NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Getting the approval of the treasurer would merely be the first step. If Rickard wanted to succeed in his plans he needed more retainers on his side. But he couldn't convince everyone but if he choose the right person to go greet them and try to convince them it may prove to be useful. As such he wanted to use Colton Holt to persuade more military minded retainers in his stead.
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Colton Holt was wearing his usual plate armor when he was going to meet Walter Fitton, a veteran knight, who was in service of Flint house for much longer than he was.
Walter Fitton did participate in Robert's Rebellion. After the war he was appointed to Master-at-arms. Master-at-arms was responsible for training recruits. As such his words would be held in high regards inside Flint's Finger Castle.
Should Rickard Flint's plan be approved, it was necessary to get his approval or atleast he shouldn't oppose it. Rickard Flint was considered a prodigy by the retainers of House Flint of Flint's Finger as far as administration was considered. But Lady Laina Flint had ordered everyone strictly that boy had to be treated like any other. Thus she would not give him large amount of money if the retainers didn't stand behind Rickard's plans.
Colton Holt was enticed by Rickard with a cavalry unit and he wanted to do his utmost to get it. As such he met Walter Fitton in the training grounds of new recruits.
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Meanwhile Rickard Flint started preparation for his company. If his plan was approved he needed move what his company needs to south of the peninsula. All the food, equipment, people, and materials needed to be transported to ironman bay.
Rickard Flint called for steward of House Flint, Gilbar Carnhide, to his study.
Gilbar Carnhide had tall and lean physique. It was in stark contrast to typical northern men. His eyes and hair were coal black. He was always clean shaved. He wore black fur cloak made from shadowcat's fur, grey scarf made from wool, and black leather gloves.
Gilbar knocked lightly on already opened door "Excuse me, Young lord, May I come in."
Rickard nodded his head "Mr. Carnhide, Mayhaps my mom informed you about a petition I made. I want you to help me related to it."
Gilbar instantly wore a cautious look nevertheless he replied "I have heard about it." without committing to help Rickard.
"I want to purchase some aurochs, wagons and commission bows, arrows, and some farming tools. I need your help with who would be best for aforementioned tasks."
"That I can happily arrange, Young lord. Give me a week." Gilbar Carnhide agreed.
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Colton Holt entered the office of Mastr-at-arms holding a couple of Fishing rods
" Walter, Let's go fishing. I have just brought these from the best in the castle. I also heard clearwater stream is teeming with trouts. He then proceeded to hand a fishing rod.
As you guessed Walter Fitton's favorite hobby was to go fishing. Being Master-at-arms and having to train all of the House Flint's recruited soldier no doubt hampered his favorite leasure activity. No doubt he would take any excuse to indulge in it.
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Both Walter Fitton and Colton Holt arrived at the Walter's Favorite fishing place 2 hours before dusk. Late Afternoon sun was not as scorching as midday sun instead he was mildly hot on the skin; coupled with nice cool breeze from the clearwater stream produced one of the most heavenly sensations sought after.
"It's a great day to fish" Walter Fitton muttered while his lips slightly curled upwards forming a hint of smile.
Both proceeded to fix the bait to hook and cast fishing rod into the stream waiting patiently for the fish to bite.
Time passed slowly as both immersed in it. An enormous whiskerfish caught the bait of Colton. Walter's eyes enlarged in surprise "Colt, you seem to have caught a great whisker."
"Walter don't dally, quickly help me" Colton shouted without taking his eyes of the fish.
Colton reeled the fish in slowly and Walter grabbed the fish ending its struggle.
"Colt, what a great luck you have! It's atleast 40 pounds. I rarely have seen this big of catch." Walter was still not believing Colton's luck.
"Walter, I have been lucky lately. Can you believe young master has agreed to let me lead a cavalry unit." Colton seemed to be in the cloud nine when he uttered these words.
"Colt don't joke around we don't have enough warhorses to form a squad much less a unit. Are you going to lead a unit of packhorses?" Walter was naturally skeptical of his words. Although in back of his mind he suspected may be this trip has some hidden agenda to it.
"No Walter, I have been promised by the young master if I support his next proposal I would have a unit of cavalry."
"Oh, that's why you dragged me here, to get my vote. As long as it isn't far-fetched I'll support it." Now it seemed to make sense. A knight was promised an irresistible thing by an heir. Although treasurer Urian Lovell held Rickard in high regards, he was but a 10 year old boy. To ensnare one of Knights to the point of doing his bidding was unlike any other of his age.
Seeing Walter wasn't necessarily going to oppose Rickard's plan Colton decided to be magnanimous "Take this fish to your home, Walter. I know your kids like it."
"Alright, We still have some time until dusk. Could we continue fishing?"
"I'm all in."
Both Colton and Walter continued fish until dusk on this day.