just yesterday," Randolph replied, providing the recognition phrase. "Step into the back room, and I will show you. Your man can wait here."
Matthias nodded to Tristan, then followed Randolph to the back room, which had shelves filled with goods, including two Pârsân tapestries.
"Kristof of Yorvik," Matthias said, handing Randolph a letter of introduction with the King's official seal affixed.
"The two tapestries are ten gold for both," Randolph said, giving the next code phrase.
"I will offer eight," Matthias/Kristof said, giving the next response.
"Nine and we have a deal," Randolph said, continuing the sequence.
Matthias/Kristof nodded and paid the agreed price without a word, completing the recognition sequence.
"Apologies for the complicated ritual," Randolph said, "but I am convinced spies have infiltrated the Wickham Keep and the Royal Messenger Service."
That mention caused Matthias to think of another way to make a profit — forming the Nystrian Courier Service, similar to FedEx or UPS, in the OP, but that was another thing to save for another day.
"What can you tell me?" Matthias asked.
"I've written everything in a journal," Randolph replied. "It's locked in my safe for security. I'll give it to you, of course. The short version is that, entirely by chance, I overheard two men speaking the Danian language. Not many in Wickham speak it, even poorly, except sailors. These men are no sailors, and I understood them because I am able to converse freely in both the Danian and Pârsân languages.
"The two men were discussing the best way to infiltrate the Royal Messenger Service and how to go about obtaining forged seals so they could intercept and change messages. That is why I sent my message to King Edward by boat via a merchant friend, rather than using the Royal Messenger Service.
"I began watching those two men — their descriptions are in my journal — and saw them meet with a third man who seemed to be in charge. That man is employed as a low-level clerk in the Tax Assessors' office. No one there would have any reason to speak Danian, as it would raise suspicion. His job gives him access to the Keep and to all land and tax records. Later, I saw him meet with a man from the Royal Messenger Service, which is when I sent word to the King.
"Since then, I have seen the clerk with three other men — one posing as a merchant, one as a ship's captain, and one as a tinker. I am no expert in spycraft, but I conclude they are plotting a covert operation where Danian soldiers will arrive dressed in everyday clothes. When they have sufficient numbers, they will seize control of the city from within, then land a larger invasion force."
Matthias/Kristof nodded. "Astute observations. Have they brought in any of those troops?"
"I do not believe so, but it could happen at any moment. Trading ships from Dania make port on an almost daily basis, bringing iron and copper ore for our smelters, along with other goods. They take on grain, as Dania is dependent on Nystria due to lack of arable land and climate, which I am sure you know."
That had been the reason for the most recent war with Dania — they did not like being dependent on Nystria, and Nystria would only trade for ore, which depleted the ore available in Dania for their own needs. That war had not gone well for Dania, as they'd been forced to cede the Isle of Heltland to Nystria in the peace treaty.
"You have done your King and Realm a great service," Matthias/Kristof said.
Randolph retrieved the journal from his safe and handed it to Matthias, who, in turn, handed over a small sack of silver coin provided by King Edward.
"From a grateful King to a loyal subject," Matthias/Kristof declared. "Go about your business now as if nothing has happened. If you should, by chance, hear anything further, find me at the Full Moon Inn."
They shook hands, then Matthias picked up the two tapestries, which would be a gift for Lilia in addition to the porcelain she had requested. He left the back room, nodded to Tristan, and they left the shop, quickly making their way back to the inn. Once there, Matthias related everything Randolph had said, then he and Tristan examined the journal.
"He kept excellent records," Tristan observed. "It will be easy to identify those men, though it appears the ship's captain sailed for Pârsâ three days ago. What's our next step?"
"To see what the others have observed. They'll return here for our mid-day meal. Until then, we should spread some coin around town."
The duo departed, and Matthias spent money in several shops, buying the vase that Lilia had requested as well as other items, including jewelry. Matthias, as Kristof, made a show of being ostentatious and free with his money as befit his cover. At mid-day, he and Tristan returned to the inn to meet the others.
"There is widespread concern about the depth and breadth of the conspiracy that resulted in the deaths of King Ludwig and Prince Alfred," Milos reported. "I think that is to be expected. One person suggested King Edward might have been behind the plot because the Razor Claws and Kranos, both from Fulham, were involved."
"Other people are worried that King Edward's life is at risk," Tyra added, "and they speculate that the true culprits are foreign agents who either coöpted or framed Kranos and the Razor Claws."
All of that made perfect sense to Matthias, and King Edward's life WAS in danger, but not from any foreign power. It was Prince Robert who was the ultimate conspirator, piggybacking on his father's machinations. Matthias believed Prince Robert had the best chance of stabilizing the Realm and leading it to prosperity, and with Miri at Robert's side, Matthias was sure Robert's reign would be just.
"There are two taverns the spies frequent," Matthias said. "We should visit both, one tonight, and one tomorrow. Tyra and Lisette should try to strike up conversations while the rest of us observe to see with whom the men associate. I strongly suspect there are at least one or two female spies, and possibly some Nystrians who have been compromised."
"What about the afternoon?" Milos inquired.
"I think we stay here and drink, though with caution," Matthias replied.
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"My Lady," Jorah announced, "a farmer is here seeking an audience with your Lord husband."
"Do you know what he wants?" Lilia asked.
"He has a dispute over a boundary with a neighboring farm."
"I will see him," Lilia replied. "Please show him in and remain with us."
"Immediately, my Lady."
A minute later, Jorah ushered in a man who Lilia judged to be about her father's age.
"My Lady, this is John, son of James."
"Greetings, John, son of James."
"And to you, my Lady Countess."
"What is it you wish to bring to our attention?"
"My neighbor's pigs are trampling and eating part of my crop. He claims the land is his, and that I have encroached on it."
"Is the land title on file?"
"No, my Lady; my family has farmed the land for generations, and it has never been sold or transferred. The same is true for my neighbor."
"When did his pigs begin entering your land?"
"Last season, my Lady. I spoke to him and thought the problem was resolved, but the pigs have been allowed back, and he is beginning to construct a fence, and means to steal the land."
"How large is the area under dispute?"
"About a hundred paces long and fifteen paces wide."
That was a standard strip of land from before the Peace of King Henry, when peasants had farmed disjoint strips of land. One of the reforms King Henry had introduced was unifying strips and granting the right to farm the larger plots to a single family. Lilia considered the situation for a moment before deciding how to proceed.
"Who has paid the taxes on the disputed portion of the land?"
"My family, for at least four generations, as we have grown crops there since at least my great-grandfather's day."
"Then the answer is simple, Jorah," Lilia said. "The other farmer may present his claim if he posts surety in the amount of one hundred years' taxes on that portion of the land, with no interest charged. Those funds to be paid to John if the dispute is resolved against John. If the other farmer cannot post surety, he cannot lay claim to land for which John and his family have paid taxes. What do you say to that judgment?"
"Very wise, my Lady. Certainly a solution of which your Lord husband would approve."
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