After getting everything squared away with Frederick, also known as 'him destroying my excellent ideas about spy craft, we spent the evening playing circles, a popular board game that Plimgus had kindly brought with him from Yarbeth. It was a fun game, but Fredrick decided to destroy me in that, too.

We sent a message to Malcomp to make sure he returned from Oceanside.. He and his sons would be needed to discuss the future of the county.

Before the third morning bell of the next day, Malcomp and his sons rode into the courtyard with a large contingent of men.

The council room we decided to have our meeting in was one of the smaller chambers in the Plimgus manor—a place likely used by the late baron for private dealings rather than formal meetings. Not that there was much use for formal meetings in Plimgus. It smelled faintly of ash and ink—an odd pairing that fit the mood of the room. The shutters stood wide open to the late-morning sun, casting golden bars of light across the small oak table where Malcomp and I sat. Dust motes drifted lazily in the still air, disturbed only by the soft creak of a servant's boots as he poured cider into three wooden cups.

"I appreciate you coming so quickly," I said to the baron, as the servant filled his cup. "You and your men have done more than your share, and I won't forget it."

Malcomp accepted the drink with a nod of thanks. His sleeves were rolled up past the wrist, and the skin beneath was tanned from months in the field. "What happened in Oceanside is a tragedy for the whole county, my lord. But the season's changing. The fields need tending. We must hurry to stay ahead of it."

"That's exactly why we're meeting," I said, settling deeper into my chair. The aging wood creaked under my weight. "It's time most of the soldiers return to their baronies to assist with spring planting. They're needed at home more than at North Point. Soon, many of them will be marching to Hitub."

"The men without families, though—the ones who volunteered from the villages, could still help in North Point. We already discussed its potential." Fredrick said as he paced around the room. The man couldn't sit still for more than a few minutes at a time, and he often complained that he thought better on his feet.

"And the fact that it is on your land has nothing to do with your eagerness to see it developed."

He shrugged but said nothing.

"Nevertheless, I agree," I said. "The goal is to make North Point self-sustaining. It'll need more than just soldiers; it needs more fields and infrastructure."

Malcomp leaned back. "I also agree. I have been very impressed with the success of that place and look forward to its continued growth. Consolidating troops in one place for training has been very helpful."

Tapping my fingers on the table before glancing at Fredrick. "That leaves us with the matter of the Rabiss prisoners. Eighty-three were willing to lay down thier arms. The rest have been hunted down. I'd like to exchange them for our people taken at Oceanside."

Malcomp raised a brow. "I can see how that would appeal to them, and we do need the people back. Oceanside is the largest contributor of fish in the county. But will eighty-three people be enough?"

"Not just people, warriors," I said, shaking my head. "A Rabiss soldier might be worth two commoners."

Fredrick nodded. "However, that puts it short. Are you prepared to offer them something else?"

"Yes," I admitted. "I'll offer one of the ships if necessary."

That made them both go quiet.

"You're serious?" Malcomp asked, lowering his cup. "Those ships are worth quite a bit."

"So are the lives of my people. I have received word from my shipbuilders. They estimate the cost of the ship being worth the same amount as fifty unskilled slaves in Turabe," I explained. "It hurts, but the remaining ship can cover our needs for the year if we want to start trading, and the wood for a new ship is already being seasoned. I'm not losing sleep over hulls when there are children in chains."

Fredrick tilted his head. "You have something else you're going to try first, don't you?"

I didn't answer directly. I wasn't about to reveal the Jacquard loom or the cotton cloth stockpile I'd been building up.

"I'll throw in some trade goods," I said instead. "Textiles. Enough to make the deal worth their consideration."

Malcomp gave me a slow nod. "You think it'll be enough?"

"I'll make sure it is," I said, standing. "Every one of those people is coming home."

**********

The next week and a half, fifteen days in this world's time, had been nothing short of madness. From first light to fading dusk, the people of North Cove dug, hauled, and sweated, expanding our fields so that they could plant all the excess seeds I had shipped from the south. Not all the fields had been planted, but we were taking a two-day rest period for people to gather for a ceremony for the fallen and a festival.

