Page 9 of These Violent Delights

Taking Stock

They had approachedthe castle from the back way yesterday.She could see the village from the main gate, and it was an easy walk.She chose to ride, of course, since it was easier to outrun predators that way.They also brought the steward, two soldiers, and a sheep cart with them.

Thanks to the ravenous briar wolves, they were low on battle rams; yet another thing she would be adding to her shopping list.

It was market day, and colorful stalls and carts lined the main street, making it easy to stock up on essentials.

Because of her careful study of the ledgers, she had an excellent idea of local prices.She made arrangements for everything they couldn't immediately transport to be delivered.

The steward hired a housekeeper and maid, and Zelda found a street vendor selling delicious grilled meat and hired him on the spot to come and cook twice a week.She chose another man to come in two days a week and a woman to fill in for the other three.She planned to let them compete and then choose the best of the lot.

The grasslands economy was heavily dependent on herds, and wealth was measured in how many cattle you had.As a result, there were many things for sale made of wool, including clothes, rugs, blankets, and bags, all of exceptional craftsmanship.

The crochet applique was three-dimensional and looked like real flowers.She examined the bag closely and could not figure out how it was done.“This is beautiful.Do you ever export these?”

“It's been tried.Too dangerous, what with bandits and wild beasts,” the merchant woman grouched.“Are you going to buy that?”

Zelda ignored her rudeness.“How long does it take to make one of these?And did you dye the yarn yourself?The color is extraordinary.”

The woman thawed a little.“It's lichen-dyed.I also use moss, mushrooms, and roots.The red one is from beetles.”

Zelda did buy the bag and arranged to get samples of the dye and the colored yarn.She was building a catalog of possible items for export.They would need reliable trade routes for the castle to truly flourish.

There was some sturdy metalwork, but nothing truly exceptional.Carved bone jewelry, pottery, leather goods.If she wanted any luxuries, she was going to have to import them.That would require safe trade routes...She sighed.These things took time.

“You again!”a shrill voice said accusingly.Lady Divine was back, and this time she had friends.Unfortunately, the young ladies looked as vapid and silly as the lady herself.

Judging by their over-decorated clothes, Lady Divine was at the peak of local fashion.What a pity.

Zelda pondered her.She must thank her uncle for taking her away to raise her.Clearly, it had been the right choice.“Did you want something, or were you attempting to play top of the heap again?”She glanced at the castle.“The castle is that way.Tell it to unearth the wine cellar.I'm going to need to store these casks somewhere.”She waved a hand at the sheep cart.“I'll even give you a cask if you can manage it.”

Lady Divine's eyes narrowed.“Do you think you can just move in here and lord it over everyone?I've been here from the beginning.I'm the lord's daughter!Everyone knows that I belong in the castle.”

Zelda thought she actually was Lord Zxa's illegitimate daughter, and she wasn't going by the birthmark that may or may not have been drawn on.

Zelda had asked the steward about it.He had reluctantly admitted that Lady Divine's personal maid had revealed under torture the intimate details of her lady’s cycle and the dates of her cheating.The maid had sworn that the child belonged to Lord Zxa.

Of course, her father was married to Zelda's mother at the time.Since it would be awkward to kill his pregnant mistress, he cast her aside instead.

Lady Divine's mother floated around for a bit and then settled in the village after Lord Zxa died.A beauty, she managed to snare a rich guy.They got married, and she gave him two sons.

The fact remained, however, that Lady Divine had no power over the castle.That alone would be enough for the villagers to spurn her.Combined with her mother's infidelity, it would make her a non-starter for Lady of the castle.Which made her behavior...

“Dog in the manger!”Zelda snapped her fingers, putting a finger on Lady Divine's bizarre crusade.“Can't eat the hay, but doesn't want anyone else to have it.”

Lady Divine turned purple.She looked like a ripe grape about to explode.

Her flock of young songbirds twittered, unsure what to do.

“Zelda.Mount up.”Uncle Tank’s voice cut through the petty conversation like a brick through glass.He was looking into the distance, his eyes following a line of riders.

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