The dawn sun is shining through the open window, lighting the room. The small boy, awakened by the sun on his face, crawls off the bed, uses the chamber pot then climbs up on the bed with his mama and aunties. Mama is snuggled against auntie Sophia. Sliding over Rufina to lie on Sophia's stomach he laid his head against her soft breasts. He soon returned to sleep.

Shortly after, his sister, also being wakened by the sun on her face, crawls out of bed. She too uses the chamberpot then lays next to Rufina, throwing an arm over her, burying her face in her back, it is so bright.

About a hour later, there was a soft knock at the door. The door opens enough for Sally to slip in to the room. She quietly approached the bed. She stares at the three women and two children for a few seconds then whispered into the ear of the mistress,"Time to wake up, mistress." When that failed to get a response she tries the catkin on the other side of the bed, "Time to wake up, mistress." The ear she whispered in twitched so she tried again a little louder, "Time to wake up, mistress." The woman, rolls to her back, looking at her with a smile on her face.

"Good morning, Sally. Did you bring the water?"

"Yes, mistress, it's out in the hall. I'll fetch it." She opens the door, then brings in the pitcher, placing it on the floor next to the basins. She checks the other pitchers, pouring the water left in two of them into the third. Then she takes the two empty pitchers to the hall. She then brings in a bucket which she pours the contents of the basins into. Carrying the bucket to the hall she sets it down then closes the door. Emi crawls off the bed, uses the chamberpot then mixes the water in the basin. When she has it to her satisfaction, she wakes first Sophia then Rufina with long wet kisses. Once they were awake she wakes Beth so Rufina can move. Sophia wakes Benny. Once everyone is awake, has done their morning toilet and has washed, the water was poured into the pot. Mixing another basin of water, Emi helps Rufina scrub Benny who hadn't been bathed before going to bed.

After dressing, the five of them descended to the common room. Aaron, Victor and Benson are sitting around the tables they had sat at the evening before, sipping cups of tea. As they are seating themselves Sally comes from the kitchen bearing a tray with cups and another tea pot. After serving them their tea she asks what they wished for breakfast. She tells them there is ham or sausage links, eggs, fried or boiled and toast or there was porridge. Everyone looks at Rufina, who shrugs.

"We will have a bowl of porridge, a hard boiled egg each and some fruit if you have any." she looks at the others, they all nod.

"Yes, mistress. It will be a few minutes." She nods, then returns to the kitchen.

Looking to Aaron she asks, "Did you sleep well?"

"Very well, thank you. And you?"

"Also well. Having windows in your room definitely makes things brighter."

"So, what is the plan for today?"

"The cargo needs to be brought ashore, the thresher and cleaner setup and adjusted and people trained to use them. I need to speak with the minister, giving him the official documents. He will also need to know of the grain shipment."

"After you went to your room last night, I told the captain to inform the minister to arrive at 700, which is in half an hour."

"Very good. While I talk to the minister, could you three go prepare to unload. I am sure the minister can have some men come assist you. Do you think a larger boat would be helpful?"

"Yes, it would."

"All right. Emi, once we are finished eating would you fetch the document case. Sophia, would you tend the children, letting Benny run around?"

"Of course, Rufina." she smiles at Beth and Benny.

"Mama Fina, can I stay with you?" Beth asks.

"I just going to be talking about kingdom things with the minister Beth. Won't you be bored by that?"

She shakes her head, "No, mama, I think I need to learn about what it takes to run the kingdom so I can help you."

I look at her, she is wearing a serious face, "Very well, you may stay. Sophia, it appears you will only have Benny today."

"That is fine. Benny and I will find something interesting to do, won't we Benny?" He nods his head.

Sally and an woman, who Sally introduces as her mother, Julia, come from the kitchen bearing trays containing our breakfast. They pass out the bowls, laying spoons beside each one. A small pitcher of cream, a bowl of honey, a large bowl of assorted fruit and a bowl of eggs are placed in the center of the table. "Is there any thing else, Mistress?" Sally asks.

"Not at this time, Sally, thank you." She nods and withdraws.

The cream and honey are passed around then the bowl of eggs. Sophia removes the shell from Benny's for him and I showed Beth how to do it. Tapping the large end on the table to crack it, then gently pressing down as I roll it on the table, cracking the remaining shell. The shell peels right off. Beth tried it, getting most of her shell off on the first try. Aaron tried it also, but didn't have much success as he presses too hard, crushing the egg. I was trying hard not to laugh. Cutting my egg in half I handed half to him.

When we have finished, Sally reappears, collects the empty bowls then disappears again. She is so efficient for one so young.

As we sat sipping our tea, captain Tyler and minister Harrison arrive. After introductions all around I tell minister Harrison the main reason we had arrived in Four Rivers. The minister asks the captain to assist Aaron with the cargo, to arrange for a boat and men to help unload the ship. After the four of them depart, Sophia and Benny excuse themselves and Emi goes to fetch the documents. Harrison asks if the raiders had ever made an appearance? I told him of the attacks at Ashford.

When Emi returned with the documents, I had Beth open them up, asking her to hand me the bug out bag proclamation. When she handed it to me, I handed it to Harrison.

After reading it, "This is a good idea, your majesty. I will have this read by the criers tomorrow."

"Beth, will you find the safe area proclamation next then the apprentice program." She hands me the safe area paper straight away then removes the apprentice program folder, holding it in her lap.

I hand him the safe area proclamation, "To save time, instead of having the criers do each separately, call a meeting as there will need to be discussion about this one."

He reads the proclamation, nodding. "Yes, I see your point." He removes a charcoal stick and a sheet of paper, writing a note.

Beth hands me the apprentice folder, which is thick with papers. I spread them in front of me. I hand him the first sheet, the notice to the craftsmen detailing the program. When he has finished that one, I hand him the notice to the prospective apprentices. Once he has that read, "I would like you to establish this program in Four Rivers. You will be responsible for the program here in Four Rivers. These are the forms you should have the masters and the apprentices fill out. I will be sending you some more of them at a later date. You have the authority to assign apprentices to masters and remove them if they prove to incompatible. Incompatible apprentices should be assigned to another master of the same craft if possible, if not then send me a message."

