The sun stood tall as it hung heavily over the village of Ruvka. Its rays filtered through the clouds overhead, casting warm orange beams of light over the farmland on the Hemlock farmstead.
Arthur stepped out onto his back porch to witness his son and his team coming home from their first delve into the local dungeon together. He breathed in deeply, pulling in the cool and refreshing autumn air deep into his lungs as the kids approached.
Jacob, seeing his father waiting for them on the porch, started waving with a big smile on his face.
Once they made their way to the porch, Arthur inquired into the nature of their delve, "How was the dungeon today?"
Jacob, still smiling, spoke up for the group first, "We had a great experience, and the monsters let us practice our battle coordination without giving us too much trouble!"
Arthur raised a brow and looked at Oren, who nodded slightly before giving his own view of the trip, "We really did have it quite easy for the most part, but there was a random gatekeeper at the end of the first floor. A chimeric boar."
Arthur nodded his head with a bit of reservation, "Did anyone get hurt though?"
Jacob spoke up once again to this question, "Nope! We didn't even have to test the limits of our equipment!"
"Ahem," Thomas cleared his throat, and Arthur looked over at him as he continued, "Actually, my enchantments were battle-tested quite thoroughly. They held up, though. But Jacob's right about everyone else. We managed to get by without figuring out where the breaking point of our gear is at; we just know it's adequate for at least the first 2 or 3 floors."
May came out onto the porch at this point, with a slight smile. Arthur pulled her into his arms as he leaned against a post on the porch, and she put a hand on his chest with her head resting on his shoulder before addressing the dungeon team.
"The first floor of an F-rank gate is a great spot to safely figure out your limits. And taking down a random gatekeeper is always a good sign for a group. I would say you could safely delve down to the third floor at this point. The battle experience you've gotten as a group and the limits you tested will give you a good feel for figuring out what you can handle."
Sera was the one to speak up this time as she replied to May, "I think we could go further next time as well. That random gatekeeper was quite tough, but I managed to get through the fight without spending all of my own mana. Everyone else held up quite well. It was actually really exciting!"
"I can see that," Arthur replied as he looked from Jacob to Sera, who were basically buzzing with the excitement of a successful dungeon delve.
Even Oren and Thomas looked excited at their success, while he noticed that Bran was actually eying the barn, no doubt wanting to tinker a bit with the seeder and harvester, while Mira had already managed to slip into the shadows at some point.
He knew she was planning to be around during the baronial inspection, but she had a tendency to sneak around the farm.
The team broke ranks to go their own separate ways to relax for a moment, with Thomas going to the detached building that housed the communal bath, Oren heading to his room to peel off his gear, Bran walking to the barn, and Sera heading to the greenhouse to mess with the herbs.
Jacob walked over to his parents, who seemed to be enjoying each other's company before the inspection. They looked a bit worried for him, but he was curious if the baron's men had been by since it was near midday.
"Have the barons' men come to inspect the farm yet?" Jacob asked with his eyes filled with curiosity.
Arthur squeezed his wife tight as he replied to his son, "They were here earlier this morning, but I informed them of the royal injunction. Apparently, they weren't told that I had involved the crown in such a low-level inspection, and they were caught off guard. But they will be back soon. I was actually expecting them to arrive before you, but I suppose the count's men are taking their time getting here today."
Oren had apparently shed the armor he wanted to take off, and he was also lacking his dungeon sack, as he stepped out of the house to take a seat on the porch next to Jacob, intent on hearing about the inspection.
"Well," Jacob said, as he began to reply to what his dad had revealed to him, "maybe we should do some drills to try to intimidate them when they arrive. I'm sure they aren't bringing anyone too strong for an inspection, right?"
Before Arthur could reply, Oren gripped the hilt of his sword, which he had kept strapped to his belt, and nodded his head to agree with Jacob, "Monsters might be able to break out of the rank and combat level norms in a fight, but humans are another thing entirely. Most of them are stuck with the stats granted by their class. Unless they send knights, we should be able to scare them at least a little."
Getting ahead of himself in the moment, Jacob also blurted out, "And if they want to cause trouble, then I can just pick them up and fly them off the farm! My magic's actually quite a bit stronger than I thought it was; you should have seen what I did to that gatekeeper, Dad!"
May started chuckling, and Arthur was only shaking his head in contradiction to the boy's desire to take up arms against the government.
"Boys," Arthur began, "You can't fight the baron, especially when the count's representative is here to witness such a thing. We have laws in this country for a reason, and the ones that enforce those laws have the authority of the crown to do so. They also have the greatest fighting force in this country to enforce those laws and retain their position of power. There is a reason even the Zinthar are rarely found within the borders of our country."
After seeing the look of horror on the boys' faces for having thought of such a dumb idea, Arthur softened his voice, "You don't want to be labeled a criminal, trust me. Besides, if you acted up during the inspection, it would void the work we did in filing the injunction. Don't think that the injunction is a last resort for us. I have plenty of legal routes to follow up with that would give our dear baron quite the headache if he wants to fight. But if we fight, we fight using the law. Not against it. Otherwise, they could easily put us down as revolutionaries or traitors."
