25 January 1124

　　Winter had well and truly set in. It rained constantly. Margery`s family were confined to the cottage, though Rachel`s departure lightened the mood and made it slightly less crowded. Margery quite enjoyed the confinement but poor William bounced off the walls like a caged animal.

　　With little to do outside, Margery and her remaining siblings pestered the Foreigner to teach them how to read and write. Margery was the most diligent student and raced ahead of the others, though William stubbornly struggled to keep up and excelled at Matilda`s lessons, particularly numbers. Elizabeth didn`t mind either way and was just happy to spend quality time with the family.

　　They practiced writing by drawing with their fingers in the cottage`s dirt floor. In less than a week they`d memorised the letters of the alphabet and could spell out each family member`s name when quizzed. They loved the lessons and while Margery focussed on learning ever more complicated words, William had already started multiplication.

　　The Foreigner`s Book was in high demand and the family were placed on a strict rotation policy. Margery used her time to stare at new words and sound each one out loud, driving everyone insane with her endless mumbling. William spent his time looking at the Book`s pictures which only fuelled his annoyingly endless stream of questions. Elizabeth spent her time focussed on the Book itself, flipping through the pages and wondering what the tree that produced it might`ve looked like.

　　"We can try making paper when the rain clears up," Matilda promised her. "Then you can bind it into a book of your own. That`ll make our writing lessons easier, particularly if Ma and I can make some inks."

　　To further break up the winter monotony, Matilda also taught a series of new crafts and activities to help around the house. Each morning started with Matilda`s bizarre routine of strange full-body stretches followed by mock fights. She showed Pa designs for sturdier tools using metal from Matthew and taught Margery how simple wooden buttons could fasten clothing.

　　One rare sunny afternoon, Matilda took William to her secretive cave in the forest and returned with a bag of exotic plant seeds which she used to teach Elizabeth how to cultivate seedlings in the warmth of the cottage. Greenery soon sprouted from every available space.

　　Margery especially appreciated that the Foreigner devoted particular attention to Ma, who struggled most with winter malaise and adjusting to life without Mama and her eldest daughter. Matilda first tried teaching Ma new recipes. The family benefitted from mouth-watering delicacies but Ma remained a wreck. Margery hinted that textiles were Ma`s great passion and it was only when Matilda discussed making an improved loom and long-lasting dyes that Ma finally forgot that she hadn`t heard from Rachel since the wedding.

　　Although they`d lost Rachel, Matilda had quickly become a part of their clan. She joked with them over family meals, helped out with chores and showed appropriate levels of scandal when listening to the scarce village gossip. She was thoroughly more enjoyable to be around than Rachel had ever been. Margery thought it was the best winter ever.

　　Although normally full of energy and willingness to help, Margery noticed that the Foreigner`s mind was often elsewhere. She regularly needed questions to be repeated or stared off into nothingness. The cause of her silent musings was revealed as the family sat down for their meal on yet another dreary morning.

　　"I`ve been thinking about the Miller," Matilda raised in an overly casual tone as she ladled a bowl of porridge. "I think I`ve got a plan."

　　Margery stiffened in her chair. The Foreigner knew of Margery`s friendship with Henry yet persisted with her crusade against the Millers. Margery wished Matilda would just let it go.

　　Pa lay down his spoon and interrupted her with a sigh, "Not this again?"

　　"I know," Matilda continued. "You can`t risk Arnold blocking your access to flour. But isn`t it ridiculous that a single man can hold the entire village hostage when there`s another mill lying in ruins? That he can live a life of luxury, barely lifting a finger, while everyone else lives on meagre rations? Holford deserves better."

　　Margery had heard it all before. She scoffed the last of her watery porridge before fleeing the cottage without a word.

　　The Miller`s house was nestled by the stream that ran through the village. It was nicest building in Holford, meticulously crafted by Stowey stonemasons generations earlier and its roof tiled by Timothy Potter. Only the brewery was bigger.

　　Margery raced there to find Henry and knocked on the door, feeling self-conscious standing before such a grand building. As always.

　　She prayed that Henry would open the door rather than any of his miserable family. Margery and Henry often bemoaned their two wicked sisters but at least the rest of Margery`s family were pleasant. Henry wasn`t so lucky.

　　Margery`s prayers were answered.

　　"Oh, hi," Henry said simply. "Wasn`t expecting you today. It`s raining."