It turned out to be a bigger event than I thought it would be. Merchants traveled from as far as Malcomp, setting up bland canvas tents and rough wooden stalls to sell their wares at the fairgrounds south of Kerisi. The smell of smoked meats, fried dough, and various alcohols hung in the air. I did not use the remaining applejack for the event. According to some of the prisoners, after the applejack was tasted, every single drop was brought onto the Rabiss ships. If they weren't willing to share the stuff with their men, that meant they considered it valuable. Maybe valuable enough for my people. A novelty drink you cannot find elsewhere. It's got to be worth a lot.

I was distracted from my thoughts by the laughter of village children chasing one another past cart wheels and tables laden with crafts. It was a beautiful reminder of why we fight.

My attention turned back to a sea of faces. Over two thousand people, at least. The platform that had been erected allowed me to see them all. Whether they would be able to hear me was another matter. I was sweating bullets as I prepared to speak to my people, and it wasn't from the heat. I wiped my palms discreetly on my tunic and tried not to fidget.

The nobles and knights sat in chairs at the front of the crowd. I didn't like the segregation, but it was the way the world was. It happened just like that on Earth.

It did give me an opportunity to show off a new invention. I had gotten together with some woodworkers and helped design a folding chair. It wasn't all that practical due to the time it takes to make one compared to a simpler chair, but it was impressive. At least it was to the nobles who got to sit in them. When I finally got North Cove Castle built, I would definitely have a bunch made for all my receptions and scholarly lectures.

Anyways, behind the nobles were the soldiers standing in formation. Not all were able to attend, but there were at least five hundred men and women in the grey gambesons of the NCDF. All of the men held their spears proudly at their sides.

There was gossip about the women standing in uniform behind the men. They wore the gambeson of the military but did not hold spears. The women were mainly support groups for tasks around the camp. By the laws of Falmoren, women were banned from military service. However, we skirted the line by having them trained alongside the fighters in case the camp was attacked. It was a flimsy excuse, but really, I wanted as many of my people trained to defend North Cove as I could get. If we fell under attack, I wasn't going to prevent anyone from taking up arms.

Behind the soldiers were the commoners. Farmers, weavers, carpenters, and children on shoulders. While the first two groups sat or stood solemnly, the third group was rowdy and excited. A buzz emanated from the back of this gathering like an awakened hive.

I straightened my shoulders, forcing myself to be still. If I wanted to be seen as a ruler, I had to look like one. I had to present a regal image to the crowd, I told myself. I began the speech that Benjamin and I had composed.

"Nobles and knights of North Cove County—valiant soldiers, courageous townsfolk, and hardworking hands—today, we stand at the dawn of a new year, victorious. A few weeks past, enemy ships darkened our shores. Raiders captured our people at Oceanside. Lord Plimgus lay in a shallow grave, his son's fate uncertain. While the people of Ocenside were under attack, the vile raiders sought to sweep in from the north and swallow the Barony of Bicman."

I let the silence hang for a heartbeat.

"Yet, we did not bow! Thanks to your courage—our stalwart militia, the unwavering support of every citizen, and the unbreakable spirit of every man, woman, and child— not only did we root the Rabiss from our lands, but we also captured eighty-three warriors and two ships. But most importantly, we have reclaimed the peace that was so nearly stolen!"

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A cheer broke out from the center of the crowd and rolled backwards like thunder. It made me want to smile because I knew that the people in the back probably weren't able to hear my words, but were even more exuberant than those who could. Arms raised, voices rose, and someone near the back let off a blast from a hunting horn. Dang, who thought of that idea? That better not catch on. The clanking of cattle bells at football games in my old world was bad enough. I can't imagine what it would be like if everyone were blowing hunting horns.

After the crowd calmed down, I continued my speech.

"Let me assure you, those who have served this county will not be forgotten. Whether you are noble or peasant, soldier or scribe, you are mine. And I take care of my own."

I saw a few heads tilt forward in approval. The young son of a knight near the front, clutching his father's calloused hand, sat up a little straighter, a look of pride on his face.

"As soon as I was able, I sent a runner to Vaspar with enough gold to send a message all the way to Rabiss. We will offer the offending clan an exchange of their people for ours. The villagers and soldiers of Oceanside will be returned to us."

The crowd erupted, soldiers stomped their spears on the ground in approval. My words were passed back through the people. It seemed to go on forever.

But I didn't mind. I saw the people of North Cove not just with hope on their faces, but also with belief. Belief that I would do whatever it took to reclaim our people.

