20 A Plot Uncovered and a Census. (1/2)
The following events unfolded in quick succession the duke had his meetings, after that there was a small feast. Where Galahad gifted the Duke a copy of one of his ancestor's books called The Occitan Invasion of Boreia and its demographic changes. The next morning the Duke and most of his men left. But he left behind a ”small group” of servants to take care of his grandson. A week later Galahad was having a walk around the town before his steward Karlos appeared and said with a smile.
”Sire, great news. The harvest is finished. While I wouldn't suggest organizing a Harvest festival quite yet. I do think it would be a great idea for the autumn season. Also, I did an inventory check on our wheat and ale. Thanks to the plentiful harvest we have more than enough wheat for our needs and our brewery can produce more than enough ale in exchange for wheat so our water issues are also solved for now. But I would still ask your brother to come up with a solution the buying of Ale is a constant drain on our finances.”
Galahad nodded and responded.
”This is great news and I do agree to host a harvest festival in autumn. As for the water idea, I will ask my brother what he can do. In the other hand I am getting slightly worried about the lessening yields in the inner farms any idea on why is it happening?”
Karlos looked towards Galahad and asked.
”Em, what did you plant in the last year's spring season?”
Galahad looked at him and responded.
”Well, nothing there was the whole recovery thing but the season before I took over we had wheat.”
Karlos nodded and then asked.
”So you have been planting only wheat here?”
Galahad shrugged and said.
”I don't know.”
Karlos looked slightly worried and then asked.
”What about the livestock?”
Galahad looked and responded
”Oh, we have mostly located them near Gragon where they are safer. I don't think there was much livestock before the rebuilding but we never did a census or anything.”
Karlos sighed heavily and asked.
”So you are telling me that this land has only had one crop farmed for how long? and barely any pastures for the longest time.”
Galahad shrugged and said.
”Well I don't know but maybe we can ask a long time serf.”
Karlos nodded and asked.
”What about Martin or Ludwig?”
Galahad shook his head and said.
”Martin is far too young and Ludwig is a hunter so he probably wouldn't notice any irregularities. So hm... how about Henry the guy in his forties which goes to the church of Lados every day?”
Karlos raised his eyebrow and asked.
”How do you even, know him?”
Galahad shrugged and said.
”There were only twelve guys alive after the goblin ordeal I got acquainted pretty well with all of them. He is the oldest of the survivors, he was born here, and was a farmer. I don't think there is a man better equipped to answer your queries.”
Karlos nodded and said.
”Do you know where he lives?”
Galahad thought for a moment and said.
”No, but I am sure that Martin does and he should be at the barracks.”
Karlos nodded, and they quickly headed off. Five minutes later they were in front of a really long peasant house. A more apt description is six slightly better-made peasant houses all stuck together. In front of the Barracks, there was a small courtyard with training dummies.
After they headed inside. A tall man stood up and said with respect.
”Greetings my lord, If I may ask why are you here?”
Galahad looked at him and said.
”I am looking for Sergeant Martin any idea of where he is?”
The man nodded and said.
”Yes, he is in patrol duty he should be back in half an hour.”
Galahad nodded and said
”We shall wait then”
Half an hour later Martin together with another fellow returned when noticing Galahad they both gave a small bow.
Galahad nodded and asked.
”Martin do you know where Henry is from the Survivors?”
Martin nodded and said.
”It is the second house in the left of the Temple of Lados. You can't miss it. There is a small religious Icon of Lados above his door frame. Making it stand out from the rest of the houses nearby.”
Galahad nodded and said.
”Thanks, I will be in my way then. Ah, and can you send me a list of your patrol routes?”
Martin nodded and said.
”Yes, My Liege.”
Galahad nodded and said.
”I will take my leave now.”
After another five minutes, they reached the small house.
Karlos knocked and quickly after a plain chubby woman in her thirties opened the door.
She bowed and said.
”Greetings Sire and Mister Karlos how may I be of use?”
Galahad said softly.
”Miss, we are looking for your husband do you know where he is?”
The woman nodded and said.
”Oh, he is in the back doing some repairs. Give me a second.”
The woman then headed to the back of the house and shouted.
”HENRY WHAT HAVE YOU DONE NOW? WHY IS THE LIEGE HERE? WHERE YOU DRUNK AGAIN? TELL ME DID YOU DO SOMETHING ILLEGAL? IF NOT WHY WOULD THE LIEGE LOOK FOR YOU?”