Chapter 13

"Why do we want a damned mill?" Lord Mellester's voice boomed across the empty hall.

"According to Lord Ridgley's steward, a gristmill might be a more efficient way to process and grind corn or wheat. It was an idea he had. We could charge a nominal fee, and even other manors could bring their crops to us. It would generate more taxes and encourage growth in the village," patiently explained Reeve Merick.

"And where is the money for building it going to come from? Do tell." Sir Wystan waved his goblet dramatically in the air, slopping its contents.

"I believe Lord Ridgley's steward suggested a partnership, milord. Ridgley Manor has no place suitable for building a mill, and as we've been told, Mellester Manor has the perfect location."

Sir Wystan sneered as the effects of wine began to take hold. "And where is this marvellous place, Merick?"

"That would be Falls Ende, milord."

Lord Mellester began to laugh. "Have you forgotten? My father saw fit to benefice9 the land to Herdsman Godwin and his idiot son Odo who now holds title."

"If I might venture to make a suggestion, milord, perhaps you could offer to buy the land from him."

Reeve Merick managed to duck as Sir Wystan threw his goblet.

The day arrived when a robust four-wheeled wagon pulled by two oxen entered Mellester Village carrying an unusual cargo. Curious by the sight, people came onto the streets to have a look; seldom had they seen such a beast. Blacky wasn't disturbed by the attention, nor was he offended when a couple of boys poked sticks into the wagon to annoy him. The bull ignored the taunts, swished his tail and slowly chewed his cud.

Odo was jubilant. This was a significant occasion and he joyfully shared the moment with Charlotte who'd ventured from the confines of the Cheese Shoppe to herald Blacky's arrival.

With her arm linked through his, she looked up and smiled proudly. She knew what this meant to him. Odo had been dreaming of this moment for years.

Without pausing, the oxen pulling the wagon rumbled through the village square and headed towards Odo's property. A ramp was placed on the rear of the wagon so that Blacky could easily step down, and with a gentle touch, Herdsman Searl guided the placid bull backwards and onto the ground. A rope was affixed around Blacky's head, much like a horse's bridle, and the herdsman handed the rope to Odo.

"He's yer responsibility now, for a while at least, and I hopes he does a good job fer ye."

Odo grinned. "I hope so too and thank ye for delivering him. Let me give ye the money, and we'll be all set."

"As agreed, two shillings," said Herdsman Searl. "That's what was confirmed by the lord's steward."

"A fair price," said Odo, counting out the money. "We should celebrate; perhaps a visit to the inn would whet yer appetite?"

Herdsman Searl licked his lips.

Odo yelled for his apprentice to take the new arrival into the field and turn him loose. A small crowd gathered at the fence and watched as the cows saw the mighty bull for the first time. A few plodded over and stared at the virile beast; some resumed grazing, unfazed. Blacky lifted his massive head, stretched his neck and bellowed. "There ya go, big boy," laughed Odo.

"What have you there, Odo?"

Odo turned to see Reeve Merick standing with his hands on his hips. He didn't appear to share in Odo's joy.

"Did yer purchase a bull?" he asked.

"Nay. As Lord Mellester wouldn't allow me to rent his bull, I was able to find another. He'll be here for a short time, then he goes back."

Merick stood silently for a moment. "I need a quiet word with ye, Odo,"

Leaving Searl with Charlotte, the two men walked outside. Odo turned to Merick and waited.

"Lord Mellester inquires if ye would be willing to sell yer land."

"And ye speak for the lord on this?" asked Odo incredulously.

"I do."

Odo thought carefully on how to reply. Many things came to mind, none of them pleasant. "I thank the lord for his interest, but I don't wish to sell."

"Ye haven't asked what the lord offers yet."

"Because I'm not interested, Reeve Merick," Odo's voice had an edge to it.

Merick gave Odo a cold, hard look and nodded. "Very well, if that's yer final word on the matter." He then gave Herdsman Searl a long, ugly stare, and went on his way.

Odo hadn't bothered introducing him to Herdsman Searl. "He's an unpleasant man and a poor reeve," he explained to Searl after ensuring Merick was no longer in ear shot.

"What did he want?" asked Charlotte, concern creeping into her voice.

"He asked if I wanted to sell my land to Sir Wystan."

"Why would he want your land?" she asked, somewhat surprised.

Odo shook his head. "I have no idea," he said.

"No good will come of this, Odo," she cautioned. "I do not trust Reeve Merick." She looked around to make sure Herdsman Searl was far enough away and leaned in to Odo, "... or Lord Wystan."