"The masters are all right with the anyone being able to apply to any craft?"

"They were reluctant at first. I have spoken with the masters that have a nontraditional apprentice and they find that they are good students, quick to learn."

"One of the requirements of the masters is to feed the apprentices, in Haven I have contracted with the several inns to supply one meal a day for the apprentices. Would you like me to do that here also?"

"If you would, that would be most helpful."

"Very well. Emi would you find Francis for me, please."

We discuss the apprentice program in more detail until Emi leads Francis to me.

"How may I be of help mistress?" he says quietly.

"Sit down Francis, I have business I wish to discuss with you." He sits beside Harrison who is sitting opposite me. "In a few weeks a program will be beginning to train more craftsmen. Part of the program is that the apprentices are supplied with one meal a day at the kingdoms expense. In Haven this meal is provided by the inns, either as dinner or supper. It is a simple meal, a meaty stew and bread, usually served with either tea or milk." I open the folder, search for and find the papers I am looking for, which I hand him. "This is a copy of the contract that the inns sign when they join the program. It shows the reimbursement, how the records are kept and a list of the approved dishes to be supplied." The second section is a list of acceptable dishes and their recipes. There are stews of pork, lamb, beef, hare, chicken and fish. All with vegetables. and all served with multi-grain bread with butter.

I wait as he scans the contract. When he is done, I ask, "Would you be willing to supply meals to the apprentices?"

He is deep in thought, his fingers twitching, like he was counting on them. As I watch him I have an idea, I start imagining what it would look like and how it would work when Beth pokes me in the ribs. She looks at me, "Master Francis answered you mama. He is waiting for your reply."

"Oh, thank you Beth. Sorry Francis, I had an idea and was thinking about it so didn't hear you. Could you repeat what you said?"

"I said I will do it. How many apprentices would I be feeding?"

"The number would be dependant on the number of craftsmen joining the program and the number of applicants. Haven has fifty six apprentices in the program, but Four Rivers doesn't have near the number of craftsmen that Haven has. I would think no more than forty. Once the program is announced we will find out. Do you think you can make 280 servings for 200 copper a week?"

"In this season, easily but come spring it will be hard, until the crops start to produce." Which reminds me about the new crops and three field order.

"I will need to consult the advisors about that. So you will do it?"

"Yes, mistress, I will do it."

"Very good. Beth there are writing supplies in there, please get them out." She find the ink stone, ink stick and brush, laying them on the table. I dribble a dozen drops of tea on the ink stone, then rub the ink stick in the puddle a few times. "May I have the contract Francis? And Beth there is another copy in there, may I have it please." When I have both copies in front of me, I pick up the brush, dipping it in the ink, then sign the contracts. Inking the brush, I hand it to him then turn the contracts so he can sign them. He is about to sign when he reads my name, looks at me then the minister.

"Why did you not tell me she is the queen, Harrison? I have been calling her mistress since she arrived." He is mad at the minister.

"Francis, be calm. If I objected to being called mistress, you would have known it. Now sign the contract if you are going to."

He signs the contract, both copies. I hand him one. I lay the other by Beth so it can dry.

"The mention of crops reminds me, Harrison, that this spring there will be a new way to plant the fields. There will also be new crops I wish planted. Have the fields been planted yet?"

"Not yet, your majesty. They are going to burn the fields in the next couple of days then start the plowing."

"Good, I do not wish the fields to be burned any longer. They can plow the fallow fields but they are only to plant two thirds of the field with wheat or other grain. The field that was harvested this year is to go fallow. Come spring I wish the portion of the field not planted in grain along with one third of the then fallow field to be plant in chick pease, lucerne or lentils. Let it be known that a portion of next years tax will be some of these new crops. I will be sending more information on this at a later date."

"So, three fields instead of two, with new crops grown on the new field. Next fall, after harvest where do we plant?"

"Next fall, the field that had the new crops will be planted in grain, the fallow field the with new crops and the grain field will be fallow. Like I said, farther instructions will be sent. Now lets go see how the machinery is coming along. Francis, thank you. I will be seeing you at dinner time, what's on the menu?"

"I was going to make a fish stew. Is that suitable?"

"That will be fine. Until then farewell." Beth had gathered the papers, putting them back in the folio. "Mama, what shall I do with the ink on the ink stone?"

"Francis, before you go, may I leave my ink stone on the bar?"

"Of course, your majesty, better yet, place it here on this shelf." He points to a shelf behind the bar, out of the way.

"Thank you, Francis." Beth takes the ink stone to Francis who lays it on the shelf. Sally comes out of the kitchen and starts to clear the table.

Harrison, Beth, Emi and I go out side. There are people walking about, not paying us any mind. We head down the hill toward the dock. When we get there we see that Aaron has the thresher setup and is working on the cleaner. The bundles of sacks piled nearby with the cradle and the basket containing the kick wheel laying on top.

"Rufina, good. I need your help. I can't get this to work. The handle turns but the blower doesn't work."

I start looking it over, checking that all the pieces are where they belong. I give the handle a turn, the belts moves but is slipping. Checking the tensioning arm, I find that it is loose. Adjusting it so the belt is tight, I give the handle a turn. Every thing functions, the blower blows, the rubbing wheel rotates.

"Put me on a ship and I can fix any thing there but this is out of my expertise. Thank you Fina." He nods to me.

"Harrison, is there a cart available to move these to a grain barn?" He calls to a man working in one of the warehouses, who runs up the road. As we wait I spy the basket containing the kick wheel. I ask Benson if he would take it to the inn, putting it our room. As he walks back to the inn he passes the man who is leading a small cart being pulled by a mule. After he backs the cart down to us on the dock, we start loading the machines into the back. Once the thresher and cleaner are in the cart the sacks are piled around them. The cradle is lain on top of the sacking.

"Where to minister?" asks the cart driver.

