A warm pair of lips teasing mine wakes me. I open eyes to Emi kissing me. I let my tongue roam around her mouth, caressing her gums, wrestling with her tongue, stroking the roof of her mouth. She breaks the kiss with a sigh, "It's a little after 600 and I have others to wake. Love you." She leaves.

I sighed, it's too hectic, I need my girl friend. I kiss my bed buddie awake, telling her it after 600, time to rise and shine. She grumbles but crawls out, heading to the pot. I pull clothes out of the wardrobe in so they will be ready when I get my turn.

After cleaning herself Helen comes up behind me, giving me a hug. "Your turn." After putting on her blouse and skirt,with her small clothes in hand, she is out the door with a,"See you in the garden."

After using the pot, I give myself a quick wash, then dress in skirt and blouse, boot stockings as I will be in town today. Giving the room a quick check, snuffing all but one of the candles I leave, taking that candle with me. When I reach the head of the stairs I snuff the candle and leave it by the ever burning one.

When I reach the kitchen almost everyone is there, sipping tea,"Good morning, everyone." Tilly hands me a cup. "Ready to T'ai Chi?" Which gets a few groans, though they are only half hearted ones. Finishing my tea, I lead them to the garden where we kick off our footwear, then line up. Emi leads those that know the moves, while I show Tobias and Nora the basics. Emi and I finish off by doing the moves we know that the others don't.

Tilly, Nora and Emi goto the kitchen while the rest of us take our seats. "What is everyone doing today?" I ask.

"I have the letters to take around to the masters, the threshing to supervise and show the storefront to Helen." Aden.

"I'll will be talking to the seamstresses and weavers after viewing the storefront." Helen.

Sophia, "I think I'll accompany Helen. I would like to meet some of the people of Haven."

"I have some business to attend to this morning." from Mark.

"I have my normal chores to do then working on the bathhouse." Tobias.

"Normal duties and training." Kalvin.

"I will be working on card faces." Eliza

"Emi and I will be going to town to talk to people. Kalvin, we will not need the horses today, we will walk."

"Very well, your majesty. Will we be leaving directly after breakfast?"

"No, there are a few things I need to do first, though they should only take an hour."

Emi and Nora had set the table while we were chatting, poured tea and laid the condiments out. Tilly brought out a covered platter, which was placed in front of me. When I removed the cover there were poached eggs, toast and thin slices of ham. I had the plates passed to me placing a egg on a slice of toast with a ham slice on the side on each before they were passed back.

As we eat it occurs to me that I forgot something last night, "Tobias, forgive me, I forgot to show you the level last night. If you would bring me three fairly straight branches, a small stone and some twine I will show you how to make it."

"How long of branches, your majesty?"

"Two as long as you are tall, the other about to your chest."

"Very well, your majesty."

When we have finished eating and cleaning up, I get the letters for Aden and Helen, giving them their copies. While in at the desk I removed the certificate from the plans folio, placing it a drawer, can't have Emi seeing it. I leave the folio out on the desk top. After Mark, Aden, Helen and Sophia leave for town I enter the office and take three gold, forty silver and forty copper from the bag of money. After I do that I come to the conclusion that the bag needs to placed in the vault along with the rest of the recovered items. I can't do it alone as Aden has the other key.

Locating the basket with my money pouch I place the coins into it, after counting what is there already. I now have 4 gold, 47 silver and 45 copper. I don't plan on spending it today but you never know.

Returning to the study, I place the money pouch in the basket along with the folio, some blank paper and several charcoal sticks. I start sketching the earth toilet, modifying it to dump chopped straw instead of soil. This is where Tobias finds me.

"I have the branches and the other things, your majesty. They are in the garden."

"Alright, one moment." I place the partially completed sketch in the folio then place the folio in the basket.

He leads me to the garden. He has left the branches on the patio. Sitting on the bench I have him cut off three pieces of twine about a meter long and one two meters long. Using the shorter ones I lash the branches together in an A shape. I then tie the stone at one end of the long piece of twine then tie it to the top of the A. I show him how to determine were to place the level mark. Then show him the how to use it.

"Such a simple thing. Thank you, princess."

"Your welcome, Tobias. I hope it serves you well." I bid him farewell, going back inside to find Emi who I find in the study. She is checking the basket, making sure we have every thing.

"Ah, there you are. I have been looking for you."

"I was in the garden showing Tobias how to build a level. Are we ready to go?"

"Yes, only need to get Kalvin."

"Did someone say my name?" Kalvin says from the door.

