by Aaron Thomas
Bowie now knew how he could tell where everyone one was sleeping; the feathers placed on top. “Who thought of the feathers, Tyler?”
“Well, you did sir. You told us how to tell each other apart by feather rankings. We just figured it was the best way to organize the camp.” Tyler replied.
“Fine job, Tyler. Thanks for seeing to the construction of my tent, but I won’t be using it right now. I’m headed into town to get some supplies. If there is anything that we may need let me hear it.”
“Just the regular provisions sir, food and the equipment we need to fight. The more you get of that, the better. The men were excited about having their own bows, and possibly a horse.”
Bowie laughed, “I’m a pretty good negotiator, but I doubt I'll be able to get horses. I’ll do my best to get all the supplies we need in one town. I was told that we need soap.”
“That woman! She cannot stop complaining for one minute! I cannot believe she actually requested soap.” Tyler had taken most of the trip driving Auburn’s cart so Bowie was sure he had received a tongue lashing while on the road. “No sir, we have some, and I’ll have the men use it just as soon as she learns to say THANK YOU!” Tyler stalked off in the opposite direction of Auburn.
Bowie rubbed his forehead and wondered why he even bothered. Charger was unsaddled and being brushed down by a man that Bowie couldn’t remember the name of. He barely knew anyone in his charge and he knew that would be something he would have to change. He swallowed a lump in his throat. He didn’t even know the names of those that would be fighting and dying under him.
Without looking up, he passed a soldier walking into town. He needed to get as many supplies as he could before sundown. It was not a long walk into town, he could probably shoot an arrow at his maximum distance twice before hitting the short stone wall surrounding it. It felt good using his legs after such a long ride. Bowie knew he had many more days in the saddle and decided to enjoy walking as much as possible.
The town smelled a bit like home, the only difference was a greater smell of pine in the air. Townsfolk walked around talking and waving at one another, though they only nodded or stared at him as he passed. No one spoke to the young stranger as he strolled lightly down the town’s roads. He made an attempt to say hello to a couple of young girls to ask about supplies, but a large man sharpening a knife stood up from his stool. He thought it was better to tip his hat and continue on.
He put a few steps between himself and the front stoop of the man’s home and began to wonder why that had happened, people had always liked Bowie. He looked down and saw his flashy green jacket and silk shirt underneath. He knew why now. To everyone there he was just some kid out in the world for the first time to spend his inheritance. To them he was just there to buy up their wine, and buy pretty things for any young daughters they might have. Someone that didn’t know the worth of money. If he was to get anywhere in this town he would have to change how they viewed him, and he would have to start by getting rid of his jacket.
Bowie took the jacket from his shoulders and carried it in his hand. He looked all over the town to find a fletcher but found none. Instead, he located a trailer, a couple taverns, blacksmith, quartermaster, and a general store. Bowie decided he better start gathering some general supplies and get more information from the shopkeeper on leads for fletching supplies.
Before entering the shop he noticed a red haired girl walking in the street behind him. She was a ways back but he recognized her as Auburn. He cursed under his breath. She was supposed to stay and organize the fletchers. He had business to conduct and had no time to deal with her. He ducked inside the shop and found himself lost in a sea of goods.
Shelves lined the store each in their own section, flour, beans, tools, furs, arrows, knives, and every other supply one would need. Bowie was so taken in by the large shop at first that he didn't notice the two guards at every doorway in the store. Each was twice his size and carried a cudgel. These men were fit with skin tight over layers of muscles. Each looked Bowie over as if they were sizing him up. None of the men reeked of alcohol, which was the first indication of a poor guard. These men were well paid and probably good at doing their job.
A man came out of the back room at the sound of Bowie closing the door. “Good day lad, how can I help you? We have some traveling supplies back in this corner, or some sweets if you’d rather?”
Bowie took off his hat and held out his hand for a shake to the man he assumed was the owner of the shop. “Good day, I’m Sergeant Crescent. I am the leader of a forward party of our lord, King Atmos. I am in need of information and some supplies for my brigade.”
“A bit young to be in charge of men, don’t ya think lad?”
Bowie had gotten this before, only that he was too young to be a master fletcher, “I sometimes can’t believe it myself. Is there a fletcher in this town? My troop is mostly archers, yet the king has a shortage of bows and arrows. We need supplies to make arrows and need to outfit men with bows.”
“Well, there was a fletcher, but I bought all his supplies and he started working for me. You see, I don’t just sell supplies here in town, I sell all the supplies in town. So if you need bows you’ll be buying them from me. They are six silver a piece, and I’ll give you a good price on some arrows as well. I do have a small supply of Crescent arrows if you're in the market for the finer items.”
“I can make Cresent arrows if needed.” Bowie was hoping the shopkeeper would catch his hint but his eyes glazed over it. “Don’t you think that six silver is a bit steep for a bow? I bought a horse at the last town for that much.”