　　"I know," Margery said impatiently, pulling him outside and towards Arnold`s warehouse. "Quick, I`ve got to tell you something."

　　Henry followed and sat upon the sacks of grain as Margery closed the door behind them.

　　"Matilda`s up in arms about your Da again," she blurted.

　　Henry looked up at her dumbly. "Oh, I thought you might want to try kissing again."

　　"Not now Henry. Trouble`s afoot."

　　Henry looked disappointed. "Well, what`s she up to?"

　　Margery paused, feeling sheepish. "I didn`t stay long enough to listen. But she`s been worked up for days. Your Da`s antics during Mama`s funeral really bothered her. She`s going to do something."

　　"She can`t do anything," Henry replied with certainty. "No-one`s brave enough to mess with Da."

　　"I don`t know Hen. This woman doesn`t play by the normal rules."

　　"But what can we do? Da`s already in a foul mood today. He won`t listen if we say something`s just going to happen."

　　Henry was right. Margery paused again.

　　"Ok, let`s go hear what she`s thinking. Surely your Da will appreciate some warning."

　　Henry looked hesitantly at the rain but followed Margery outside. The pair were halfway home when Margery caught a glimpse of red hair also darting through the rain, followed closely by her little brother.

　　"Quick, over here!" Margery whispered, dragging Henry behind a hedge as William knocked on their neighbour`s door. "Sneak up and see what they`re up to."

　　Henry looked unconvinced but Margery pushed on anyway. She shuffled from cover to cover, hiding behind hedges, barrels and fences. Henry made too much noise but they eventually got close enough to listen.

　　"&but surely you want things to change? You just said how much he`s taken from you. Shouldn`t we try stopping him?"

　　"It`s a noble undertaking but he`s a cruel man, plain and simple. I wish you luck but I want no part in it."

　　Margery heard a door slam shut.

　　"That`s two now," William told Matilda. "They`ll all agree with you but no-one`s brave enough to challenge him."

　　"Come on Will," Matilda pleaded. "We`ve got to try."

　　The pair ran back into the rain and onto the next house. Margery followed behind, taking care to remain unseen.

　　William knocked at the next door. "Hello Beatrix, sorry to bother you. This is Matilda, she`s helped out with the harvest and wanted to ask you some questions."

　　Beatrix eyed the Foreigner warily. "Yes?"This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

　　"I`m concerned about Arnold Miller and want to bring an end to his unsavoury practices."

　　Widow Beatrix happily told Matilda about her experiences with the Miller, down to the exact amounts of flour he`d taken over the previous three harvests. But she clammed up the instant Matilda asked for help.

　　"Nope, won`t do that. A corrupt miller is still better than grinding wheat by hand."

　　Matilda thanked the Widow and resolutely continued to the next houses. She got a long list of evidence but only Matthew Smith and Pa agreed to join her and William to confront Arnold.

　　Margery listened as the group discussed their plan of attack and Pa urged once more that Matilda let the matter lie. She considered him briefly before shaking her head and marching off towards the mill. The men cursed and ran after her.

　　Margery and Henry followed, running into the yard as Arnold exited the mill. William acknowledged their arrival with a surprised look.

　　"Morning Arnold," Matilda started glibly.

　　"What do you want?"

　　Margery felt Henry cringe beside her at seeing his Da already riling up. He was well acquainted with the man`s temper.

　　"Just a friendly chat," Matilda replied sunnily. "I`ve compiled a detailed account of the villagers` takings from the fields. And the fees you charged each of them." She held up her Book with a flourish. "As expected, things didn`t quite add up when I ran the numbers. You`re taking much more than you should."

　　"I take what I`m entitled to," Arnold replied petulantly.

　　"I don`t believe that. Numbers don`t lie."

　　"Well, what are you going do?" the Miller challenged. "You`re not even from here, why do you care?"

　　"I loathe bullies," Matilda replied with a shrug. "Tell me, does the Baron know? I`m sure he still makes a tidy profit but is he aware of the scale of your greed? Does he know how much more he could be getting from the villagers?"

　　"I pay more than I ought to."

　　"Hmm, we`ll see. Baron Walter owes me a favour and I`ll be sure to raise this issue with him. Unless I can have your word that things will change around here, of course."

　　Matilda let the words hang and Arnold paused in thought. With a silent look, Margery asked Henry if Matilda had done enough. He shook his head just as the Miller`s expression hardened.

