An Englishman in Westeros
Chapter Three
Tax Difficulties
Author's Notes:
Thank you for all your support, it's very much appreciated. I am going to try and make all chapters at least 3,000 words+ as there have been a lot of comments about how chapters could be a bit longer.
I would like to say a special thank you to Ahliswashere for your suggestions and ideas.
Disclaimer: All this belongs to G.R.R Martin, I'm just borrowing it.
Standing with my sword outstretched in front of me, glinting in the midday sun, I surveyed my opponent. I jerked my sword to the right as another swished through the air, aiming for my head. I parried the blade, before taking advantage of my opponent's lack of balance, to launch my own attack. I attacked with a frenzied series of swings, which, frustratingly, were each time met with steel. Suddenly my legs gave way, and I crashed into the hard soil, the tip of a steel blade pressed into the back of my neck.
"I yield," I said begrudgingly. A calloused hand reached down to help me to my feet as pressure was removed from my neck.
"Well fought my lord," said Ser Donnel. I gave a wry smile.
"You may say that Ser Donnel, but you wiped the floor with me,"
"Yes but I've had decades of practice compared to your three months. In the time that you've been training with me, you've made massive amounts of progress. Admittedly you will never be one of the best fighters in the world, but given time you could become quite skilled. "
"Anyway, I must go and get changed there's a council meeting at two o'clock I expect you to be there with your report on the army,"
Ser Donnel's face became less cheery at the thought of a long meeting, but with a reluctant sigh he said "Aye my lord, I'll be there,"
I trudged out of the yard and into a corridor towards my quarters. Upon reaching them, I was met by two soldiers guarding the door snapping to attention when they saw me.
"No one is too disturb me," I said to the guards as I passed them. They nodded their heads before assuming their positions on either side of the door.
Dear Diary, (7 May 289AC)
Nothing much has happened in the past few months, but I'll give an update. The walls should be finished by the moon's end, and the castle's construction is starting before 20th May. There's a total of 18,000 labourers currently working this is why the walls are being completed so quickly. Although the rate at which we are constructing things is excellent, there is beginning to be a bit of a struggle to feed all the population, with Maidenpool now having an estimated population of 35,000. To help with this problem, we have nearly 4,000 workers assisting farmers bringing in the harvest, to provide more food to feed the workforce with.
The economic side of the things looks very good, our income has increased fivefold and Maidenpool itself is thriving. The town(does it count as a city now?) is drawing merchants because of both the Iron Bank and the booming financial sector.
The new harbour will be finished in three moons increasing the capacity of Maidenpool as a port by over ten times, giving it a larger capacity than White Harbour and possibly even Gull Town. By my estimates by the time the war of the five kings breaks out Maidenpool will have a population of about 80,000.
I have council meeting soon after I have finished writing to receive more detailed reports of the goings on in my demesne.
I left my chambers wearing a black tunic and trousers with a blue cape swishing behind me, again my guards snapped to attention as soon as they saw me.
"Wait here and guard the entrance allow no one but me entry,"
Without waiting for a reply, I strode off towards the council chambers where my council would already be waiting. It took nearly two minutes to reach the council chambers, where another two guards stood at the door protecting from intruders.
"Has the council assembled yet?" I asked.
"Yes my lord," one of the guards replied.
"Excellent, don't allow anyone in unless they're on urgent business,"
The guards nodded and stepped aside flanking the door. I waited a moment to gather my thoughts before grasping the iron handle and opening the door. Chairs screeched as the assembled council stood as they became aware of my presence.
"Please sit down," I said, once I had confirmed that they were all in attendance. I walked to the oak table and sat on the chair located at the head of the table. I observed the scribes, two of them, perched on a small desk to the side of the room, quills poised over thick tomes of paper. Seated around the paper-strewn table were Cedric Forrester(Seneschal), Leobald Tallhart(Treasurer), Donnel Haigh(Master-at-arms), Maester Merion, Beqqo Mararis(Master of ships) and Robert Stone(spymaster).
Lord Cedric started proceedings.