The man laughed and slapped his belly, “Lad, it would be steep if it was that town. You see, this is my town and I control the prices. Besides, that is the sale price, and you're going to give me that fine hat of yours as trade to keep it the sale price.” Two of the guardsman chuckled behind Bowie. He had to admit that he was not as good of a businessman as this fellow, but he still needed supplies. With the prices at this shop, his coin wouldn’t last a day. Bowie carefully placed his hat back on his head.
Bowie smiled, “I think I will be keeping the hat. You know my name and I’ll guarantee that I can make you more Crescent arrows in exchange for a better sale price. I am sure we could work out a deal here. I will be needing a large amount of supplies if you are looking to unload quite a bit of your shelves and fill your pockets.” He would have to make the arrows to exchange himself, but it would hopefully give him an advantage to getting the supplies needed.
The man chuckled still looking at Bowie’s hat, “My boy, I’m surprised you have never heard of me. My name is Ramos. I have spent a great deal of time building up my reputation and my business. I set the prices, I control the inventory, and I keep the town running. If you want to get supplies you will pay what I ask and not a copper less. I promise you that you won’t find the supplies you will be needing for leagues, because I already bought out the next town over. You see, I also own the next two towns in any direction this side of the river.” The big man reached up to rub his chin and smiled, “Let me try on the hat and see if it is my size.”
“Good day, sir.” Bowie said and walked out the door. He hoped the man would stop him from leaving, but Ramos held his ground and didn't offer any additional sales.
Outside, Bowie saw Auburn standing by a window looking in. She walked slowly past Bowie and into the shop he had just left. She had a mischievous look in her eye and gave Bowie a smirk before she disappeared through the door.
He had come up empty handed in his scheme to get the supplies he needed. He was thinking on an empty stomach and was tired of meals on the road. Bowie knew the local inn would have a decent meal cooking. He straightened his hat and started looking for the closest one.
**********
Auburn strolled through the door as the two thugs stared at her. She wasn’t sure if they were trying to make sure she didn't swipe something or if they wanted to court her. She did her best to ignore t
heir eyes as she lightly ran her fingers over some of the cooking utensils. A man with a thick beard and large belly came out from around a shelf carrying a piece of parchment and charcoal. She knew he must be taking inventory, her father use to do the same thing.
“Hello, young lady. Are you in the market for a new cook pot?” He said looking at her strangely.
“Not for my self, no. The man in the hat is in charge of all the money. I was just trying to make sure he bought the right items. What is it he purchased?” She asked in the sweetest voice she could muster.
The large man chuckled, “The young lordling didn’t purchase anything. I tried to offer him the sale price for his hat but he refused to take it. He wouldn’t know a good bow if it was used to shoot him.” He smiled a big smile while still eyeing her strangely. “Do I know you?”
“I don’t think so, my father lives in Cambridge. He’s the fletcher there. I’ve lived my life there, but the king enlisted me to supply his army with arrows. I am now under the command of Master Crescent, the “lordling”, as you call him. He is in charge of the king's archers. Which is strange that he didn't buy anything. He bought as much as he could in my town.”
The man chuckled again, this time so hard his belly shook. “I am sorry, I was trying to figure out who your parents were. Now I see it. Your father refused to sell me his wares years ago. It makes no difference. The lordling didn’t buy anything, but if he really is the master fletcher, why would he? I offered him the bows for six silver a piece. If he was Master Crescent he could just make his own.”
“Master Crescent doesn’t make bows. He makes arrows and strings. It’s a shame you didn’t sell him anything, after all the king is off to war.”
“What does the king going to war have to do with me?”
She smiled, “Well, I didn’t see it at first but the lordling saved my town by buying everything he could. He arrived a few days before the king’s army and bought supplies for his troop. He scooped up every item his men could use, from bows and armor to cook pots and spices. He left town just as the king arrived. As soon as the king arrived he demanded everything left in in the name of the commonwealth. He took every able bodied man and every bit of supplies he needed for his army. He said it was to protect the country from the Fire Realm.”
“How did that save your village?”
“Everyone was paid a fair price for their items instead of it being taken from them. The king didn’t have any idea that they had just sold their items off. The army still got what they needed, but so did the village. At least they will be able to buy food in the winter instead of being left with no supplies or money. After all, when the king was finished, he started gathering all the people that had skills to help with the army. My father isn’t in good health so I offered to come in his place. Most of the people in town were able to buy their way out of the king's service by offering him gold instead. I was the only one that had to leave the town. We were low on supplies from Springfest. Master Crescent didn’t purchase much from us because his arrows are of much better quality, so I had to come to help. So you see, Master Crescent saved my town.”
The large man considered her words and scratched his hairy chin, “I see.”
“Well, I have heard great things about your store here. I just wanted to see if for myself. Thank you so much for keeping me company. You have some fine wares here.” She curtsied and gave a wave of fingers to the burly guards. She ran her fingers over a purple dress by the front window as she walked out the door. Before the door closed she looked over her shoulder watching the big man still scratching his beard where she had left him.
