Wheels of Change - 2

[SIGURD'S POV]

20 December 1336

More than a month has slipped by, and I find solace in this unhurried existence. It's a life of ease, a flavor I've seldom tasted in my four decades of existence. The notion of toiling six days a week for ten hours a day might strike one as unconventional, yet it carries with it a peculiar comfort.

My journey began in Cromer, nestled in Norfolk. The exact date of my birth eludes me, but by my mother's account, it transpired during the summer of 1288. She, the daughter of a skilled blacksmith, and he, a foot soldier sworn to Baron Edmure Seymour of Cromer, the grandfather of the present lord of Cromer.

My father would recount tales of our ancestral lineage that stretched back to the Viking Great Army, or The Great Heathen Army, as it's referred to. This formidable alliance of Norse warriors was forged in the 9th century to avenge the death of their legendary leader, Ragnar Lodbrok. Guided by three of Ragnar's sons—Halfdan Ragnarsson, Ivar the Boneless, and Ubba—they embarked on a campaign that initially brought them to East Anglia, where the reigning king provided them with horses in exchange for peace and leaving his territory out of their wrath, such was their might. Following a winter's respite in Thetford, they marched northward and captured York in November 866.

Our family's history intertwines with these Vikings, and we settled in York, where we gradually melded with the local Anglo-Saxons. The Viking surname was relinquished, giving way to the 'of York' moniker. My father's grandfather, or my great-grandfather, became a legend on the battlefield during the ninth crusade of 1271-72. Renowned for his fearsome prowess with a battleaxe addled with being a literal menace on the battlefield, he earned the nickname 'Bloodaxe' from his adversaries. His exceptional military skills earned him a monetary grant, which he wisely utilized to migrate from York to Cromer, seeking a more peaceful life away from the bustling overcrowded city. To integrate seamlessly into the local community and avoid the eventual discrimination as foreigners, he arranged the marriage of his grandson, my father, to a respected local blacksmith's daughter.

The year 1279 witnessed my great-grandfather's peaceful passing at the age of over fifty. Unfortunately, my father's father, my grandfather, met his demise when my father was but a child. The cause of his death remains a mystery, as my great-grandfather never disclosed it to my father. The year 1301 marked a significant turning point when my father vanished at sea during a fateful expedition. Accompanying him were Baron Edmure Seymour and his eldest son. This event led to the withdrawal of the younger son from the church, granting him the title of baron. My father's absence took a toll on my mother, who slowly withdrew from speech and sustenance, eventually passing away within our home in 1304. At that time, I was sixteen, having embarked on sword and axe training at the tender age of seven under my father's guidance.

My dedication to these martial skills endured even after my father's disappearance. My maternal grandfather became my pillar of support, providing for my mother and me. Upon my mother's passing, I undertook an apprenticeship with my grandfather, a skilled blacksmith. Three years I spent learning the intricacies of forging, a period that concluded with my grandfather's passing in 1307 due to old age. At the time, he bequeathed his smithy to me, but in 1308, I chose to transfer its rights to my maternal uncle. He had recently welcomed his third child, and his duties as a guard couldn't meet the growing needs of his family. In addition, I decided to sell my paternal lands to the baron and depart from the town as not much tied me to it anyway.

The ensuing twenty-eight years of my life were marked by a nomadic existence. There was no home to return to, no loved ones to cherish, and meager resources to spend. I aligned myself with various free companies and engaged in numerous battles across diverse fronts. Survival became the paramount goal, with each day's dawn representing a hard-fought victory. Despite climbing the ranks and making a name for myself, such achievements brought limited rewards and no satisfaction. It was against this backdrop that I learned of the forthcoming tournament. I swiftly secured a horse and journeyed to Wymondham.

Edward Plantagenet, a lad of extraordinary promise, could be deemed a prodigy seen once in a century, or perhaps a harbinger of calamity. Regardless, my resolve was unwavering. The tournament he orchestrated provided me the opportunity to prove my mettle. When I vanquished those ambitious aspirants, Edward's response was distinct from the norm. Rather than shunning me for being a lowly commoner, he honored me with the title of 'Paramount Knight.' The meaning escapes me, but it bears an air of intimidation—' Paramount Knight Sigurd of York.' Amusing yet dignified.

Edward extended an acre of land for my stewardship. I invested in wheat seeds, cultivating half an acre. Carpenters were employed to encircle my domain with a fence, while a modest wooden cottage emerged at its heart, covering around 1,200 square feet. I established a stable to house two ordinary horses and a warhorse, Ulfar is his name, it means "wolf" in Old Norse. Basic necessities were procured, and a pond near my dwelling was dug, linked to the town's lake to serve as a water source for my crops.

I also engaged a permanent servant, Baldur, who, like me, traced his lineage to Viking settlers in England. Having occasionally assisted me for two years, I decided to offer him stable employment, securing his services for two shillings monthly, inclusive of board and sustenance. My monthly income, amounting to five pounds, comfortably sustains these provisions.

This tranquil life suits me well, yet a lingering sense of something missing remains, and will perhaps remain so eternally. However, the wisest course is to embrace what's present in full measure, isn't it?

"Wagon incoming!" a booming voice echoed through the vicinity.

With a contented smile, I remarked, "This should be the final group." Roughly a month ago, the Baron dispatched five groups to meticulously survey his extensive lands, tasking them with a return within the month. The other groups had arrived the day before, leaving this one as the remaining piece of the puzzle. Nevertheless, the timely arrival was evident.