"My Lord I trust you are well,"
"Yes, now I would like a report on the general goings on in Maidenpool, as well as anything else you are supervising,"
"Of course, the people seem to be contented their financial wellbeing is probably a primary reason for this. There has also been a large number of merchants from the Riverlands and Braavos entering the city. However, although this is all good, it has resulted in an increase in crime across your demesne but especially in Maidenpool. I propose we introduce tougher sentences and try to get some soldiers to enforce these sentences as soon as possible. We estimate that 90% of the trade going into the bay of Crabs now goes to Maidenpool as opposed to the 50-50 split between Maidenpool and Saltpans before you took over. The city walls have nearly been completed and work on the castle is due to commence on schedule. Your brothels are turning a good profit and I suggest we expand the venture as an increase in population will mean an increase in demand for brothels. Your scientists have also devised a standard system of measurements and are producing thousands of measuring instruments. I have sent a report on it to your chambers. It may be prudent to give these instruments out for free at first to facilitate the widespread use of these measures."
"Thank Cedric. I trust you will be able to deal with the expansion of the brothels and the distribution of measuring instruments. Do you know how close the scientists are too making a printing press on the concepts that I provided them with?"
"My lord, they hope to have a working model by the moon's turn,"
"Excellent, now Leobald how is the financial situation,"
Leobald looked up and began to rummage through the several large stacks of paper surrounding him until he found what he was looking for a large piece of paper covered in figures, presumably his notes for the meeting. Clearing his throat, he took a breath before beginning to speak.
"My lord, the treasury brings in about 15,000 dragons a month from taxes and another 10,000 from port and trade fees. We own 60% of the gold mine, worth about 6,000,000 dragons and the treasury has a 50,000 dragon reserve. However, if we continue with our current rate of expenditure, we will spend, at a minimum, 10,000,000 dragons over the next five years. On top of this, we are already 300,000 dragons in debt to the Iron Bank. There is a high risk that we will fall into massive amounts of debt and as I'm sure your aware 'the iron bank always has its due'. If we manage to avoid this eventuality, the future looks very good, with population and GDI(gross domestic income)skyrocketing, Maidenpool will become the economic centre of the Riverlands. There has been a rise in the number of artisans and skilled craftsman in Maidenpool and a reduction of poor. Braavos has emerged as our chief trading partner across the narrow sea with the number of ships coming from Braavos increasing fivefold. Traffic from cities in Westeros has also increased, especially White Harbour, as people are starting to view Maidenpool as an alternative to King's Landing or Gulltown. I would like to remind you that it looks like we will have to sell the gold mine to raise fast cash and will still be 500,000 dragons in debt to the Iron Bank at a minimum."
This statement prompted a wave of worried murmuring from around the table I raised a hand, and the noise died down into complete silence, waiting until it was deathly quiet before speaking.
"Leobald although I appreciate your concerns and will be careful to guard against them I think you are overly worried, as long as we invest the money we borrow in a way that will provide long-term economic growth debt is fine I intend to run on a small deficit long term anyway, so mounting debt is something we will need to accept. We also have a healthy relationship with the Iron Bank so they will be more likely to give us some leeway,"
"Very well my lord but I do think it would be wise to increase our gold reserve to deal with any short-term emergencies,"
"Okay, increase it to 100,000 dragons," I said inclining my head.
"Ser Donnel, I believe you have a report on the army,"
"Aye my lord, I've got 400 trained and equipped men and another 4,000 coming for weekly longbow practice as per your instructions. I've also got a temporary armoury with nearly 80 smiths. They're each specialising on a part and then assembling the piece, resulting in them working at twice the speed of other smiths. Although the men aren't elite yet they're getting there, I'm going to take another 400 after the moon's turn. You should have 2,100 highly-trained, elite soldiers by this time next year. The current lot will be ready to start patrolling by the end of the week, which should bring down the crime rate somewhat."
"Excellent. Beqqo how goes the navy,"
Beqqo rubbed his hands together and began to speak with his thick Braavosi accent.
"My lord, we currently have eighteen ships with crews in training for all of them, all 30 ships should be ready for deployment at roughly the same time as the army. I have recruited several Braavosi commanders and captains to provide some experience alongside your Riverlander officers. The navy will be the second strongest on this side of the narrow sea, inferior to only the Royal Fleet of King's Landing."
"Ser Robert, anything to report?"
"No my lord just minor gossip but I feel confident that we won't be ignorant if anything of consequence occurs."
The council meeting continued for a further two hours with discussions of small details, constructions and strategies etc.. We also read through Myles Snow's report on the disputes he'd dealt with, which contained nothing of import. Upon the conclusion of the meeting, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.