"The barn near the Jenson farm, Burt." Taking hold of the halter on the mule, Burt leads us up the hill to the plaza then turns and heads west. Crossing a bridge we approach a group of large buildings. The cart is pulled up to the door of one of the buildings where Harrison calls for some men to help unload the cart. The sacks are lain just inside the door, and the machines are placed farther in near the grain piled on the floor. Light is pouring in to the large building from the open doors set in either end and the clearstory windows in the roof.

"Do we need anything else your majesty?" Harrison asks.

"A few buckets is all." I look the barn over. There are shocks of grain piled on one side and loose grain piled on the other. "You, my good man, come here please." A young man a few years my junior come over to me. I position him at the treadle of the thresher, "When we are ready I want you to step on this, like so." I give the drum a pull, stepping on the treadle as I do so. Once in motion, I step about once every second. "All right?" he nods.

Pointing to other men nearby, "You two, yes you, bring some shocks of grain over, piling them here." I point to the floor, about four feet behind the thresher. They grab arm loads of shocks, making a pile where I indicated. When the pile is three foot tall I have them stop. Harrison comes over with two buckets. I tell him to place one under the chute at the end opposite the treadle. Grabbing a shock of grain I tell the young man to start the machine turning. The drum starts to spin, making a thrumming noise. I lay the heads of grain against the drum, the kernels of wheat flying off the heads. As these are properly made shocks they only have grain heads at one end. Once the heads are beaten clean I toss the straw to the side.

"Aaron, come help, Please." He comes, taking up a shock and laying it on the drum, soon the straw is toss aside. As he does one, I do another. Emi comes behind, handing shocks to us after we toss our straw. Soon the bucket is over flowing. I bid the young man to stop treadling.

"That is how the thresher operates, if there was a cart there," I point to the straw pile," you wouldn't need to load the straw, you could toss it on as you finish threshing it." I pick up the bucket, moving to the cleaner. "Harrison, place the other bucket there, please," pointing to the output chute. Pouring a small amount of grain in the hopper I turn the handle, soon I hear the grain bouncing off the the shield. I continue turning until the hopper is empty. When I see that there are still kernels with their husks on, I tighten the rubbing wheel. This is the improved model, with the adjustor out side of the shield so it is easily done. Pouring the output bucket into the hopper I turn the wheel. As the grain falls into the bucket again, I see it is husk less. I have the young man turn the handle on the cleaner then pour as much grain into the hopper as it will hold.

Soon the contents of the bucket of freshly threshed grain is in the other bucket, husk less with no chaff. Having the young man cease turning the handle, I pick up the bucket. "Here Harrison, cleaned grain, ready to mill. You have a week to fill those 500 sacks with the output of these machines and have them ready to load on the ship when it arrives. If you will have several workers come here, I will show them how to adjust the cleaner. Aaron would you empty the bucket into a sack, please."

Harrison selects several workers who approach as I remove the shield from the rubbing wheel so I can explain how it works. I have the young man turn the handle slowly so they can see the grain moving between the wheels. Then i give the adjustor a twist, opening it up so it isn't cleaning the grain. Replacing the shield, I put a supply of dirty grain in the hopper then point to one of the men, "You, adjust the wheel so the grain comes out clean."

The young man starts the handle turning, the man observes the output, adjusts the wheel, slowly getting it to where it needs to be. I again give the knob a twist throwing the machine out of adjustment. "Next." This man is a little quicker, tightening the wheel then catching the grain as it fall into the bucket. After examining the grain he makes an adjustment, he notes that there are a large number of grains with their husks so makes a large adjustment. The grain after that is much cleaner so he makes a small adjustment then another. All the kernels are clean. The third man is even quicker, but he is different, he lifts the shield, measures the gap between the wheels with several grains, making an adjustment without the handle turning. He replaces the shield then has the handle turned, observing the output, then making a small adjustment. The grain is clean.

I slap the man on the back, "Well done, what's your name, my good man?"

"James, your majesty."

"Harrison, please assign James as the headman of the crew to fill the grain order as he has a good head on his shoulders. Now James, step over here please." I lead him to the thresher. Kneeling down I examine the chaff that came out of the thresher. There are quite a few large kernels of wheat mixed in. "James, what do you see here?"

He looks at the mixed grain and chaff studying it. "I see chaff and grain, your majesty. Is there something I am missing?"

"Why would there be grain there, James?"

He thinks, looking at the back of the thresher where the chaff come out. "What ever separates the chaff and grain is not letting this grain through."

"Correct, very good. Are you a farmer?" He nods. "What do you think would happen if you were to plant these large kernels?"

"Would the plants produce large kernels?" he is doubtful.

"Yes, they would. Now, would you rather have large or small kernels of grain."

"Large, your majesty. So I should gather these kernels to plant next season?"

"Very good, James. As you thresh the grain, save the kernels that won't pass through the thresher. Then next season plant those. In not to many years, none of the grain will pass through the thresher. At that time we will modify the thresher, widening the grate so more grain will pass."

He looks at the chaff and grain, then walks over, picking up a basket used to winnow the grain. Filling it with the mixed chaff and grain he carries it to the cleaner. He has the youth turn the handle, then pours the contents of the basket slowly onto the grate of the cleaner. The chaff blows to the side, the heavier grain continues to the output. Aaron had replaced the output bucket so the grain fell into it. I smiled, I have located a good man.

"Ryan, find me one of our sacks to put this grain in." He says to one of his coworkers. Ryan runs to the corner of the barn, returning with a couple of sacks. Once the large grain is all separated, James hands the basket to Ryan then pours the grain into one of the sacks. "All right everyone, that corner of the barn is for the storage of next years seed," He points to the corner Ryan had gotten the sacks. "Don't be messing with it."

He then gathered the men in the barn, having them arrange the sacks, the machines and the shocks of grain to his liking. Soon they are working away, both machines humming. Buckets of grain were being moved from one machine to the other then to sacks which are soon filled.

Picking up the scythe cradle, I ask Harrison if there is a stand of ripe grain that has yet to be harvested. He thinks for a moment then says, "Yes, there is. There is a field just up the road."

"Very good. Would you have piece of light rope so long," I hold out my hands, " and a length of twine?"