"Open the gates!" I directed the guards stationed below. Accompanied by a contingent of seven men, I sat atop the city walls, overseeing the incoming arrivals. The rest of the city's guards patrolled the area near the walls, numbering around thirty.

The gates swung open, granting passage to the wagon. It navigated through a swift inspection and was granted entry into the castle with our official seal of approval.

With that task complete, I settled back into my seat on the city walls and indulged in one of my favorite pastimes: watching the ever-changing canvas of the sky, and studying the clouds as they drifted by.

—-----------------

[EDWARD'S POV]

It appears that the final group has returned as well. All five of the teams I dispatched to survey their assigned locations are now standing in my court, their bags brimming with parchment records.

"Let these parchments be evaluated under the steward's orders," I instructed the officials. "Ensure that the cumulative report is on my desk by tomorrow." I cast an assessing glance in Boris's direction.

Each of them nodded in understanding, and Boris, accompanied by his apprentice, rose from their seats. They proceeded to guide three officials who would transport the parchment records to their designated study for assessment.

While the past month has unfolded relatively uneventfully, I have taken the opportunity to enact some essential reforms. By the close of October, the training of the latest regiment had been successfully completed. As a result, I reorganized the soldiers into three distinct divisions: the 'Baronial Guards,' the 'Constabulary,' and the 'Rangers & Scouts' (abbreviated as RnS).

The Baronial Guards stand as the primary military force of our barony. Comprising well-armed and highly trained soldiers, this force assumes responsibility for defending the barony's borders and ensuring security during times of conflict. They are equipped with an array of weapons, including swords, spears, and bows, and remain ever vigilant, ready to respond to external threats or invasions.

The Constabulary, often referred to as the baron's police force, plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and order within the barony's boundaries. Their duties include enforcing local laws, mediating disputes among citizens, and ensuring that justice is served. Constables possess the authority to apprehend lawbreakers and investigate crimes. They are known for their local knowledge and familiarity with the barony's residents, which greatly aids in effectively resolving issues and disputes.

Within the expansive and rugged territories of our barony, the Rangers and Scouts (RnS) perform a vital role. These skilled individuals are tasked with reconnaissance, wilderness patrolling, and providing early warnings of potential threats. They excel in navigating the barony's terrain, tracking the movements of hostile forces, and ensuring that I receive timely information about any impending danger. This group also contributes to border security by monitoring and reporting any unusual activities.

From the original pool of 650 soldiers, I have distributed 400 to the Baronial Guards, 200 to the Constabulary, and allocated 50 to the RnS. This distribution creates a comprehensive system for safeguarding our barony, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the security of our citizens. Each segment has a distinct role, collectively fortifying our defenses against external threats and preserving peace within our realm.

I've undertaken a reform of the existing rank structure within our army, which was previously based solely on a soldier's birthright. Under the former system, individuals of noble birth could ascend the ranks swiftly and lead their own units at a young age, regardless of their actual military prowess or experience. In contrast, a commoner might toil tirelessly throughout their life but still find it nearly impossible to rise through the ranks. To address this disparity, I've introduced a modernized rank system that applies uniformly to all three branches of the military.

Our rank system is now organized into two categories: officers and enlisted personnel. Officers hold the title of knight or possess the requisite experience, but a crucial prerequisite for all officers is education, a privilege that was once rare. All other soldiers fall under the category of enlisted personnel.

For officers, the ranks, from lowest to highest, are as follows: Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General, and General. As of now, we do not have any Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals, or General. Our highest-ranking officer is Brigadier General Rufus, who commands the household guards, now known as the Regal Watch. The term "regal" befits our barony, as I am a member of the royal house, branch or not. Nathan, John, Hughes, and Sigurd have been appointed as Colonels, while the remaining members of the Regal Watch hold the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

For enlisted soldiers, the ranks, from lowest to highest, are as follows: Private, Private First Class, Specialist, Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Sergeant First Class, Master Sergeant or First Sergeant, and Sergeant Major or Command Sergeant Major. Currently, our highest-ranking enlisted soldier is Staff Sergeant Gilbert of Attleborough, a forty-year-old seasoned veteran with substantial experience and skills. However, his lack of formal education confines him to a high-ranking enlisted position. To overcome this and become an officer, he would need at least five years of consistent study, a challenging feat within our current education system.

The salaries of enlisted soldiers range from 5 shillings to 1 pound per month, while officers receive compensation ranging from 10 shillings to 4 pounds per month. It's important to note that the salary of a knighted officer is separate from their army pay, potentially allowing them to earn more than the listed amounts.

As of today, our military comprises a total of 100 officers and 550 enlisted soldiers. This newly structured army is poised to enhance our defense capabilities and maintain order within our barony.

As I exited the throne room, acknowledging the bows and respect of the courtiers, I made my way to the terrace of the castle. A handful of enlisted soldiers stood at their posts. When they noticed me, I gestured for them to carry on with their duties and not to be concerned with my presence. Stepping to the terrace's edge, I gazed out as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the world in the warm hues of twilight. A profound sense of accomplishment washed over me. These reforms and changes would serve as the bedrock for a more secure and orderly barony. Our journey was far from its conclusion, and the story of Wymondham was poised to continue, filled with promise and potential.