As I walked back to my chambers, I nearly collided with Lysara, carrying a plate of bread, cheese and water.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Where are you taking those?"
"The cook told me to deliver them to your quarter's milord. She said you might be feeling hungry,"
"Ah, how thoughtful. Well, I'll take those then and save you a trip," I said kindly.
"Thank you, milord," said Lysara, curtsying before scurrying off. As she left I admired the bare skin of her back visible courtesy of the low curve of the dress she was wearing...(Dammit, I need to stop getting distracted by every pretty face I see. I suppose it's one of the drawbacks of a teenage body)
I sat in my solar, taking the occasional bite of food, while I read through Cedric's report on the standardised system of measurements.
The standardised system of measurements(SSM)
Length
Knuckle(k)= 1cm
Thumb(t) = 2 knuckles/2cm
Hand(h) = 10 thumbs/20cm
Pace(p) = 3 hands/ 60cm
Hurl(hu) = 10 paces/6 metres
Flight(fl) = 50 hurls/300 metres
Mile(mi) = 5 flights/1500 metres
League(le) = 10 miles/15 kilometres
Weight
dram(dr) = 2 grams
ounce(on) = 10 drams/20 grams
scruple(s) = 20 ounces/400 grams
stone(st) = 10 scruples/4 kilograms
Crate(c) = 10 stone/40 kilograms
Quarterweight(qw) = 10 Crates/400 kilograms
Halfweight(hw) = 2 Quarterweights/800 kilograms
Fullweight(fw) = 2 Halfweights/1.6 tonnes
Area
Acre(a) = /3600sq.m
Oxgang(o) = 25 Acres/1 /90,000sq.m
Hide(h) = 5 /450,000sq.m
Swathe(sw) = 5 hides/1sq.m/2,250,000sq.m
Dear Diary, (14th May 289AC)
The city walls are complete and work on the castle starts today. We have distributed various measuring instruments(weighing scales, rulers) and stuck posters everywhere explaining the new system. Although it will take a while to catch on, we hope that everyone in my demesne will be using the system by the year's end and that it will eventually spread to many areas in Westeros and maybe even across the narrow sea. If the system comes into widespread usage, Maidenpool may become a centre for the production of measuring instruments.
I've also developed a mechanism to pay off debts to the Iron Bank if there should be a financial crisis. I agreed to a deal which allows me to pay off 1,000,000 dragons of debt in return for the return of my share in the Westerosi Branch of the Iron Bank and the relinquishment of my key, providing a solution for a massive debt if we accumulate it.
I also intend for Maidenpool to become a centre of scholarship and learning. With the printing press, we will produce immense quantities of books and be able to outstrip all competitors. This vast increase in book quantity combined with economic and technological growth will make Maidenpool an attractive area for scholars, thinkers and scientists alike. To help with this, I've ordered the construction of a Grand Library in the new castle. The estimated cost of constructing and equipping this library is some 300,000 dragons: borrowed from the Iron Bank.
The first 400 men from the army have also started patrolling in Maidenpool. I intend to inspect them when I go on my inspection of the walls tomorrow. I've also discovered my Westerosi name day(the date when the body I currently inhabit was born) is the 20th day of the fifth moon(20th May)so to celebrate it I've ordered a small feast to be held with my friends and council, with any conversation related to the running of the realm strictly forbidden.
I stood in the courtyard breathing in the fresh sea air; dressed in a similar ensemble to yesterday, but with a red cape replacing the blue. I looked at the sound of gravel crunching underfoot.
"Lord Cedric, I trust I leave the castle in capable hands," I said smiling warmly.
"I'll try my best, my lord," Cedric replied. "Here are your guards, the best of the best according to Ser Donnel,"
"Well, I'm sure they'll be most capable,"
Turning on my heels, I gestured for my guards to follow. They fell into step behind me, marching in unison, as I strolled out of the castle into the streets.
The streets were pristine, devoid of excrement and any other unhygienic materials, that could facilitate the spreading of diseases. As I walked to the city walls, I noticed many of the smallfolk in the street casting me strange glances I coughed uncomfortably. Suddenly several small children of six or seven rushed across the street and collided with me knocking me to the ground. I heard swords rasp against their sheathes as my guards drew their swords. Holding up a hand to halt any action by my guards, I got unsteadily to my feet. The children, who had collided with me, stood in front of me with scared expressions on their faces.