And that was worth more than any price I had to pay the Rabiss. With that belief, I would raise these people from their simple thought to just endure to a burning desire to thrive.

It took a full five fractions for the noise to settle again.

"With this joy," I said, my voice steadier now, trying to create a more reverent tone, "let us not forget those whom we can never reclaim."

The energy in the crowd cooled. Laughter faded. Hands dropped. Heads turned forward, solemn and still.

"First, I would like to name those brave young men who made it possible for all of us to survive: three members of the Third Company, First Platoon. Rand of Alfer, Greg of Cofi, and Evan of Cofi. These men were responsible for setting off the trap that many soldiers and civilians had worked tirelessly for months to prepare. We lured as many of the raiders into a false base as possible, beneath the floor was a very strong oil. Those men lit the oil and collapsed the floor of the fort. We estimate that half of the raiders burned in that fire. Unfortunately, somehow the three men were caught in the trap and unable to make it down the escape route."

The words stuck in my throat for a breath. I pushed forward

"Their names will be engraved into the wall of remembrance at Bicman. Not merely as soldiers, but as heroes. Their deaths saved hundreds."

I looked out over the crowd, my gaze sweeping slowly across the front rows of solemn people. Many had tears in their eyes. Mothers clutching their children tightly. Men with heads bowed in gratitude for those who had sacrificed for their freedom. I continued in the same subdued tone.

"Along with them, three young men of Pine Grove, our new mining settlement, distinguished themselves. Harvey of Pine Grove died due to an arrow wound after having successfully burned down one of the ships of the raiders with his friends, Dustin and Orvil. Doubtlessly, a contributing factor in the fact that some of the raiders fled the cove."

I did not necessarily want to encourage such acts in young people. That could have gone a lot worse. At the same time, it would be dishonorable to exclude their valor.

After that, I named the scouts and those in Pine Grove who had lost their lives during the attack on the village. I spoke for a moment on what their sacrifice meant.

"The people of North Cove stood when others would've fled. Every one of them laid down their lives, so that the rest of us could live."

The crowds of commoners, who had moments before looked like a chaotic mass of people, now stood almost as straight and still as the soldiers. A picture of solidarity.

"We repelled an attack of over seven hundred armed invaders with a force that by all logic should've been crushed. But we were not. And we will not be. Because of their sacrifice. And because of your resolve."

I raised my head, voice growing again.

"We honor them not just with graves of stone, not just with ceremony, but with how we live. With how we build. With how we guard one another going forward."

"And let us not forget the heroes who never faced battle. The ones who rise before dawn, who till our soil, hammer our walls, haul grain, and sew cloth. Those who labor in silence to feed and protect our people, without recognition, without rest."

I paused, letting the momentum of the moment build, then lifted my fist high into the air.

"Let us not forget the individual sacrifice of every citizen of North Cove who keeps this land strong—not with swords, but with sweat."

I pumped my fist and shouted, "For North Cove!"

I let my final words hang in the air, then stepped back for a moment as the crowd once again exploded. Fists rose like waves. Even the knights and Nobles stood and shouted with the masses.

A chant formed, rolling forward like a battle cry, as people pumped their fists into the air.

"For North Cove!"

"For North Cove!"

Then came shouts with the cacophony that were out of place and out of rhythm. Words that I hoped never made it back to any other noble.

"For the Chosen!"

"For the Descended!"

I cringed at the word that would have gotten those individuals hanged in any other county.

After letting the people settle, I stepped forward, and those with seats took them again.

"We now look to the future," I said, steady but bold. "We prepare so that never again will enemies come for us with such boldness."

I looked over the crowd, hoping my voice would carry over the noise of the gathering.

"Now is a time to expand. With our plows, we will turn the soil and feed our children well. Let the fields of North Cove rival those of any county in the realm. With the ships we captured, we will carry our goods—our grain, our crafts, to distant shores. It will bring prosperity to all of us."

I saw some of the faces of merchants that I had met light up.

"I envision a North Cove where every individual is given an education," I continued. "Where children of farmers, of stonemasons, of soldiers learn letters and numbers. Where scholars from across the world come to both share their knowledge and to learn as well."

I saw eyes widen in the front rows. And whispers roll back through the crowd. This was no longer about building a stronger county. This was about the birth of something unique. Something that each of these people would be remembered for.