　　"The fees are what they are. They`re not up for negotiation. Not that it`ll matter to your lot," he said, gesturing to Pa and William. "I won`t be dealing with you again and if others don`t like it then they can try going elsewhere too."

　　"Oi!" Matthew shouted, "That`s not fair!"

　　"Be reasonable Arnold," Pa implored coolly.

　　The Miller sneered as he turned back to the mill.

　　"Holford is united," Matilda bluffed. "Lose one and you`ll lose them all."

　　"Ha! I`ll take my chances," the Miller called over his shoulder as he returned to work.

　　"That`s unfortunate," Matilda responded calmly. "I`d hoped he`d want to avoid this but I guess there`s no option. Come William, time to see the Baron."

　　The pair strode off in the direction of Stowey.

　　"Are we really going to see the Baron?" William asked excitedly.

　　"Yep."

　　"And he really owes you a favour?"

　　"Yep."

　　The rest of the group were rooted in shock and Matilda had disappeared around a nearby building before any of them moved.

　　"Shit, I don`t think she`s joking," Matthew said, tugging at Pa`s arm. "We should stop them before this gets out of hand."

　　The men ran off.

　　"Should we follow?" Margery asked Henry.

　　"I dunno. Da looked pretty mad."

　　A sense of adventure seized Margery. "But Hen, do you think she`s really going to see the Baron? In his castle?"

　　Henry hesitated. "You go. I`ll make sure Da`s alright."

　　Margery didn`t argue and ran off in pursuit, leaving her friend standing alone. She caught up with the group as they entered the forest. Margery heard William`s endless questions from a mile away.

　　"Margery?" Pa noted with interest. "What are you doing here? Where`s Henry?"

　　"Back with Arnold. I couldn`t miss this!"

　　Margery joined the group, listening in awe as Matilda batted away every concern or objection. They were halfway to Stowey when they heard running.

　　"Come to talk some more?" Matilda asked with genuine interest as Arnold and Henry came into view.

　　"I don`t know what you`re hoping to achieve here, woman," Arnold huffed as he caught his breath. "Cease this foolishness and be on your way. The damned family can keep using my mill."

　　Matilda thought for a second.

　　"No. Not good enough."

　　She turned and resumed walking.

　　To everyone`s surprise, Arnold vaulted forward and grabbed Matilda from behind, childishly trying to restrain her.

　　Matilda`s response was equally unexpected. The moment the man touched her, she dropped to one knee and used the momentum of his large frame to pull him effortlessly over her shoulder and fling him to the ground. She pinned him down with her forearm tightly across his throat.

　　The group`s shouts of concern quickly transformed to amazement.

　　"Touch me again and you`ll wish you were dead," Matilda hissed.

　　The Miller stopped struggling.

　　"Good. Now, you`ve proven to be the slimy weasel I`d expected. It`s time someone put you back in your place. Scurry home, little ferret."

　　With a shove, Matilda pushed herself to her feet and casually resumed walking. William trotted after her while the others stared in shocked silence. Matilda wasn`t ten yards away when Arnold called out.

　　"No!" he cried, pushing himself from the ground. He followed after them again, not even bothering to brush himself off. "I won`t let some woman drag my name through the mud."

　　"You`ve done that yourself," Matilda said. "But suit yourself. It`ll be fun to hear what Walter has to say to you."

　　The mood was tense as the group continued towards Stowey. Margery fell in line with Henry and greeted him with a bewildered smile. Arnold walked alone at the rear of the group, muttering to himself.

　　They arrived at the town and headed straight for the castle. Their tense party drew strange looks as they traipsed up the castle hill but no one interrupted them.

　　Margery had never been inside the castle and was filled with anxious excitement. She couldn`t believe that Matilda had the nerve to just stroll up to the guard and was let through without breaking stride.

　　Margery soaked in the sights as they raced through the castle. Five of the most magnificent horses she`d ever seen stood unused in the stable and the stone buildings were finer than any in Holford. Even the Miller`s house looked shabby in comparison.

　　The Foreigner strode confidently up the keep staircase without a care in the world.

　　"Hello again Grumpy," she said with surprising familiarity to the surly guard. "I`m here to see the Baron. Is Sir Phillip in?"

　　Margery was amazed by her casual tone and even more so when the Castellan actually appeared. Sir Phillip was legendary around the region for his valour while serving the King and for being the Baron`s righthand man. Margery had only ever seen him from a distance.