Jacob and Oren looked at each other, realizing that they had been a little too excited after their success in the dungeon.
Seeing the look on their faces, May spoke up once more, "I know how it is," she began, "That feeling of taking down a monster much stronger than you are. Even coming close to being seriously injured, but then taking it down anyway. There isn't much that feels better than overcoming such a challenge."
Jacob could see the excitement in his mother as she reminisced on the old days, then she followed up her words with some advice, "But that feeling can be misleading. There's always someone stronger, and you boys are just starting your adventures. Remember that you're still mortals, and you can't solve every problem with brute strength. Arthur actually taught me that one," she said as she lovingly looked at her husband.
That caused Sera to giggle a bit as she walked over to the group, having finished up whatever she found to be a pressing matter in the greenhouse.
At that point, though, Arthur suddenly looked down the lane to their gate as someone could be seen crossing the threshold as if invited. Except this person was wearing full armor and carrying a sword. They had some pattern on the armor, but before Arthur could make it out, Oren followed his serious gaze and then hopped up.
"Ah! That's my master!" Oren exclaimed, "I forgot to ask if it was alright for him to be present today as the inspection takes place. I've wanted him to meet all of you for a while, but today was one of the few days he was able to take off for such an event."
Oren looked at Arthur and May pleadingly, but he could see a caring look and easy smile on their faces.
Apparently, he had worried for nothing.
"Your master is always welcome here, Oren," Arthur said as he relaxed once more, "he sounds like a good man, but, more importantly, he's your guardian. I'm sure he's been wanting to visit the place his charge has been staying most of the time."
"Thank you," Oren stated simply, with a firm nod of respect.
He walked out to the lane to meet his master, who suddenly drew his sword on the young swordsman, forcing Oren to defend himself.
The sudden action seemed to make everyone jump, but after a few exchanges, the larger militia man started laughing and pulled Oren in for a hug.
Jacob looked back at his father with a quizzical look, but Arthur just shook his head with a confused look himself.
Arthur, however, also looked back at the two swordsmen with a knowing gleam in his eye.
Oren stepped back, a rare, genuine grin breaking across his face. He led the large man up the dirt path toward the porch.
The militiaman wore polished chainmail beneath a dark blue tabard, carrying himself with the strict, upright posture of a career soldier.
"Mr. and Mrs. Hemlock," Oren announced proudly, gesturing respectfully to the armored man. "I would like to officially introduce my master, Lieutenant Durand of the county militia."
Arthur stepped forward, extending a large, calloused hand. A look of recognition passed over his features. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person. Although the last time I heard news of the county militia's roster, you were a Corporal. Congratulations on the promotion, Lieutenant."
The Lieutenant shook Arthur's hand firmly, offering a warm smile that crinkled the scars around his eyes. "I see word of the militia gets around, even in this little village. Thank you, Mr. Hemlock. The promotion came through a courier last month after I had previously distinguished myself in the eyes of the Captain of the county militia during the goblin raids. I wanted to come out here personally to thank you for housing my apprentice. He speaks very highly of your family and your hospitality."
The loud commotion in the yard quickly drew the rest of the farm's occupants.
The heavy wooden door of the detached bathhouse creaked open. Thomas stepped out into the cool autumn air. His dark hair was wet, and he wore a clean, simple linen tunic. Without his layer of dungeon soot and his defensive posture, the brawler looked completely refreshed and far less menacing.
Seeing the bathhouse finally open, Sera quickly excused herself from the porch. She rushed across the yard with her small bundle of fresh clothes, eager to wash away the lingering feeling from the miasma and sweat of the first floor.
At the same time, the large barn doors swung wide. Bran emerged into the sunlight, wiping dark grease from his thick hands with a cloth.
He was not alone as Caleb walked right beside him, wiping his hands of grease as well. The farmhand had apparently been inside the barn, helping the young tinkerer adjust the rusted gears on the heavy farm equipment.
Caleb offered the Lieutenant a respectful nod, easily recognizing a veteran fighter when he compared the man's demeanor to that of his brother's friends.
Lieutenant Durand looked back to the group, making eye contact with Jacob. "And you must be the impressive young mage Oren has told me about," he said as he stepped forward and offered Jacob a hand.
Jacob shook the Lieutenant's hand with a nod, "Yes, sir. It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise," the Lieutenant replied as he withdrew his hand, realizing that the boy had a firm grip for a mage.
As Thomas, Bran, and Caleb joined the talk, the group converged on the porch, falling into a comfortable conversation.
The tension of the morning melted away as they discussed the changing season, the quality of steel available in Thornhold, the continued influx of adventurers, and the recent increase in goblin activity near the mountain base.
For a moment, the Hemlock farm felt like a completely normal, peaceful homestead.
That relaxed atmosphere was shattered with word of the approaching retinue.