"Are you blind, could you not see me?" I asked, raising a disapproving eyebrow.
"Ss-sorry my lord," stammered one of the children.
"Do you know what the punishment for striking your lord is? Death,"
"Please, my lord, it was an accident,"
"Guards," they advanced, swords pointed towards the children.
"Put your swords away," I said smiling.
"You didn't think I was going to execute you just because you knocked into me? Now off with you and be more aware in the future,"
The children nodded furiously before sprinting off down a side alley. I resumed my stroll, smiling to myself as I went. On the way, I stopped off for brief chats with some of the smallfolk, as well as chatting to several of the patrols that passed me as I walked. The men seemed well disciplined and trained, with good spirits.
The city wall was an impressive structure made out of large blocks of white stone. It was 9 metres high and 6 metres thick, with towers rising from the walkway at regular intervals, scorpions, ballistae or catapults were positioned on every other tower. The battlements outstepped from the main wall slightly to form machicolations through which the defenders could drop stones, tar or burning objects: stored in cellars below the walls. The three entrances to the city are guarded by huge wooden gates, reinforced with steel.
With the added protection of 4,000 men trained in archery, the city is impregnable to all but the largest of attacks. I met with about 50 of the labourers that had worked on the wall and individually thanked them for their excellent service, before giving each of them a gold dragon(after all, it doesn't hurt to have a good reputation). I then had a lengthy conversation with the chief builder(a man from the Westerlands who Maester Merion recommended for the job) about various features I wanted adding to the castle as well as the defensibility of the city wall. He assured me that he could add all the features I wished to the castle, as well as the city wall's security. I am slightly concerned that he could have some knowledge that could allow an enemy to take the city and that he may give this information to the Lannisters(he is a Westerman)but that is a risk I'll have to run.
I wandered among the smallfolk for hours, conversing with many different people from many different places. I'd never realised how refreshing it could be to have a conversation about the weather or something of that ilk. Upon my return to the castle, I found the maester and Lord Cedric waiting for me in the courtyard. I frowned this was quite irregular I hoped nothing was amiss.
"Lord Cedric, Maester Merion, to what do I owe the pleasure?" I asked, still frowning.
"My lord, we've received a raven from Stone Hedge, I suggest you come inside," replied Merion.
My frown deepened as I followed the two men into the castle. We reached a small meeting room where the message was, sitting on a table in the middle of the room. It was still sealed, with the stallion of House Bracken, unopened. I sat down on a chair and as Cedric and Merion did likewise, reached across the table plucking the scroll from the table and breaking the seal.
Dear Lord Jon Mooton of Maidenpool,
I would like to propose a betrothal between my eldest daughter Barbara Bracken and yourself. Of course, you do not have to make a decision straight away, and you are welcome to visit Stone Hedge to meet Barbara before agreeing to the match. I feel this would greatly benefit both our houses and help to forge a long-lasting friendship. Please inform me of your decision once you've made it.
yours faithfully, Lord Jonos Bracken of Stone Hedge
"My lord, what is your position on the matter?" Cedric asked, after a very long pause.
"No, I can not accept this match. We are a rising power and for me to marry this early and without careful consideration and positioning would be a mistake. To marry now would stop a more favourable marriage in future."
"Very well my lord, I see your point but to refuse Lord Jonos would be a slight to both him and his daughter," replied Cedric.
"Indeed we must be very polite and diplomatic. To make an enemy of House Bracken would be a bad idea," Maester Merion added.
"Maester Merion if you would compose a letter, I will read it through, and then we will send it back to Lord Jonos. It may be best to wait a week or so to give the impression that it was a difficult decision."
Dear Lord Jonos Bracken of Stone Hedge,
I must, with much sorrow, inform you that I will not be able to accept a betrothal between myself and Lady Barbara. My reasons for doing so are strictly personal, and it is not a slight against you, your daughter or your house. I have the utmost respect for House Bracken, and I hope that House Mooton will have a long and prosperous friendship with you.
yours faithfully, Lord Jon Mooton of Maidenpool
I would really appreciate any feedback you guys can give me, positive or negative, as well as any suggestions/ideas for where the story should go next. The next chapter should be coming out within the next week.
Also, if there are any Beta readers who would be interested in being a Beta reader for this story, please PM me.