As he is fetching what I need, Beth is right there looking at both machines, this being the first time she had seen either of them. She is sitting cross legged, staring at them, head tilted to the side slightly, watching the men work. When I call her, she stands, coming to us. As we are walking to the field she asks, "Mama, did you make those machines?"

"I saw them in dream space then sketched them and had them made of wood as they had been made of metal before." She looks thoughtful.

"You could make them better by put them together so the grain would go directly from the thresher to the cleaner. Though one cleaner would have a hard time keeping up with the thresher. Then if you could raise the cleaner so there is room, you could have the grain go straight into the sacks."

I stare at her for a second, then look at Aaron, who raises an eye brow. This girl is so very smart. I think she is right to want to learn to run a kingdom.

When we reach the field, there are several farmers, sickles in hand bent over cutting the grain. "Minister Harrison, would you have the owner of the field fetch his scythe, please."

As he approaches one of the farmers, we watch the farmers. That has to be rough on your back, being bent over like that. It appears that their wives are bundling the cut stocks into sheaves. The man Harrison is talking to leaves at a run, quickly returning with a scythe over his shoulder. He hands it to Harrison who brings it over to me.

"Thank you." I have Aaron hold the scythe while I tie the cradle to the handle. Turning the cradle down to above the blade I adjust it until it is where it needs to be. Then I tie it down with the twine. Scythe in hand I approach the grain. After taking a few practice swings, I take a stance in front of the grain. Taking short straight swings I begin mowing the grain, it collects in the cradle as I swing, dropping in a neat windrow at the end of the stroke. Soon I am thirty feet down the field, Aaron and Benson tying the shocks into sheaves behind me. When I reach the end of the field I turn around, looking back down the field. All the farmers are standing watching. When Aaron and Benson catch up, I lay the scythe and cradle over my shoulder and we return to the other end of the field.

"This is a grain cradle, has you can see it allows you to use your scythe to harvest your grain. I will be going to one of the carpenters in Four Rivers, to give them plans on how to make them. The carpenter in Haven charges five coppers for one, I will pay for the first ten, after that if you want one you will have to buy it. Now who wants to learn to use it?"

The owner is first in line. I hand him the scythe and we go to the grain. I instruct him on its uses. He tries it, the first few swings are too wide, in a curving swing. I correct his swing, soon he has a neat windrow beginning. I allow him to go thirty feet before stopping him. The next man is quicker to catch on as he had been watching the first fellow. I instruct one more then show the group the how and why of setting up the cradle. I miss adjust the cradle, allowing them to correct it. I present the owner of the field the cradle, telling him to teach his fellows its use.

We take our leave, heading back to town. "Minister Harrison, I will need to speak with a carpenter, a blacksmith and a furniture maker this afternoon, would you arrange for them to meet me at the inn after dinner? Also, I would like for someone that spins yarn to come at the same time, bringing their distaff and spindle."

Though he has a wondering look on his face, he says, "I will do that, your majesty."

As we crossing the bridge we had crossed on the way out, I stop, staring into the water. I see large fish swimming up stream, salmon? I wish I had a fishing pole. I frown. I don't need a fishing pole, just the line and hook. I look at Harrison, "Harrison, is there some where I can get some strong twine?"

"Strong twine? Ah, yes, the chandler should have some. Would you like to go there?"

"Yes, please." We continue down the road. When we reach the plaza, we go toward the dock, though we turn before we get there. Going a few building farther, he leads us to a large shop.

"Here is the chandler your majesty." He opens the door, holding it for us.

When we have entered, the shopkeeper approaches, "How may I help you?" He is a short man, wearing a ponytail but clean shaven.

"I need a couple hundred feet of strong twine or cord."

"We have several types and strengths, mistress," he is leading me to one wall, where I can see spools of twine and cordage with coils of rope laying on the floor. He reaches up, pulling the ends of several down so I can see them. "Which would suit your purpose?"

I feel a couple, a course cord and a triple wound line. They are the same diameter. "How much weight will these hold?"

"This," holding the course cord, "will hold twenty pounds hanging, about ten if jerked. This one," touching the triple wound, "holds forty pound hanging and twenty five jerk."

"I shall have two hundred feet of this, please," touching the triple wound, "Do you have something to wind it on?" He goes the back returning with a shaped piece of wood. He lays this down, then take the end of the cord fastening the end to a hook on the rack holding the spools of cord then walks back and forth ten times. Pulling out a small knife, he cuts the cords then starts winding it on the wood.

Finishing he hands it to me, "Would that be all, mistress?"

"Yes, thank you. What do I owe you?" Reaching though the slit in my skirt I pull out my coin pouch.

"Two hundred feet of triple wound cord, is one silver, mistress."

I remove a silver coin, handing it to him. "Thank you."

"Thank you for your patronage, mistress." He looks at Harrison, an eye brow raised. We step out the door. I hand the cord to Emi, to put in the basket. When Harrison steps out I ask, "Now a blacksmith, if you please."

"Of course, your majesty. This way." We go farther into the town. Shortly he stops before a smiths, I can heard them hammering inside. He goes in, returning soon with the smith. "Your majesty, how may I be of service?"

"Emi, paper and charcoal, please." When she hands it to me I sketch a fish hook, a fairly large one, over an inch long, .75 inch wide, a nice barb on the inside of the curve and a large loop on the end. After I am finished I ask Emi for the cord. "I would like you to make this for me." I hand him the sketch. He looks at it, then starts asking questions. We discuss it for ten minutes, I show him the cord saying the loop needs to be large enough for it to go through and should be welded so it can't come open. I tell him I would like two of them in a couple of hours if I could. He says they can will be done by 1200. I thank him and he returns to his shop.

Harrison asks, "Where to next your majesty?"

I need to visit the privy and need something to drink. "Back to the Inn, minister, if you please."

