The Golden Throne

Chapter 22 - A Barren Town

The troupe reached Dilheim by mid-day. Liu Feng came outside to see the situation but what he saw shocked him.

"WHAT? This is not a town! This is a deserted village? What Dilheim? What people? There are only fifty people living here. I doubled the population by bringing my men here. What was my father thinking, giving me this shoddy place? It will take years working with this place to make it right."

Nicholas stepped forward to calm him down, but Liu Feng stopped him.

"Call all the villagers to a meeting in the town's square. We need to announce our arrival. We need labour right now, and these people are all that we have got. Also order all the guards that they will be doing more work from now on. My school starts in two months. I need to turn this place around by then."

"Of course your highness. I will make sure it is done."

"Also get me some pen and paper. I hope you can read Sir Nicholas.". Nicholas nodded, and sent an attendant to get Liu Feng some paper. He started writing down a speech of some sort. Within an hour, all the villagers had assembled. There were signs of protest, some chatter here and there, a baby crying there, and a few guards trying to calm the situation down. Liu Feng handed the papers to Nicholas and instructed him to read them out as a speech.

"But your Highness, this is your territory, I am but your make-believe father."

"Why would a group of villagers listen to a boy, Nicholas? If you are the person speaking, given your size and stature, you exhume authority. They will be more satisfied and will get afraid, they will start listening. I don't need strong people. I need people who will listen to me."

Nicholas nodded, and went up the stage. The villagers stopped talking and directed their attention to Nicholas. He started reading the paper on the podium,

"Good Afternoon Dilheim. I am the new Baron of Dilheim. I am sure that you will be skeptical of me, but do not worry. I was once one of you. I was born a commoner, but rose up the ranks and was awarded the title of knight. Because of my excellence, I was awarded my own territory. I am also sure that you want to be in my position. I will ensure that as long as you will listen to me, I will make Dilheim a successful city."

The crowd started cheering, maybe because they liked his ideals and his charisma. Then Nicholas continued,

"I am also going to announce a few new jobs in the town. We will need ten woodcutters and ten strong men. As long as your arms are sturdy, you can apply for these posts. You will be provided food and 1 copper a week if you shall enlist. We will accept more than the requirements, but the time limit to apply will be one week."

Nicholas got off the stage and had the guards distribute pamphlets that Liu Feng had prepared beforehand. Liu Feng knew that he would need labour so he made pamphlets for recruitment. Liu Feng went to the Baron quarters with Nicholas. It was a well built manor.

"The previous Baron may have skimped on the town, but he cut no corners in his own residence eh.", Liu Feng remarked. They went in, and Liu Feng occupied the master's quarters. He had all his clothes put there, and went to the study and called for Nicholas.

"Yes your highness.. You called for me? I had a question… Why did you hire wood cutters and strong men, Your Highness?

"Ohh that? That is because we need to have good residences for the villagers."