"We were just going to come get you. We're ready to go."

Kalvin goes over to say goodbye to Eliza, who gives him a kiss. Returning to us, he leads the way out the garden door. After putting our boots on, we head out the garden gate heading to town. "Where to first, your majesty?" Kalvin asks.

"A cobblers shop."

"A cobbler? Do you need your boots repaired?"

"No, I wish to buy a pair of shoes, ones I can get on and off quickly like the slippers but sturdier."

"Alright, you have a choice of three. One that caters mostly to the craftsmen and two that work on shoes and boots for the serfs."

"Let visit one of the craftsmen that work with the serfs first, I want to see what the serfs wear."

"Very well, this way then." He started leading us to the edge of town near the farms.

We soon stop at a tiny shop, smaller than Daniels. Kalvin held the door for me, then step back outside to let Emi in, the shop was that small. The obligatory bell rang as he opened the door. I was looking over the shop when a middle aged man came out of the back, a scowl on his face. "How can I help you?"

"Hello, my goodman. I am looking to buy a some shoes." I greeted him.

"Yea, if you come to the cobbler that is usually what you buy. Let me see your money."

I was taken aback by his attitude, "Emi, the purse please." Hand me the purse, I gave it a shake, causing the coins to jingle. He looked at the purse then at me.

"Ah, your majesty, forgive me, I wasn't expecting you to visit my shop. The only ones to come here are your serfs and your tax collector."

"My tax collector? You mean minster Lian?"

"Yes, may he rot."

"You did not have a good relationship with minster Lian, I take it."

"You could say that, he was always hounded me for taxes or rent he said I owed. I'm only supposed to pay two silver and ten copper a year rent on this place, but he would come by every four weeks and demand five coppers rent and two coppers tax. If I didn't pay he would take some of my leather which was worth more than what he was demanding."

"Did he ever give you a receipt for these rent or tax payments?"

"Yes, he did, but they aren't correct, he put a lesser amount on the receipt."

"How much leather did he take?"

"Two full hides, just three weeks ago."

I turn around and opened the door, "Kalvin, when you were searching Lian's house, was there any leather there?"

"There was your majesty, four full hides."

Turning back to the cobbler I asked, "Were there any identifying marks on the hides?"

"Yes, the brands were still visible, the tanner didn't cut them out."

"What do those brands look like? Could you draw one for me? Emi a piece of paper and a charcoal stick, please." She handed me the items which I handed to him. He did a quick sketch of a brand. "Are they both the same?"

"They are."

"Kalvin, who has the keys to Lian's house?"

"Aden, your majesty."

Handing him the paper with the brand I tell him, "Go find Aden then go to Lian's, find the hides, compare any markings to this," pointing at the paper, "If there is a match, being the hides here." I pause, "You say there are four hides?" When he nods. "Being all the hides here and Aden also."

"Now my good man, Will you lead me to the other cobbler that trades with the serfs? He may be a victim of Lian also. So let's make sure." Three of us left his shop then he lead the way to another tiny shop. I let him bring the other cobbler out.

"Your majesty, how may I help you?" the new cobbler greeted me.

"Your fellow cobbler informs me that he has had goods taken by former minster Lian. I am asking if you also had goods taken by minster Lian."

"Yes I have, your majesty. Two fully tanned hides. They were taken in leu of rent and taxes that Lian claimed I owed."

"Do either of you know of any other craftsmen that Lian did this to?"

"Possibly your majesty."

"So, not only did Lian steal from me and the kingdom, he was stealing from the craftsmen. I will have your accusations investigated and if possible your property returned. Right now we are waiting for the my new minster to arrive. While we wait I would like to see what you have in the way of shoes. I am looking for a leather shoe, more rugged than a slipper but easier to put on and remove than a boot. Do either of you have what I seek?"

The second cobbler returns in to his shop, quickly returning with a brogue style shoe with a single buckle closure. "Just the style I was looking for. How long would it take to make a pair?"

"About a week after the last is finished, your majesty."

"And what is the cost of a shoe like this?"

"Two silver the pair, your majesty."

Turning to the other man,"Are you able to make the same style my good man?"

"Yes, your majesty, I can."

"Good. What are your names, please. I do like being able to address the persons I talk to."

"I am Gordon, your majesty." says the second cobbler.

"And I am Jeffery, your majesty." replies the first.

"This is my companion Emi. Emi would you go with Gordon and get measured for a new pair of shoes, while I will go with Jeffery back to his shop to do the same."