A shadow detached itself from the high eaves of the farmhouse roof. Mira dropped silently onto the wooden porch railing, landing crouched like a hunting cat.
Everyone except Jacob and Caleb flinched backward in surprise.
Jacob had already sensed her disturbing the ambient mana, but Caleb was used to her shenanigans around the farm. She always seemed to try to scare him when she was around, and it confused him, considering how she would just watch him without saying anything before disappearing again.
"They're coming," Mira reported. Her voice was unbothered, but her sudden appearance made the urgency clear. "A large group of riders is approaching the property line. But they aren't alone this time. They're escorting a decorated and enclosed carriage up the main road."
Arthur straightened up immediately as he noticed the carriage that Mira pointed out. His relaxed demeanor vanished, replaced by the rigid posture of a nervous man looking at their superior approaching. The Lieutenant narrowed his eyes, resting a hand instinctively on the pommel of his sword as he looked toward the driveway, similarly taking on a serious posture.
"A carriage?" Jacob asked, looking between the two older men. "Does the Baron ride in a carriage for a simple farm inspection?"
"The Baron does, but not that carriage," Arthur stated, his voice dropping into a low, serious rumble. He shared a knowing look with the Lieutenant.
"No," the Lieutenant agreed, his expression hardening as he looked down the long dirt lane toward the approaching dust cloud. "Only the Count would personally come in a carriage like that. I suppose this royal injunction for a simple baronial inspection is going to be a bit more eventful than we all originally thought it would."
The baron's men first approached without stopping at the gate for permission, having all the permission they needed to enter the property of a peasant of the county. They pulled their horses around between the porch and the barn as the carriage made its way through the gate.
The carriage approached a position near the baron's men before stopping, and two liveried guards, their blue-and-gold cloaks marked with the flowering spring crest of House Spring, dismounted first, snapping to attention on either side of the carriage door.
A herald amongst the count's men, similarly adorned with the Spring House colors, stepped forward to announce the count, "Make way for His Lordship, Count Marcellinus Spring, Lord of Spring County, sworn servant of the Sinclair Crown!"
When the door swung open, the Count stepped down onto the dirt road, his posture rigid and his eyes sweeping over the gathered crowd with the authority of a man above all those within his sight.
He wasted no words on pleasantries, immediately announcing the occasion for his appearance, "I'm here under the direction of King Sinclair to oversee this baronial inspection on the Hemlock Farm."
Looking directly at Arthur, the count continued, "Farmer Hemlock, the crown has acknowledged your petition as having reached the county through proper channels and with, unfortunately, perfect legal script. Thus, the Royal Injunction has been accepted, and I've been sent here personally to oversee a properly conducted inspection."
He stepped toward the Baron's inspectors, his voice sharp as he questioned them directly, "As representatives of Baron Talbot, I will assume direct supervision of your actions and will judge whether you have crossed a legal line and what the repercussions will be for the Baron's holdings. Do you understand your position in this inspection?"
The inspectors quickly bowed their heads, their previous confidence vanishing as they muttered their agreement, "Of course, Lord Count, we will conduct ourselves fairly and justly in accordance with the laws of the kingdom."
Satisfied by their deference, the Count turned back toward the property and loudly announced, "Let the baronial inspection of the Hemlock Farm officially begin!"
Jacob and the rest of the team walked onto the porch as they watched the official proceedings with May. They were all a bit shocked at the personal appearance of the count of Spring County, but it was nothing they couldn't handle.
The count turned slightly, offering a quick gesture toward a young man waiting near the carriage. "Clerk, prepare the parchment and ink. Let the official record of the crown begin for this royal injunction."
He turned back to face the gathering, his gaze locking onto the Baron's men. "By my authority, this inspection will proceed with the previously stated legal direction. No structure on this land will be entered, and no piece of property will be touched until the specific action is named aloud to this assembly and properly recorded by the hand of the Crown."
Stepping closer to the lead official, the Count raised an eyebrow. "Inspector, you may now state the formal grounds for this baronial inspection under the light of the Sinclair Crown."
The inspector cleared his throat, pulling a rolled document from his coat, though his eyes remained fixed on the ground near the Count's boots. "By order of Baron Talbot, we are here to investigate formal accusations of economic and civil defiance by reason of anonymous reports. Specifically, the Hemlock Farm is suspected of overproduction beyond the regional quota, maintaining hidden fields outside the tax register, and harboring an unlicensed magical artifact."
The Count turned his attention back to the farmhouse porch, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at the farmer. "Arthur Hemlock, you have heard the charges brought by the Baron's seat. Do you understand the nature of the accusation leveled against your property?"
Arthur didn't flinch or shrink back under the firm gaze of the count, gaining the respect of the count in the process.
He stepped forward calmly, his voice steady as he reached into his coat pocket. "I understand the words of the inspector, Lord Count," Arthur replied, pulling out a thick, leather-bound volume.
He handed it to the baronial inspector as he finished his address. "And to answer them clearly, I offer my farm's official ledgers first, so that the Crown may see our production matches the register exactly before a single foot is set inside my home."