The Serene Life of Lord Ashford

Chapter 17: Caravan Departure and Riverside Encounter

In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the horizon, carriages were neatly lined up at the exit of the town. A group of people had gathered around them, making final preparations for the journey that lay ahead.

Amidst the lively crowd, William, the young lord of Ashford, stood attentively, observing the diligent preparations of the team. Despite the excitement and anticipation in the air, he made the decision not to join the journey himself. Instead, he opted to remain in Ashford, patiently awaiting the departure of the caravan.

"Have no worries, my Lord," Vince assured, his voice a steadfast pledge to fulfill his entrusted responsibility.

Vince was accompanied by Frank from the town hall and there is also the skilled hunter, Old Phil who took on the role of scouting ahead, to prevent potential dangers that could pose a threat to the group during their journey. Meanwhile, ten town guards were entrusted with safeguarding the rear of the caravan, maintaining constant vigilance and remaining alert to any potential threats that may arise from behind.

With the last threads of preparation woven into place, Vince's authoritative command resonated through the air. "Find your respective positions, obey my orders, and let us embark on this journey to Huntington Town!"

After a series of discussions with Lawson, Frank, and Walter regarding the development of the territory a few days ago, they both reached a consensus on the pressing need to acquire more serfs. The population in Granger Village and Riverwood Village, where the construction of the waterwheel was underway, was significantly limited. Recognizing the importance of increasing manpower in these areas, they agreed that procuring additional serfs was crucial.

The caravan's mission extended beyond its original purpose of procuring supplies from Huntington Town, which belonged to a neighboring baron's territory. It now encompassed a crucial endeavor: the acquisition of additional serfs to address the shortage of manpower and promote the expansion of the territory. This strategic decision aimed to bolster the workforce and provide support for ongoing development projects, including the construction of the waterwheel. The caravan also aimed to secure essential supplies such as salt, wheat, meat, and other necessities from Huntington Town, as few merchants were willing to venture into the remote territory of Ashford Town.

The carriages began to roll forward, their wheels creaking in unison as they set off on their adventure. William watched as they gradually disappeared from sight, their figures merging with the vast landscape that stretched before them.

As the caravan set forth on its journey, William stepped into the carriage. The townspeople, familiar with the grand sight of the Lord's carriage, respectfully parted, ensuring a seamless passage as it approached. Catching a glimpse of William's countenance inside the carriage, the onlookers were instantly captivated.

"Look! That's the Lord, right?"
"Yes, that's him! "
"The Lord is remarkably handsome!"


As the carriage rolled along the outskirts of town, William's keen eyes spotted a group of people engaged in fishing by the serene Snowdrop River. Intrigued, he ordered the carriage to stop and stepped out to investigate further. Among the fishermen, he spotted a pair of father and son engrossed in their craft by the tranquil Snowdrop River, he felt drawn to approach them. He ordered the carriage to a stop and stepped out to meet the skilled duo.

The older fisherman, Old Tom looked up from his fishing spot and respectfully bowed his head."Ah, My Lord," he replied, "it is an honor to meet you. I am Old Tom, and this is my son, Little Tom. We are here to practice spearfishing, a tradition passed down in our family for generations."

William was intrigued by the mention of spearfishing, and he listened attentively as Old Tom continued to share their expertise. "Spearfishing allows us to catch fish that come close to the riverbank," Old Tom explained. "It requires patience and precision."As William admired the dexterity with which Old Tom wielded his spear, a question arose in his mind. "Why do you rely on a wooden spear to catch fish instead of using fishnets or fishing rods?"

With a hint of nostalgia in his gaze, Old Tom began to explain, "You see, My Lord, the Snowdrop River originates from the northern mountain. At times, large and powerful river fish venture downstream, and they are not easily subdued by conventional fishing methods. Fishnets stand no chance against their strength, and fishing rods could lead to perilous encounters."

Intrigued, William leaned in to listen, and Old Tom continued, "Some of those massive river fish could drag a man into the river if tempted by a fishing rod's bait. Their tails are strong enough to overturn a fishing boat, posing a significant threat to any fisherman."

Old Tom further warned about the danger of water-spitting fish, which could knock fishermen off balance and potentially cause them to drown.

Understanding the dangers involved, William nodded in appreciation of the fisherman's wisdom. "I see the challenges you face, Old Tom," he acknowledged, "so spearfishing is the only feasible way to catch fish by the riverside."

Old Tom smiled, grateful for the Baron's understanding. "Indeed, My Lord. Spearfishing allows us to catch the smaller fish that venture close to the surface, where they are visible and more vulnerable."

As the day drew to a close, Old Tom held up the largest trout fish he had managed to catch. "For you, My Lord," he said, offering the impressive prize to William.

Grateful for the gesture and the stories they shared, William graciously accepted the gift. "Thank you, Old Tom," he replied.

After bidding a heartfelt farewell, he made his way back to his carriage and returned to his residence.