"Your majesty, is that a good idea, to spilt up I mean."

"Kalvin will be expecting us to be at Jeffery's shop when he returns with Aden so one of us needs to be there." She gives me a look, "Very well, we will return shortly Gordon. Lets return to your shop Jeffery."

"I look forward to your return, your majesty." replies Gordon.

"Yes, your majesty." Jeffery leads us back to his shop.

Then we arrive at his shop, Jeffery leads us to the back saying, "Please sit there, your majesty." He directs me to a stool near his work bench. When I am seated, he removes my boots and stockings then examines my foot before placing a piece of paper on the floor in front of me. Placing my feet on the paper he has me stand then using a charcoal stick he traces around my feet. Then using a wooden gauge he measures the height of my arches and the tops of my toes. Then with a different gauge measures my ankles. After each use of a gauge he notes the measurement on the paper next to the foot it came off of. When finished he replaced both stockings and boots on my feet.

"Would you explain the process of making shoes to me, please." I ask after he finishes.

"I will crave a form called a last in the likeness of each of your feet. When the lasts are finished, I will cut a piece of leather in the shape of your foot, this is the sole. I will then place the last on the sole and begin cutting pieces of leather to form the upper of the shoe. Each piece will be shaped to your foot using the last then secured to the sole and to each other. Lastly the outer sole and heel will be applied."

"Does it take a long time to create the lasts?"

"Most of a morning usually."

"Is there really much difference between peoples feet, other than length, width or arch height? If two people have feet near the same size couldn't you use the same set of lasts?" He gets a far away look in his eyes, thinking about what I said.

"Emi, may I measure your feet?" he asks Emi after looking at her booted feet.

I stand allowing Emi to sit on the stool. Jeffery get a new sheet of paper out, then repeats the measuring process on Emi. When he is finished and her boots are back on her feet, he goes to his workbench and starts examining the the two papers. After looking at them for a few minutes he says I word I don't know then runs out the door.

I stare at Emi, "What the heck?" She shrugs.

I hear from the front, "Your Majesty, are you here?" It's Kalvin. I go out to the front of the shop seeing Kalvin and Aden standing there. "Was that the shoemaker that just ran out?"

"Yes it was. And I have no idea where he is off to. He had measured our feet, was examining the measurements then took off."

"And what did you say before that, Rufina?" Aden asks.

"Oh, I asked if two people had nearly the same measurements couldn't he use the same lasts."

"So he had a 'Why didn't I think of that' moment. Could he have gone to the other shoemaker?"

"He could have."

"Now, what is with the leather?"

"Jeffery, the owner of this shop, claims that Lian had taken two full hides of tanned leather in leu of rent and taxes owed. The other shoemaker, Gordon, has the same claim. When I ask Kalvin if there were hides in Lian's house and he said yes, I had Jeffery do that sketch of the brand on the leather. I'm thinking Lian was stealing rent money and goods from the craftsmen in addition to what he was stealing from me. If a craftsmen can describe an article closely enough and it is in Lian's house we should return it."

"I am never getting a day off am I? Aden grumbles.

"Do you need a day off? What would you do if you had one?" I ask him.

"Oh, I don't know, sleep until 600 maybe, have a leisurely breakfast, visit my family, go fishing, read a book."

"That does sound nice, we can talk about it tonight. But first lets go to Gordon's shop and see if Jeffery is there." We filed out the door, heading to Gordon's shop.

When we arrived at the shop of Gordon the shoemaker, Jeffery was telling Gordon that they could cut the time needed to make shoes and cut down on the storage space needed for all the lasts they would need. Gordon was doubtful that such a system would work.

I asked Gordon,"What specifically do you doubt will work?"

"There would be too many different combinations. We would end up with hundreds of lasts."

"How many do you have now?"

"Humm, I don't know exactly, two for every one I have made shoes for... Alright I do have hundreds of lasts already. But how would we measure people feet so we know what last to use?"

"You need a standard measure to use. Just agree on a system if you are sharing lasts or place markings on your gauges so every measure is the same."

"Gordon would you measure Emi now, please. Jeffery do you have enough measurements for my shoes?"

"Yes, your majesty, I do. I should have them finished in a week or so. Should I bring them to the palace when they are finished?"

"Yes, please. Excuse me a moment." I when into Gordon's shop, getting the basket from Emi. Once I return outside, I take pen and paper from the basket. After digging out a silver coin and handing it to Jeffery, I write a receipt for him,"Half now, balance on delivery." Once he signs I tear the receipt in half handing him one half.