He heads in a direction I wouldn't have, we apparently have circled around the town, because we approach the inn, from the rear, after only traveling three short blocks. I thank him for his help and remind him to arrange the meeting with the craftsmen then retreat to the privy. Beth and Emi make use of it also. We then return to our room to wash up. We are lying on the beds, relaxing when there is a knock on the door, it's Sally saying dinner will be served in ten minutes. We hear her repeat the message at the door across the hall. Emi checks us, making sure we are presentable. Dampening a cloth she rubs our faces. Digging in her bag she removes a hair brush, which get run through our hair, bits of chaff falling to the floor. She looks at Beth and me, finally nodding her head. I take the brush from her running it through her hair, just as much chaff falls to the floor.

Finishing I ask, "What do you think, Beth, is she presentable now?" She giggles, nodding. "You're silly, mama Fina."

I smile at Emi, I wish I could mind speak her like I can Sophia. Speaking of Sophia, 'Sophia, where are you?', 'Downstairs waiting on you.', 'OK, we'll be right down.'

After returning the brush to Emi, I take them by the hand, leading them down the stairs. There are more people here than there were this morning. By their cloths I would say they are craftsmen. They are sitting sipping at tankards, of ale I'll assume, with bowls of stew in front of them. Sophia and Benny are at the table we occupied this morning, waiting. Sally had already placed cups and a pot of tea on the table.

"Hi mama," Benny says loudly.

"Hello Benny. What have you and auntie Sophia been doing this morning?" I ask him.

"We watched the uncles unload the ship then went and watched a fisherman unload his boat. He had a lot of fishes. Auntie asked him if I could help him with the nets, he said I could so we got the nets off the boat and hung to dry. He show me a hole in the net then we fixed it. After that we went up the coast and found a beach and auntie let me wade in the water. Then we came back to town and wandered around then came here."

"My, my, what a busy day." We have seated ourselves, poured some tea for each of us.

Aaron, followed by Victor and Benson, came down the stairs, sitting beside me. I pour them some tea. Sally appears as if by magic at my elbow.

"Good afternoon, mistress and master. What may I bring you? We have fresh fish stew or lamb stew from yesterday, served with mixed grain bread."

"Would everyone, like the fish stew?" I ask. I see nods all around.

"We will have the fish stew, Sally. And another pot of tea, please."

"Yes mistress. I will be a few minutes." She bows then disappears back into the kitchen.

We sit discussing what we did this morning. Aaron wishes to know about the cradle and is amazed at my skill with a scythe. I tell him how I taught farmers to use a similar device in that other land and had to learn how to scythe myself. We continue talking until Sally and Julia bring out a tray of bowls, loaves of bread and a large pot of stew. As each bowl is filled with stew, Sally brings it to the table, setting it in front of someone. Once everyone is served the stew pot is returned to the kitchen and another pot of tea is brought out.

As the craftsmen finish their meals, they stand and bid each other a good day then leave. Soon we are the only ones in the dining room.

"I will be meeting with some craftsmen shortly, after I'm finished with them, how about we go to the beach Benny and Sophia found this morning and have a swim. We can continue the swimming lessons we started." Everyone thinks this is a splendid idea.

Several men and a woman enter, including the blacksmith from earlier and minister Harrison. Sally exits the kitchen, talks to the minister then approaches me. "Mistress, these men wish to speak with you, are you ready for them?"

"Just about. Could you have your father come speak with me?"

She nods, then returns to the kitchen. Francis soon come out. "Your majesty?"

"I was wonder what is on the menu for supper tonight."

"My normal fare are stews, your majesty. Unless you wish something special that is what I serve."

"Very well, do you think you can roast a salmon between now and supper time? I noticed Salmon in the river and have a craving for a Salmon filet."

"And what would you liked served with those filets?"

"What ever vegetables are available, I like beetroot green, turnip greens, Beetroots, spinach, basically any vegetable. And bread of course, with butter."

"I will go see if any of the fishermen have a Salmon then. If one is unavailable, is there a second choice?"

"If Salmon isn't available most any fish is good, my companion is partial to grilled salted mackerel."

"Very good, your majesty. If you will excuse me I will get right on it."

As we are finished eating, Sally appears and clears the table. I have her leave Aaron, Beth and my cups. When the others prepare to retire to our rooms I ask Benson to bring the basket containing the kick wheel down. I have Beth fetch the basket of paper work. Moving to the back of the table, I seat Aaron on my left and Beth on the right. As Sally is removing the last of dinner, I ask her to bring another pot of tea and five more cups, please. She nods.

Minister Harrison leads my four visitors to the table, sitting them in the four seats opposite Beth and Aaron, then makes introduces all around. "Good afternoon, good folk. I have asked you to come as I have projects for you to work on. These are official kingdom projects so minister Harrison, you will be paying for some of them." Beth has returned, sliding into her chair beside me, followed by Benson. He lays the basket beside my chair, "Thank you, Benson." He nods then returns up stairs.

"Beth, the cradle plan to begin with, then the wheelbarrow followed by the kick wheel, please."

She opens the basket, removing the three plans, placing them in the order I want them in front of her. After sliding the cradle plan to me she lays the basket on the floor. Sally, comes out, asking each of us if we wish tea. She pours for those that do, then departs.

"This first one is a grain cradle, minister Harrison has already seen it in action." I pass the plan to Donald, the carpenter. "The carpenter in Haven makes this for five copper. That is the price I will give you. The kingdom will buy ten to start with, after that the farmers will be the purchasers."

"Next is the wheel barrow. This requires the blacksmith and carpenter to build." I pass the plan to them. "A wheel barrow is used to haul heavy loads. As drawn on the plan it will carry three hundred pounds with easy. Master smith John of Haven and master carpenter Jason have built five of these, I believe, so the design is proven."

"The final plan is for the furniture maker." I pass the kick wheel plan to him. "This is a kick wheel, used to spin yarn, the spinner will sit, kicking the the wheel causing the spindle to spin allowing the the yarn to be spun. I have one here." Reaching down, I retrieve the basket, lifting it to the table. I assemble it, pushing the spindle into the shaft of the flywheel. Taking it around the table, I place it on the floor. "Beth, will you come demonstrate its uses?" She comes around the table. "Mistress Donna, may I borrow your distaff?" She hands it to me.

