In addition to the recruitment notices, several new ordinances were proclaimed at the bottom of the bulletin.
"The edict forbidding more than one meal a day in Brindlemark is revoked. The Lord strongly encourages three meals—morning, noon, and eve."
"From this day forth, the household rolls shall be kept with utmost care, counting each soul within Brindlemark. Births and deaths must be duly reported, lest fines be levied, and in grievous cases, the offender may be expelled from the town."
"For the present, no foreigners shall be admitted save those seeking service within the Lord's employ. All others must be duly registered."
"Brindlemark hath commenced the 'Order of Civility and Cleanliness.' No person may relieve themselves in the streets or fields. Offenders shall pay a fine of one silver coin, without limit. Should a household lack privies, they may keep their own chamber vessel, to be emptied each morn upon the farmlands by appointed cleaners."
"Public privies shall be constructed henceforth. Until then, those without privies at home must make use of these facilities. Any caught neglecting this duty shall pay ten silver coins. Persisting in defiance shall result in expulsion."
Though the ordinances were few, they were plain and clear.
The fines for uncleanliness caused some murmurs at first. In prior years, such strictures were customary, yet many found the penalties harsh—one silver coin being the monthly wage of a common laborer.
Yet after reading the Lord's recruitment edicts, the townsfolk found the laws fair and just. Good citizens should act in accord with their Lord, they reasoned.
"Old Fulk, does the notice say where to apply for work?" someone inquired eagerly.
"At the Castle Hall," Fulk replied, "and the application period shall last three days—"
But before he finished, the crowd surged forward, hastening to the castle hall with great haste.
Naturally, Fulk followed. Confidence in one's abilities is well and good, but urgency is urgent indeed. Even the minimum service promised thirty silver coins, a sum worth striving for.
---
The castle loomed over Brindlemark, its highest towers giving Darien and Celeste a full view of the bustling square below.
"Seems our measures bear fruit," Darien said with mild satisfaction. Much had been improvised, yet the common folk appeared to grasp his intent.
Though the four principal taxes were now set, he still pondered the details. When he returned to his own world, he would examine them fully. The current ordinances were but a first draft, with final judgment reserved to the Lord's Mansion.
"Darien, our coffers are near empty. Shall we sell some wares?" Celeste asked, leafing through the ledgers.
"Indeed," he replied, "yet there is no need for haste. Brindlemark's merchants shall be summoned to auction their goods—salt, cured meats, fine cloth—limited in quantity, first come first served. Fortune shall favor the prepared."
Celeste took her fountain pen, noting the arrangements carefully.
The writing instrument was of wondrous make—a full-bodied metal pen, leaving a mark as if by pencil, its tip enduring and inkless. Such marvels, gifted by Darien, left her ever curious about his homeland.
"Are you hungry? What would you like for a snack?" he asked, glancing sideways.
"I… I shall partake of what is set before me," she said, cheeks tinged with embarrassment. She had little experience commanding a lord's kitchen, yet the aroma of the provisions stirred her appetite.
Darien withdrew from his satchel loaves of bread, crisp leaves of lettuce, slices of cured ham, and boiled eggs. With careful hands, he fashioned simple sandwiches, placing them before her.
Celeste watched in awe, unable to resist tasting.
Afterward, Darien produced two small jars of cultured yogurt, rich and creamy.
"What be this?" she asked, curious.
"Yogurt," he replied. "A delicacy from my home, kept fresh for many days. Taste, and see if it please you."
Celeste hesitated, then dipped a spoon into the jar Darien offered. She tasted the creamy richness, letting it coat her tongue, unlike any fare she had known.
"By my word, 'tis most delightful!" she exclaimed. Darien, seeing her delight, offered another jar.
"Will you have it plain, or with mango?" he inquired.
"Rather plain, 'tis sweet enough for me," she said, savoring each mouthful.
Darien's brow softened. "You are too thin; eat heartily, grow strong, and let no hunger trouble you."
Celeste flushed, eager to protest that her frame was sufficient, yet she dared not chide him. Instead, she watched as he returned to his own meal, cheeks burning with quiet indignation.
---
🥛 YOGURT
- A preserved milk and made it nutritious, offering a source of protein and probiotics. Its meaning lies in survival and health—turning a perishable substance into a life-sustaining, beneficial food.
When: Ancient times, around 5000 BCE in Mesopotamia and Central Asia.
Who: Likely discovered accidentally by nomadic tribes when milk naturally fermented in warm climates.
✒️ FOUNTAIN PEN
- The fountain pen provided a steady flow of ink without constant dipping, symbolizing progress in literacy, efficiency, and the art of writing. It transformed writing from a tedious chore into a more refined, elegant craft.
When: Developed gradually from the 10th century, practical models emerged in the 19th century.
Who: Early designs traced to Ma'ād al-Mu'izz in 10th century Egypt; the modern fountain pen was patented by Petrache Poenaru (1827, Romania).