"Now, are any of these hides yours?"

After looking at the hides he says,"These two are mine."

"Very well, I return your property to you. Aden, will you check the rent and tax records for Jeffery's shop to make sure they are in order. Jeffery, in six days please come to the palace, with your rent and tax receipts and we'll get this straightened out."

"Thank you, your majesty. It is a pleasure doing business with you. I will try to have your shoes finished in six days. Should I come early or late?"

"Aden, after dinner good for you?"

"Yes, your majesty, after dinner is fine."

"After dinner Jeffery. See you then."

"Thank you, your majesty, minster. Excuse me." He backs a couple of steps then turns and returns to his shop.

Emi and Gordon come out the shop. Emi takes the basket from me then stands to the side. "Now Gordon, are these hides yours? They are, good. I return your property to you. Do you have the receipts that Lian gave you for your rent and tax payments?"

"I do, your majesty."

"If you bring those receipts to the palace at 1100 six days from now, Aden will check the tax and rent records to make sure they are in order. Will Emi's shoes be finished by then?"

"They should."

"Very good, then bring them with you. Emi, the purse, please." She hands me the purse, again digging out a silver coin, which I hand to Gordon. I return the purse to Emi who hands me pen and paper. I write a receipt for Gordon, handing him half after he signs it.

"Thank you for your business, Your majesty. I will see you in six days. Goodbye mistress Emi, a pleasure to meet you."

"And I you, mister Gordon." replies Emi.

"Where to your majesty?" Kalvin asks.

"The shop of Harry the potter, Please. Aden, have you spoken with Harry about the meeting yet?"

"I have spoken with John, Jason and Steven so far."

"I wish to speak with Daniel and Harry, do you wish to tag along?"

"I will do that. Is there a reason to suggest to the shoemakers a different way to make shoes?"

"Of course there is. On Earth you could go to a shop, measure your foot, select a pair of shoes in the size you wore and have them fit. No waiting a week for shoes. Shoes were still expensive but not a years earnings a pair. Everyone should be able to afford a pair of shoes if they desire a pair. If Jeffery and Gordon don't need to make a last for every person they make a pair for, then the price should be lower and they should be able to make more shoes in the same time, upping production."

"And what do you have to talk to Harry about beside the meeting?"

"I need to purchase a small amount of clay from him. I have an idea for a writing instrument that uses clay and charcoal, but I need to figure out the ratio of charcoal to clay. Ergo I need clay. I also need a mortar and pestle, do you have any idea where I could get them?"

"I am sure Tilly has one."

"Would you want to eat something made in a mortar that had ground charcoal or something else in it? Food should be processed in food only equipment. Fewer Illnesses spread around that way."

"I will ask around. If I can't find one you can always order one through Mark."

"Thank you." We had arrived at Harry's shop. The little bell tinkled as usual when we entered.

One of Harry's apprentices came out to greet us, "Hello, how may I help... oh dear, excuse me." He retreated to the back. Soon Harry came from the back, "Come along, she is a customer, just treat her like anyone else, just remember to be polite. Good morning your majesty. Please forgive my apprentice, he is not used to meeting royalty. How may we help you today?"

"Good morning Harry. I need a small amount of very fine clay."

"For what propose?"

"I intend to mix it with powdered charcoal, bake it then use it as a writing instrument. If i can get the ratio right and the correct hardness."

"Hardness?"

"Yes, to hard and it wouldn't leave a mark, too soft and it wears out quickly and tends to smudge."

"Your majesty, if you have yet to make this instrument how do you know it will act that way.?"

'Crap, did it again.' "Harry, would you dismiss your apprentice please."

"Go fetch her majesty a small pot of the double zero clay, Burt. And announce your self when you return."

When Burt had gone to the back, "Harry have you noticed anything about me?"

"Well yes, you unusually inventive, very polite and no where near as obnoxious as a noble normally is."

"Twenty days ago, your queen died, poisoned by Lian. By devine intervention I was placed in her body with full access to her memories. The inventiveness you notice is my recreating items from my past that I feel I need. I only ask you not tell others this."

"Would this devine intervention have anything to do with the my glowing the other day?"

"It affected you?" he nods, "The god in question granted a blessing on those they felt were helping me."

"Ah, that is good to know, I have been worried about it."

"Now, to the other reasons I am here, glazes. What colors can you place on pieces?"

"You have seen blue, yellow, red, black and white. I can also produce green, purple and orange, brown and gray."

"Would you be familiar with roof and floor tiles?"