Beth brings over a stool, sits down with the distaff in the crook of her arm. She then pulls some threads of flax from the distaff. After wetting her fingers she twists them into a string and secures it to the spindle. Slipping her sandal off she, starts the wheel turning as her fingers tease strands of flax from the distaff and the other holds the forming yarn. When the yarn is tight to her satisfaction is moves it so it can wind on to the spindle. Within five minutes, she has the spindle half full. She would continue but I have her stop.

Mistress Donna had moved so she could watch Beth as she spun, "May I try?"

Beth switches places with her then gives her pointers as she begins to spin. Soon she is using the wheel like she has been using it for years. When Sally comes to see if she could get us more tea, she stops to watch for a short while then leaves, returning pulling her mother behind. Soon both Sally and Julia are having a turn at the wheel.

I turn to the furniture maker,"I will make the same deal I made with the maker in Haven, I will pay five silver, you will make five kick wheels. As each sells you will make another. Also any new drop spindles you make should be sized to fit the wheel."

Mistress Donna, hearing what I say to the furniture maker says, "I will buy the first one, Mister Otis."

Sally's mother, speaking for the first time, "And I the second, Mister Otis." She leaves Sally's side, going to the kitchen she soon returns, laying a silver coin on the table in front of Mister Otis. "When can I expect delivery?"

Mister Otis, examines the plan closely. "Seven or eight days, I believe. George, do you make these?" He is talking to the blacksmith, pointing to the brass bearing pin for the end of the shaft.

George looks over, "Yes, I have some, I will start making more. Your majesty, how many wheelbarrows shall we make?"

"Start with six. Once the farmers see how well they work they will all want one or two."

I go behind the bar and retrieve the inkstone. Sitting back down, I start writing an itemized list, showing costs for the different items. The wheelbarrow is thirty copper, twenty for the axle and bearings, ten for the body, times six. Twenty copper for the kick wheel, times five. The cradle, five coppers, times ten. For a total of three hundred thirty copper or sixteen silver ten copper. Across the bottom I write that I authorize the distribution of the above amounts, then sign it. This I hand to Minister Harrison. He nods.

"Gentlemen, Mistress thank you for coming. If you have any questions, I and my companions will be available until later tonight. We will be leaving early tomorrow, if you have questions, send them to the palace. Ladies, I will leave the kick wheel this afternoon so you can show your friends. Now if you will excuse us, we have plans for this afternoon." Beth and Aaron collect the baskets, return the inkstone to the shelf and then we go upstairs. The craftsmen have their heads together, discussing the plans. Mistress Donna and Julia are walking toward the door, planning who to bring to see the wheel. Sally is winding the yarn from the spindles into a ball. Minister Harrison has a bemused look on his face. I smile.

As we climb the stairs, I tell Aaron we will be putting our swimsuits on under our clothes then going to the beach. Coming to our doors, I knock, when Sophia answers Beth and I enter. Sophia has Benny sitting in her lap, reading to him. Emi is laying on one of the other beds napping. Going over to her, I stroke her face waking her, "Time to go to the beach, love." Helping her to her feet, "Does anyone need to use the privy besides me?" They all stand so we make a trip out side. We take turns using the privy, then return to the room to wash up and change to our swimsuits.

We strip Beth and Benny down, putting on their suits then put their tunic back on them. Then the three of us strip, help me each other get our suits on and adjusted then our tunics are put back on. The children put their sandals back on and we put on our anklets and shoes. Taking two baskets containing the towels, we head down stairs to find the guys waiting. They are watching Donna and Julia show several women the kick wheel. The room is a buzz with the ladies whispering about it. The guys join us has we approach the door.

Once outside Benny starts leading us to the beach, Sophia following a few steps behind. Beth has my hand. Aaron is on the other side, Emi and Benson follow behind with Victor trailing.

The beach is a nice one, fifty or so feet deep, trees just beyond the high water mark. Looking into the water, the dark blue of deep water is two hundred feet out. Small waves wash the sand. Benny starts to run to the water but Sophia snags him, "Wait for mama, all right."

We start pulling our tunic over our heads, laying them on the baskets of towels. Our shoes and stocking follow. Taking Beth by the hand I lead her to Sophia and Benny. We go out to where the water is to Benny's chest. "All right, do you remember how to float?" Beth nods, lays back, chest out and starts floating away. I nod to Sophia, 'Watch her, please.'

Benny lays back, but sinks. He didn't have his chest out. I get him back on his feet and calm. Then have him try again, with my finger pressing his back. I slowly remove my hand, letting him go alone. Looking over I see Beth floating back and forth. I call to Sophia, "Bring her over here, please."

Sophia directs Beth my way. When we are together again, I show them the arm movements for the back stroke. We have them practice, heads pushing on our hands as they stroke. Beth is soon able to go, stroking parallel to the beach. Benny takes a little longer but soon joins his sister. Sophia and I are following then a short distance away. When Sophia senses them tiring we return them to the beach. Beth, Benny and Sophia start constructing sand castles.

Aaron, Benson and Victor are a short distance farther out being instructed by Emi. Benson has it down, Victor is getting there but Aaron is having difficulties. I swim out to them, watching Aaron. I tell Emi I will take over teaching Aaron. I have him show me the arm movements, I see the problem then correct him. Soon we is going across the beach. After a couple hundred feet we turn around, starting back. We are almost as far as we can go when Sophia speaks to me, 'He is tiring, dear, you should get him on the beach.' I stop him, taking him by the arm I lead him to the beach. We lay down, face down, facing each other.

"It has only been four days since you had a heart attack, you mustn't over do it. Now sleep." I reach out, caressing his face. His eyes close, he is soon snoring. Standing I go fetch his tunic, laying it over him so he doesn't get to much sun. Returning to the water I swim out fifty feet or so, out over my head then swim across the beach. Emi soon joins me. We are crawling slowly on the fifth pass when we head to the shore. Collapsing beside Aaron, panting heavily. Emi leaves, returning with my tunic, which she drapes over me as I join Aaron in sleep.

I am awakened by my face being caressed. I open my eyes to see Aaron's face inches from mine. My head is laying on his arm, one leg over his, an arm over his chest. He has a smile on his lips, "That is a sight I don't mind seeing upon waking." He leans in kissing my cheek. My fingers play with his chest hair.