"Yes, other nations may one day envy what we build. They may cast their gaze upon our land and long for what they cannot create. But they shall not take it. Let them come."

My voice hardened now.

"We shall raise walls that outlast any siege. We shall forge watchtowers from stone. And armies that dare to test us shall break like waves on the rocks."

"Rise, people of North Cove. There is work to do, and we shall not falter. Let the world look upon us and see the glory of Falmoren!"

With that, I step back one final time and let the crowd cheer.

Frankly, I did not give a crap about Falmoren, and I knew that it would not just be other nations that come for us. The threat would most likely come from within. But let the spies and citizens spread the word of our loyalty so that we don't make waves with the dukes and king.

Next, I handed out pins to members of the families of those who had died. Though I kept a solemn face and gave words of comfort, my insides were twisting into knots. How did commanders in the old world do this? How did they look a grieving mother in the eye and speak of honor, knowing it wasn't her child that she held but a mere token?

I didn't want to do this. I hated doing this. But it had to be done.

No other count would bother with this. I doubted most would remember a farmer's name, much less give their families public recognition. But I wasn't going to be like other lords.

And then came the knighthoods.

With my sword, I knighted Griff and Tarrence. Griff rose as Sir Griff of Cove Village, tasked with overseeing the village-turned-fort and now back to a village. Eventually, I hoped it would grow into North Cove City. That would be the Capital of North Cove, so if he wanted it, I'd make him Governor under me. If not, he'd found a fief of his own.

Tarrence was already well established in Pine Ridge. He was steady and knew how to manage the place. I was glad we had him.

A feast was held that night, and many of the people who lived in the Bicman Barony left to go home, while others stayed overnight. Commoners who had something to sell were the last to leave, trying to catch the last possible sale.

******

I collapsed into the chair at my desk, sighing deeply. "That speech went better than I expected."

Across from me, Benjamin looked over some figures. "With the number of drafts we made," he muttered, "and how many times you practiced in front of your mirror, I had no doubt you'd succeed in rousing the people to action."

"Thank you for your confidence," I said, grinning tiredly.

Leaning forward, I said. "Well, let's go over this week's action plan."

Benjamin opened his day planner. I had given him the idea, and Jacklyn had created it for him. It was three times larger than anyone else would need it to be, but due to Benjamin's poor eyesight, it was absolutely necessary. I was looking forward to being able to create quality glass in the next few years. If we could make glasses, we would be wealthy beyond anything this world had seen. Far richer than any grain-hoarding baron.

"We need to release the news about the disease in Cooper's Mill."

"Yes, I agree. I still feel bad about relocating them right after they planted their field for the experiments, but the ruse won't work without them gone."

"It's the only option," Benjamin said. "The new baron arrives shortly. We cannot risk him discovering what we're doing with the guano."

"No, we can't," I said with a scowl. "It's maddening. I could run both North Cove and Bicman if I didn't have to dance around every stupid noble."

"At least now we know who's making a move on your lands."

"If we could only find a way to turn it to our advantage."

The man who was coming was Count Yarbeth's Nephew. Lord Weston Yarbeth. He would be here soon with his family and a large contingent of his own people from the two fiefdoms he also held. The Barony of Bramber was the northernmost barony in Yarbeth County and held by Weston's father. Plimgus and Malcomp were also people who had initially sworn fealty to Count Yarbeth.

It was not hard to imagine who was trying to rip my lands from me. Due to the new baron coming, we concocted a lie saying that we had put a small settlement near the coast to harvest the bird crap on the cliffs. We were experimenting with it to make fertilizer, but it failed, and many of the people became ill. There had been two deaths in the village, and we blamed it on the guano. We had all the evidence to prove that the guano could make you sick even after being there for a few days near it. Hopefully, spreading this rumor would keep people away. We would keep those past residents in Barum and North Cove and continue to harvest in secret once the word had spread.

Nothing like a good ol' government cover-up.

"Next on the agenda is the Forts along the Nore. So far we-"

A sharp knock interrupted him.

"Enter," I said.

A guard entered, "My Lord, the people of the Mother's Mountain Tribe are here to see you."

I stood, rolling the stiffness from my shoulders.

Turning to Benjamin, I said. Well, it looks like they are ready to leave. Let's go see what they have decided concerning our proposal."

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