"Yes to both. Do you wish some made?"

"Not yet, but soon. Do you know how to place a surface on a floor tile so that when it is wet your feet would not slip?"

"Would a rough surface suffice?"

"How rough? This would be used in a place that bare feet would be on it so it shouldn't be too rough. I was thinking a light sand coating under the glaze such that the glaze held it on."

"Yes, that would work. What size tile are you thinking of?"

"About this size," I held my finger and thumb apart. I will sketch out a plan for them when I order them. Would you be able to produce several thousand roof tiles?"

"Thousands? What are you building, your majesty? A new palace?"

"No, not a palace. Workshops. I have invited several craftsmen to the island, offering them a workshop. I need to build several. Plus I intend to build those kiln I showed you."

"Master, I am returning."

"You may enter. Ah, prefect. Here you go your majesty, this is the finest clay I have. If you put a little water on it every couple of days it will stay workable. One copper for the pot, the clay is a gift, if you succeed with the writing instrument I would like to see it." He hands me a softball sized pot with lid which I pass to Emi.

"Thank you Harry. Emi a copper, please." Emi dug out a copper, handing it to Harry.

"Where are you going to be building the workshops?"

"The other side of the river to the south of the bridge."

"You said you were building the kilns, will they be there also?"

"Yes, I intend to build a brick yard to one side of the kiln, so the kiln can be used to fire the bricks."

"If you want me to make the tiles, I will need to use your kiln to fire them as my kiln is too small for that number of tile."

"Would you like to move to one of the workshops, possibly the brickyard, to be in charge of it and the kiln?"

"Would you require a reply soon, I would like to think it over."

"It is going to be at least four weeks before I know if anyone takes me up on my offer, so you can have a couple of weeks to decide. Now I think Aden has something he wishes to speak with you about. I will see you soon, have a good day." With that I waved Aden over and took my leave.

"Where to next, your majesty?"

"Daniel's shop."

When we entered Daniel's shop it look like he was about to leave, having a large bag in his hands. "Good morning Daniel. Have we interrupted a delivery?"

"Not really, your majesty, as it is your goods that I was delivering. I have your spoons and forks completed, along with their case. Here you go." He hand me the bag, which was quite heavy. I sat it on a table and opened the bag, removing the case. It is quite a beautiful case, with nicely carved panel on the lid. When I opened it, there were the spoons and forks, nested in felt lined pockets. I took out one of the forks, holding it like I was using it. The balance is good. I examine the tines, they are sanded smooth and polished to a gloss.

"Emi, the purse, please. And pen and paper." She hands me the purse, I take out 1 silver and 9 copper, laying them on the table. When she hands me the pen and paper I write a receipt for the spoons, forks and case. After we both sign, I hand him the lower half and the coins. "Now to the purpose of our visit today, I need to know some of what you are capable of making. Like can you craft gears, wooden screws or wheels?"

"I am able to craft all of those, though wheels are not something I normally do."

"Emi, the sketches please." She hand me the stack of sketches. Daniels eyes go big. I think he is afraid that all of them are for him. I pull out the spinning wheel plan, laying it the table. "This is a spinning wheel, the main part is the wheel as the name implies. In this style the wheel is spoked," I remove the plan for the modern wheel, "While this style is solid. Could you give me estimates on the costs of each of these. I will be asking John the blacksmith about the metal parts, if you would like to accompany us?"

"I will accompany you, let me tell Jose' where I'll be." He went into the backroom, returning shortly.

"How is Jose' working out?"

"He has been most helpful, I'll miss him when he has to go back. I should find an apprentice of my own though I don't know if I can afford one."

"There may be a solution for that shortly, you will be visited by Aden later today. I will let him explain it to you."

"Now you have me curious. You wouldn't tell me anything will you?"

"I'll tell you that it concerns apprentices and their training."

We walk for a short distance, when I ask him, "How long it would take you to build a largish floor loom?"

"Depends on the number of heddle it has. Heddle take a fair amount of time to do. The larger they are the longer each takes. The rest of the loom is fairly simple to build, it is basically just a frame."

"Would you start collecting parts for a large loom then, with four heddle."

"String heddle? or wire?"

"Do wire last longer?"

"Yes, but they take longer to make also."

"That is fine, I would like the parts to last as long as possible. But I think a spinning wheel or six will be a higher priority."

"Or six? How many do you intend to make?"

"How many women spin yarn?"

"Really, that many?"

"Yes, that many. Do you realize how much yarn it takes to set up a loom? I intend to start replacing all the looms on the island with large ones, and they will take a lot of yarn."