Sighing I close my eyes again, murmuring, "I don't either."

"Why are we laying in each others arms? I remember laying face down before sleeping."

"I don't know. I was on my back, three feet away then I went to sleep, I think."

"You are that way because you both rolled over in your sleep, seeking each other. Now get up, it is getting close to supper time and we need to bathe and get dressed yet." Sophia says from beyond our heads. Turning our heads, we see her, sitting there cross legged, looking at us. Standing she offers us a hand up.

Slipping our tunics over our heads we head to the baskets. Benson hands Aaron his trousers. As he slips them on, the rest of us finish dressing also. Stockings and shoes or sandals are the the final thing put on before we return to the inn. Benny is still full of energy, running ahead then returning only to do it again. When we reach the inn, we go around to the back, using the privy before we enter. Emi is the first to finish so goes to get some hot water and to let Francis know that we have returned.

The rest of us are in our rooms, when Emi, Sally and Julia bring the water up. Knocking on the doors, they wait until they get a answer before opening the door. They deliver two pitchers to the guys, and three to us. After Sally and Julia leave, we strip the children, scrubbing them well then dress them in clean under garments and their nice clothes. Beth starts reading to Benny as they wait for us to bathe. To the back ground of Beth's voice, the three of us scrub each others backs, then rotate washing hair and feet. After dressing in the skirts and blouses we had packed, we brush our hair. We inspect each other, then put on our anklets and slippers before descending the stairs.

Aaron, Benson and Victor along with Harrison and Tyler are waiting for us. They hold our chairs for us as we sit. Less than a minute after we are seated, Sally and Julia bring out the cups and teapots, serving us tea. As we are sipping the tea, Harrison pass me a small bag. Opening it I find a piece of soft wood with the two fish hooks I had ordered pressed in to it. Examining them closely, they will do. I ask how much I owe George. Harrison says, four copper, I can pay him and he will pass it on. Reaching through the slit in my skirt I remove my purse. Taking out four copper I pass them to him.

Sally comes out, carrying a tray loaded with utensils. She places a set by each of us then returns to the kitchen. She reappears with bowls of bread and butter dishes, these are placed on the table. A short time later, Sally and her parents come out of the kitchen, each carrying a tray loaded with plates. These are placed on front of us then they leave. Each plate holds a Salmon filet, a pile of beetroots with greens and a small serving of broccoli florets covered with a small quantity of cheese sauce. I need to ask where they get their cheese.

We start eating. I must remember to bring along forks when I go traveling, using knife and spoon to eat is so awkward. The filet are tender and flaky, the beetroot greens perfectly cooked and the florets still crunchy to the tooth. The cheese sauce is smooth, creamy with just the right sharpness. Looking around I see happy smiling faces.

After we have eaten for a while Harrison informs me that mister Otis has fifteen kick wheels sold already. And Donald has fourteen orders for cradles. He had gone to the storage barn just before supper, they had fifty sacks of grain cleaned and ready, with five full sacks of seed. Aaron tells him that his father was the buyer of the grain and would be sending 1500 more sacks with the ship that would be picking up this load of grain.

I inform him I wish to have more flax grown and to start growing hemp. I outline the plan to produce our own grain sacks in the future and already have a market for any surplus we can produce. I tell him of the plans to replace all of the looms on the island. I then ask him to count the number of looms in Four Rivers, what type they are and how wide of a cloth they can produce. I ask if there is a site a water wheel could be placed. He replies there are several in the area. I tell all of this information in a normal voice, not minding that there are others in hearing range, it will be public knowledge soon anyway.

I let him know I will be sending a second thresher and cleaner soon, probably on one of the later grain ship for Monte'. When I tell him each town on the island will be getting a pair of machines before the next harvest, he asks if I will be bringing them myself. Possibly is my reply, I had thought to send the machines for Iron River and Ashdale here to Four Rivers and have himself and James deliver and set them up for me. Or he could send a messenger so the minister of those towns could come pick them up and receive training on their use. We decide to do that, the first of fall I could return with three sets of machines. The ministers of Iron River and Ashdale could come to be trained in their use and I could speak with them. I have Emi write that down so I won't forget.

As we have talked, a crowd had trickled in. Some ordered supper, others drinks but all of them sit and listened. When I said I would be returning on the first of fall, I hear them sigh. Turning I look at them. There are people of all ages, though most are older. I then hear the voices of children outside the shuttered windows, then their parents shushing them. I have Benson and Victor to open the shutters. Beyond the the shutters I see the plaza is full of people.

Whispering to Harrison we make plans. He leaves. I turn to Tyler asking him to meet with me upstairs later, I have instructions for him and minister Harrison. He nods. I turn to the people around me.

"People of Four Rivers, I, Rufina Faucher, your Queen greet you. In a few minutes I will step out side and address the crowd, if you would step outside and wait I will be out shortly. Thank you." Those not drinking stand and go out the door, those that are finish their drinks putting down their mugs then they to leave. Sally starts cleaning up, gathering mugs and wiping tables. Aaron and Victor go up to their room, returning with their swords.

Harrison steps back into the inn, "It is prepare, your majesty." Aaron leads Tyler and Victor out the door. I walk toward the door, going out. Harrison as setup a pair of tall torches on ether side of the door. Victor and Tyler stand at either side, facing the crowd. I step out three feet and stop. The others exit behind me, spreading out.

In a loud voice I begin, "Citizens of Four Rivers, I greet you."

When I pause, the crowd replies, "Your majesty." Bowing their heads.

"You may rise. Today my companions and I have delivered several machines and tools to improve the speed of the harvest. There are also plans for several other tools. A wheelbarrow, a tool to help haul heavy loads with ease. A scythe cradle, a tool to place on your scythe so you can use it to harvest your grain. A kick wheel, a tool to spin yarn with. A Threshing machine, a tool to remove the kernels of grain from the shocks. Finally the grain cleaner, a machine to remove the husks from the grain, making it ready to mill."