She wondered where Bowie had gone. She was glad to see he didn’t give away all the troop’s pay for his own whims. She stopped a pair of kids playing with sticks, “Have you seen a lord in a fancy coat and a black hat?” They both pointed across the road to an inn. She thanked them and went into the front room of the inn. He was there sitting at a table, hat sitting on the back of the chair as he ate a plate of food. “May I sit?”
“Are you going to yell at me?”
She smiled, ”No.” Bowie didn’t look up from his plate to see it so she sat down. “You look troubled.”
Bowie’s plate was half gone and he didn’t seem to care to eat the rest of it. “I thought if I got far enough away from the king I might be able to make this rabble into something. I thought that I could give them a fighting chance. I can’t afford to eat the food on this plate, let alone get supplies for my troop for the rest of the night.” He dropped the spoon onto the plate and a bit of gravy splashed off.
“It’s not your fault, at least you use that thing between your ears for something besides trying to find the next fight and ale. You should be proud of that. Besides, you never know what will happen that might change our luck for the better.”
“Or for the worse.” She now saw him looking directly back into her eyes. They didn’t say anything to each other as she was brought a plate of roast. He ate in silence as she complained about the speed at which they had traveled and how uncomfortable it had been. She complained that the fletchers on the ride had no talent in making arrows, bows, or strings. She wondered how much Bowie actually heard of her ramblings as he pushed around the meat and potatoes on his plate.
Finally he spoke, “I must be going. I have a troop arriving that will need direction. Thanks for sitting with me.” He wiped his face with a napkin and snatched up his hat while she was still mid-sentence of her ramblings. She wondered how many different places his mind had wandered in the few moments they shared.
She had been sure he was out to get glory and honor. After all, that is what all young lordlings seemed to be after. Then he gathered the troop’s money and yet he surprised her by not spending it until he could get what he needed for a good price. Now she knew he was truly worried about his troops. She smiled to herself, she would have to be nicer to him.
**********
Bowie turned his problem over and over in his mind. He knew he wouldn’t be able to make it to the next town without the supplies he needed. Bowie tried to think about what his father would do.
His dad always said ‘Problems are like cows. You can’t cut the whole cow at once. You have to cut away one piece at a time.’ So that is what he started to do. His first problem was he needed to feed his men. He tried to figure out the best way to get them something to eat. By the time he arrived back at the now forming camp, he had a plan.
“Tyler, gather everyone in. I need to talk to them.”
Bowie found a cart and got up on top. He matched Tyler’s callings and tried to gather everyone to him. Everyone stopped putting up tents and forming fire pits and moved to him with tools still in hand. Even Ria came out of her wagon and came to see what all the commotion was about.
“Everyone, give me a second to speak. unfortunately there is one person in town that is making sure all supplies are saved for the king himself. He seeks to make a big profit off of his supplies and wanted to sell me a bow for six silver.” The mention of the price caused most of the men to start cursing and talking amongst themselves.
“I was unable to even get supplies to help feed you. I chose not to spend all our money to get us through the night. Which means we are going to have to fend for ourselves out here. Is there anyone with tracking experience?”
A few raised their hands.
“Move over there and start a rank please.” The men moved over and stood side by side. “Tyler, I want you to find the best archers we have and split them evenly between the trackers, at least two archers each. I want one of the fletchers in each of the groups. Give each one a direction and send them out to get us some meat. Trackers, if you find berries or any other wild plant that we can eat, have the fletchers pick them and send them back to camp. The rest of you get started helping each other set up tents. I want sleeping arrangements made for the next bunch off the ferry. Everyone do your best, the others should arrive by morning.”
Bowie jumped down and
the men doubled their efforts as they went about their assigned tasks. Tyler moved through the camp as trackers lead their group into the trees. Ria approached Bowie with a smile.
“What can I do to help, Sargeant?”
Bowie had completely forgotten about her, not that he would have asked her to help at all. He was perfectly fine with her doing whatever it was that she did in her cart.
“No ma’am, I wouldn’t ask you to burden yourself. I will see if we can get some food to you as soon as our men return with the hunt.”
“Master Crescent, I am part of this troop now and I can do my share. What is it you prefer, fruit or flour?”
He took a second to think of her question. “Whichever takes less effort to feed the amount of people we have.”
Ria moved to an empty space in the camp where a fire circle was being put together. She searched around in a pouch on her waist and examined a few small seeds. After finding the one she was searching for she pushed the seed into the moist soil and uncorked her water skin. As she began pouring the water, a small plant stretched out of the finger-sized hole. It grew to shoulder height before it stopped.
“Wake me when the food arrives, I’ll be resting in my wagon. See that I’m not disturbed until then.”
“Wait. What type of plant is this?” Bowie asked.
She smiled at him with a motherly smile, “Apple.”
Bowie started to cheer up a bit. Soon he would have meat and apples for his troops. Things were starting to look up.
Chapter 6 - Stockboy
Chit was beginning to think that being sliced up was better being hit with training swords. He was beaten and left bruised by the splintering wood. When he was training with Captain Lorusk he was cut and healed each time. The end of the day had come and he could barely move.