"All the looms on the island? There are twenty or so of them. Why would you do that?"

"I need cloth. I can't make clothes without cloth and everyone needs clothes."

"Oh one thing I can tell you is that Aden is going to order nine more threshers, slightly larger than the first one so start making the grills. The first one is a success, and we need more of them. And if the cleaner works correctly more of those will be ordered."

"Do you have the seasoned lumber for all of these projects?"

"Seasoned lumber? I have no idea. I will need to ask. Thank you. Emi, remind me of that when we see Aden."

We have arrived at the blacksmith's shop. Kalvin goes in to bring him out. "Good morning John." I greet him when he appears.

"Good morning your majesty. How can I help you this fine morning?"

I spread the plans out, "Daniel is going to be building this and needs estimates on the metal work. Mostly axles. Though there is this part." I point to the axle for the bobbin and flyer, "This is an axle with a pierced hollow end. I am not sure if you can make it, I am unfamiliar with how you make things like it."

"It can be done in iron. Brass would be the quickest if you wanted a large number of them."

"How about the bearings, is brass on brass alright?"

"The bearing could be brass on leather. This crank will have to be changed to a wood shaft clad in brass or copper, with the hole lined in leather for a bearing. The same for the rods on the crank, line the holes with leather riding on a copper or brass clad wooden rod."

"Can the brass or copper be finished fine enough?"

"Yes it can, I can turn it on the lathe and file it down. And this axle can be a wood shaft clad in brass or copper riding on leather. I see on this other plan that it's a different much simpler design. This part is a heavy brass wire, easy. These hooks would be brass wire also. The hooks would be a copper for two, and three of this part for a copper. The brass cladding for the axles would run two for a copper."

"There are going to be many of these built, could I get a better price by ordering in large batches?"

"How many are you talking about? Ten, fifty?"

"I was figuring six hundred of these machines all together, but ten to start with. There will be errors in design to work out I'm sure."

"Six hundred? I would need to hire... oh, this is what Aden was talking about isn't it?"

I nod. "If I design all the shafts to be the same size so the bearings would be the same size, would that lower the price any?"

"If all the bushings are the same size, it would make it easier to make them in large batches so yes, the price would be lower."

"What would you charge for the wood working, Daniel?"

"All the parts alone are easily built, the hardest parts would be fitting the bearings. All price will be labor only, you can supply the wood. The frame and upright, two copper. The wheel, three copper. The treadles and their supports, two copper. All these parts except the spool, two copper. The spool a copper. The crank a copper. And one copper for anything missed. Twelve copper with one spool."

"So fourteen copper for the wooden parts" I look at John. "And eight plus 1/3 copper for the metal parts. So about twenty three copper total for one spinning wheel."

"Daniel, how big is the brass wire you need for the heddle?"

"It's fairly fine, I know that."

"John, do you have any fine brass wire? Could I see it, please." He goes returning shortly with a piece of brass wire, close to three mm thick. "Is that the finest you can draw?"

"At the moment, yes. Do you need finer?" I Look at Daniel, who is nodding.

"It needs to be half that." Daniel says.

"When do you need it."

"Four to eight weeks I think. Depends."

"How much are you going to need?"

"A lot, a hundred fifty measures per loom, so three thousand measures minimum. Possibly more."

"So I need a way to make more than these little bits at a time." He starts getting a faraway look on his face.

"John, before you get to deep in thought, how is the meter stick coming along?"

"Oh, it's done, at least the base of it is done, need to come mark it."

"You can come do that in the morning the day after tomorrow, at 700." With that he went in to deep thought, so we left him to it.

"You need to return to your shop so Aden can find you." I tell Daniel. As I turn I see Aden approaching, "Ah, there he is now."

"Your majesty, are you and Daniel finished talking? Here Daniel, read this, then this. He hands him the letter then the meeting announcement sheet. Daniel read the letter then reads the announcement. He then asks Aden for a pen and ink. After he signs, he turns to me, "You are serious about get more apprentices aren't you?"

"Yes, very serious. You know how many looms and spinning wheels I want to have built, do you think the number of woodworking craftsmen available now could do all of them, plus the threshers and grain cleaners and other tools. You don't know of all the tools I have had built, scythe cradles, wheel barrows and food cooler. And there are more being planned. Anyway, get back to your shop, you have an apprentice to supervise and teach, and some goods to produce. And thank you for your input, I appreciate it." He nods to me then leaves at a quick walk.