"In the future I will be sending more plans for machines, a breaker and scutcher for the processing of flax, a machine to help with your laundry, a cooler to help keep your food cool so it lasts longer and a lamp that you can read by without squinting."

"I intend to replace every loom on the island with larger ones. These looms will produce cloth two measures wide at a rate of about 120 measures a week if the operator works seven hours a day. This cloth will be used to clothe you, the people of the kingdom of Haven. When everyone of you has at least two or three full sets of clothing, we can sell the extra cloth. That much linen will mean there will be increased tow to turn into canvas, twine and rope. Meaning there will be more jobs producing those."

"This coming spring, there will be new or different crops grown and a new way to plant them. These crops will have multiple uses, to feed us, to feed our animals and to sell. But the main propose is to improve the land, returning fertility to the soil."

"I have purchased new food crop seeds. I will send samples of these seeds to you, with instructions on their planting and harvest. By next summer a book contain recipes using these plants with be available for you to read or have read to you."

"I have asked Minister Harrison to implement a plan to train apprentices. This plan is already in place in Haven. So watch for the announcement of its beginning."

"I have plans, many more plans. Some for machines to help you in your work. Some to help you as individuals to improve yourselves. Some to insure a year around food supply. Others to improve your animals so you can get more products from them. Some will take years to come to fruition, other but a short time."

"There are more things I need to speak to minister Harrison and Captain Tyler about tonight so I will let you return to your homes. May you have a good night and a good tomorrow. And know that your Queen has your well being on her mind. Thank you for hearing me out." I bow slightly to them.

"Good night, your majesty." from the throats of what I estimate is several hundred people crowded in the plaza. It never fails to move me.

I return to the inn, the others following me in. Francis, Julia and Sally are standing there, waiting. As I enter they bow. "You may rise. And thank you for the wonderful meal, it was superb. Please, tell me where do you get your cheese? I have asked my cook, she says it has to be imported."

"The cheese you had tonight is a local product. There is a farm a couple of miles outside of town toward Iron River that has a dozen cows. They produce butter, milk and cheese. The milk and butter come here to Four Rivers but the cheese is sent to both Four Rivers and Iron River."

"Could I get the name of the farmer? I wish to order a cheese from him. And perhaps send someone to learn to make cheese from them. Beth, will you fetch some thing to write on, please." She takes off up the stairs.

As we wait for Beth's return, Julia brings the kick wheel out from behind the bar. "Thank you for allowing us to use this your majesty. I wish mister Otis could get mine made faster. What you said about the new looms, when will these be built?"

"I have a craftsman working on the first one now, it should be finished within four weeks. It all depends on getting the brass wire for the heddle."

"You said they would be over two measures across. How does the weaver reach the shuttle?"

"There is a device that throws the shuttle through the weft with the pull of a cord. Ah, here's Beth with the paper." I hand the paper to Julia, who writes the name of the dairy farmer down. The others have gone up to the rooms already so I take Beth by the hand and go up stairs, bidding our hosts good night.

Taking Beth to our room, I see Emi is bathing Benny getting him ready for bed. Do I put Beth to bed also or take her to the meeting with Harrison and Tyler? I'll take her. "Sophia will you take Beth across the hall with you?" 'Emi and I will be there after Benny is asleep.', 'Very well , dear one.' "Beth, go with Sophia, please."

I help Emi finish bathing Benny, getting him dressed for bed. He is nearly a sleep already, eyes drooping, swaying on his feet. We get him tucked in. I whisper in to Emi's ear, "I'll be over in a few minutes, I'll make sure he's asleep before coming over." She leaves, leaving the door ajar. I lay next to Benny, snuggling him under my chin.

I start humming the lullaby to him, he murmurs "Night mama."

"Good night sweet boy." He is soon snoring lightly.

I cross the hall, opening the door, I find them sitting on the beds facing each other. "Tyler, Harrison, you know that about three weeks ago a raider ship was sighted. About a week later this girl and her brother appeared in Haven town. They were sent there by their mother just before she died at the hands of the raiders. They killed her parents and another family in Ashford. I have instructed the guard captain of Haven town to initiate a town militia. I have purchased spearheads so that they will have weapons. Once the production of flax is underway I intend to equip them with a gambeson, also."

"What I wish you two to do is to form a militia here in Four Rivers. This will be a volunteer force. Once trained they will be under call to arms, except for two training periods a year. While on duty, that is during training or when they are required to serve they will be paid two coppers per day. In Haven the militia is currently at twenty men, all under training."

"Tyler, do you have men that can train recruits with spear and shield?"

"I do, your majesty."

"Very well, once you recruit at least ten men, begin training them with spear and shield. The militia will be your local military backup as Haven is too far away to respond quickly so the more you have available the better. As the smallest raider vessel is manned by forty one men, a minimum of eighty man militia is recommended. I will order more spearheads or iron so you can arm them."

"Harrison, I would like reports every four weeks on the numbers and training level of the militia. I will need a seasonal report on the progress of the apprentices once the program is going."

"That is what I wish to tell you. Thank you for staying. Tyler, we will see you in the morning, we plan on leaving at first light. Harrison, do you know the farmer that makes the cheese?"

"I do, your majesty."

"Could you arrange to have one of his cheeses sent to the palace?"

"What size, your majesty? He make them in two pound increments starting at four pounds.

"A eight pounder will do nicely."

"Very well. It will be on its way in two days then. The courier to Haven leaves then and it will take two days on the trail."

"Thank you Harrison. Will you be there to see use off?"

"No, your majesty, that is very early for me."

"Then goodnight and a good tomorrow to you. We will see you on the last day of summer then."

Both Harrison and Tyler leave, Tyler saluting and Harrison bowing.

After they leave, we sit talking of what we will do in the morning. Once that is decided, Beth, Sophia, Emi and I bid them good night. Crossing the hallway, we are soon stripped to our panties and have chemise put on. Beth opens the shutters, allowing the last of the sunshine in then climbs in to bed with her brother. Cuddling against him, she is soon asleep. The three women cuddle up together with Fina in the middle and soon join Beth in sleep.