A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 76: Day 101
"My Lord, a messenger from the King," Captain Michael announced.
"Show him in, please," Matthias directed.
The messenger was shown in and handed Matthias a folded document with the King's seal holding it closed.
"I am to await a reply, my Lord," the messenger said.
Matthias broke the seal, unfolded the document, and read it.
Robert had not wasted ink on ceremony. Two merchants dead in a fortnight, intimidation spreading into Dal Valley, the Lord Mayor begging for mounted help without saying the words Black Crow aloud. Matthias folded the sheet once, precisely, and felt the old familiar pull: Nystria's problems did not wait for windmills or charters.
"My reply is: 'Yes. We will depart in two days'."
"I will deliver that reply, my Lord. I have the Warrant for you."
The messenger handed Matthias the Royal Warrant, then departed. Matthias summoned Milos and Tristan.
"The King requests members of the Company travel to Southham to deal with a threat from the Black Crows, who are very active there and in Dal Valley."
"Not Wickham?" Milos inquired.
"Sir Godfrey is tasked with handling that at the moment," Matthias replied.
"Given Southham is the most distant major city from Haven, I'm not surprised," Tristan observed. "When do we depart?"
"In two days."
"The entire Company?" Milos asked.
"Everyone except Teresa and Lucas. Is that a concern?"
"Things are well in hand here, so not for me. Tristan?"
"I'll simply need to inform Karl that I won't be available. He is aware that missions for the Company take precedence."
"Do so. That will be a short-term challenge, as I expect the King to sign the Royal Charter for the Nystrian Courier and Security Service. On another note, I'm bringing my father-in-law into service to oversee all of the chartered companies. He'll begin tomorrow, which is why I put off our departure for two days."
"If we're going to be away for an extended period of time, I'll need a second deputy," Milos said. "I propose Terrence; Captain Michael can hire a new man for the Newtown Guard."
"Make it so," Matthias said. "Jorah informed me of six new mill contracts, which means we will have the revenue."
"May I ask about the payment from the King?" Tristan inquired.
"One hundred silver, but we are also authorized by a Royal Warrant to confiscate all goods and property of any Black Crows or anyone supporting them. The King's fee is twenty percent."
"Very lucrative!" Tristan declared.
"Indeed, though we must be just and fair, and be certain in our accusations."
"Matthias," Milos said, "I would like Stefan to ride with us."
"I have no objection; he is your page, so it is up to you. I'd be surprised if you traveled without him. A Knight must have his page!"
"Who else would wipe the Knightly behind?" Tristan asked with a grin.
Milos and Matthias both laughed at the traditional jest about the role of a page.
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"What are these crops, my Lady?" Harold asked Lisette.
"I am no Lady!" she protested. "Call me Lisette, please."
"I beg your pardon; I assumed."