　　He greeted the Foreigner with a big smile and a friendly embrace.

　　"So good to see you again! We thought you`d left for good. The bag of clothes you left made for an odd parting gift."

　　"I ran into some unexpected troubles," Matilda replied cagily.

　　"I pray it was nothing too great."

　　"I`ve mostly recovered," Matilda reassured. "I`ve been helping with the harvest in nearby Holford and seek an audience with Walter on a related matter. Is he in?"

　　"Locked away in his study but I`m sure he`ll excuse an interruption for his prodigal physician."

　　The Castellan welcomed the group, ushering them inside and out of the cold. They gathered around the hearth of the biggest fireplace Margery had ever seen. It warmed her in an instant and she gawked around at the cavernous interior of the keep as they waited.

　　"Lady Matilda,` Sir Phillip eventually called. "He`s ready to see you now."

　　He guided the group into a grand hall where the Baron waited expectantly on a simple wooden throne. It would`ve held at least four of the family`s cottage.

　　"Matilda!" the Baron called joyfully. "A pleasure to see you again."

　　The Foreigner marched forward and gave a graceful curtsy worthy of a seasoned noblewoman. It looked odd in her well-worn farm clothes.

　　"Good to see you too my lord. How is your finger?"

　　"As good as new," he said, rubbing a finger on his left hand. "Though I`ve taken to wearing the ring on a chain."

　　"Very prudent," Matilda approved.

　　"And who do we have here?" the Baron asked.

　　Matilda motioned the group forward.

　　"Villagers from Holford, my lord. I`ve been assisting with their harvest since helping you." Matilda`s voice cooled. "And this is Arnold, Holford`s miller."

　　The Baron`s expression hardened as he realised Matilda hadn`t come for a straightforward social visit.

　　"I don`t have many mills on my lands," he interrupted. "I don`t recall ever having missed payment from this mill."

　　"No my lord," Arnold replied, "you have not."

　　Matilda glared at him. "I`m sure he`s paid precisely what you have asked. But I`ve found that he is heavily cheating the villagers and have little doubt that he`s also cheating you."

　　The Baron looked displeased and stared warily at the Miller. "This is a concerning allegation. One that will require further investigation. Do you have evidence?"

　　"Yes, testimony from countless villagers. I would welcome an investigation, but I`ve also come with a potential solution."

　　The Baron was intrigued but wary. "Go on?"

　　"Competition ensures that villagers can get the most flour from their grain. And more flour for them means more taxes. I beg your permission to renovate the ruined old mill at the outskirts of Holford."

　　"You can`t do that!" Arnold cried.

　　"I can`t?" the Baron asked, irked by the Miller`s boldness.

　　"There&isn`t enough work for two mills," Arnold pointed out. "And the taxes! To the King. Surely you will need to pay double the taxes if you allow this woman to operate another mill."

　　"He has a point," Baron Walter told Matilda.

　　"He does, my lord. But I`m confident your investigation will show that he`s stealing from the village which should easily cover any increase in taxes. And as for demand, Holford`s crop will improve next year. Matthew Smith here has already improved the farming equipment and I`ll teach the villagers how to better manage their fields to improve yield. I`d happily teach your other villages too."

　　Margery marvelled as silence fell over the room while the Baron considered what the family`s guest had said.

　　"One other thing," Matilda added cheekily. "You did promise me a favour for saving your finger."

　　Baron Walter looked displeased at being reminded of a debt. Even Margery knew that Matilda was pushing her luck but the Foreigner doubled down.

　　"I ask for ownership of the ruined mill as my reward. I can have it operating within the year and your income from Holford will more than double by the next harvest. I promise."

　　The Baron paused again. Sir Phillip whispered something to him.

　　"Fine," the Baron said. "You may repair and operate the mill, but it remains my property."

　　"My lord, you can`t," Arnold pleaded, earning him a glare from the Baron.

　　"I can do what I bloody well like. Sir Phillip will visit Holford to investigate the truth behind Matilda`s claims. Be warned Miller, I don`t take kindly to being cheated. Now all of you, be gone!"

　　"Thank you, my lord," Matilda said with another grand curtsy. "I`ll have it working in no time."

　　Margery watched in awe as the Foreigner left, as though what had happened were the most normal thing in the world.

　　How could she ever be like that?

　　(C) Jay Pelchen 2023. All rights reserved.