The reeve seems interested. "Is that so? Well, I will certainly have this matter looked into for you, but this brings us back to the task at hand. Sir Gee wishes someone to join his hunting party with math skill, and he has specifically requested you."
Hahaha, nice. Well played.
***
I smile to Sir Gee. "Then, I'm pleasantly suprised that I was simply misunderstanding before. But, Sir, how could I assist you on a hunt? It's to my understanding that someone not versed in the art of hunting would hinder more than help a party of hunters.
But, Sir Gee, if you do insist, I would be ecstatic to join you. Shall I bring my cat as well?"
Sir Gee smiles in return. "I understand you are a foreigner in this land, as am I. I hope the circumstances of our first meeting could be as water under the bridge. Your abilities will only be necessary once we find the brigands that you may see what amount there is to be accounted for, and possibly begin to trace which noble families truly have had their pursestrings cut and which are just looking for handouts from the Crown."
He continues with a deadpan expression, "As for the cat... he's welcome to come along, especially if he's got experience catching rats."
The reeve laughs aloud.
"Ah, I was confused under the matter of what game we would actually be hunting. Well, the job sounds simple enough, and I would be more than willing to assist, if you believe that I'm appropriate for the job.
Perhaps, before we go, we can start over on the right foot?"
I offer my hand to Sir Gee. "I am Kurt, a simple foreign man and accountant in the castle. I hope to further my education with the money that I will save, in hopes that I can possibly teach it to others in the future."
He shakes your hand, and tells you, "I am Sir Gee of Gisbourne, nobleman and knight. Perhaps one day my children will learn from you.
"Our first order of business will be to determine exactly where the bandits are. Any input you have on this would be appreciated, as you're an educated man. We have a map here," he gestures, "and most of the attacks take place along this road."
"Then, I'd say that the road would be one to investigate; however, it would be foolish to consider that area as one that the bandits would hide. I imagine that, since their leader is yet to be caught, he is smart enough to raid away from his actual base camp.
May I also say more, a possible method in combating these bandits?"
If the shire reeve and Sir Gee both agree to allow me to speak, then I continue.
"I believe that a major problem is the situation with the Saxon peasants and their loyalty. As far as I've been able to understand so far, they are resentful toward the kingdom for their taxes, and this figure who steals the gold from the nobles is considered a freedom fighter, rather than a brigand. Perhaps if you launch a campaign to gain the hearts of the people? Try and organize projects to enrichen their communitites or somehow show them that you're fighting for everyone in the area, and not just the Norman nobles?"
"I do apologize if I speak out of line on this matter. It's just that it would be useful in capturing this man if we had the Saxon peasants on our side. Otherwise, the ghost of the bandit leader will never have a solid form to capture."
The reeve looks thoughtful, then asks you, "Do you feel that the peasantry are being taxed unfairly much?"
"That's ridiculous. The peasantry is being taxed for the ransom of the King, and therefore no amount is too much. I simply state that the peasantry see the taxes as too great to support based on their meager wages alone. They may be more interested in supporting the crown in its financial endevours if they can see a physical representation of the crown doing something for them, like community projects."
"That's a very odd notion; the King has been ordained by God, and the people should feel honored to be playing a role in bringing him safely home."
"I absolutely agree with the honor of responsibility behind bringing the King home; however, I just try and represent an unbiased perspective on the issue. Honored or not, the Saxon peasants will have a hard time remembering their honor when their communities fail from the taxes. They need a positive, public reminder that the Crown is still here for him, even in these trying times."
The reeve goes to respond again, and Sir Gee cuts him off by placing a hand on his shoulder. "That's an excellent idea, Kurt; perhaps with the support of the peasantry, we will bring this knave in without trouble.
"You're in charge of the preparations."
I have a short lapse in thought, to collect myself, and then address the two. "And what budget might I have in order to perform community relief for the peasants? Also, when would you like to head out and for how many days, Sir Gee, so that I may prepare for it?"
"I'd like if we could leave after your efforts have had some effect," Sir Gee responds.
The reeve asks you, "How much do you think you will need? What do you intend to do?"
"I need to take time to go and see the Saxon peasants, in order to discover what they actually need. I can focus on the ones near Sherwood Forest, if you would like. I don't have any amount of money predetermined, sir, but just an idea that if we improve the peasants' lives then we will own their honor and their hearts and that the bandits will be flushed out in no time at all."
The reeve nods, and calls for a servant.
The servant comes in quickly. "Yes, my lords?"
"Fetch a scribe."
The servant leaves, and returns shortly with another man. The reeve instructs the scribe to scribe, signs the parchment himself, and finally presents you with a scroll stating that you are on official business in the name of the King to enrich the community.
He then dismisses you.
I immediately try to track down a servant, and ask him or her where to find someone who knows the locations and names of the Saxon villages closest to Sherwood Forest.
Then, I visit Reina at the bar, once I finish helping my boss finish with the accounting, openly answering any questions involving my interview with the shire reeve.
"M'lord?" The servant seems confused. "We are the closest village to Sherwood Forest. The reeve would certainly know of any other villages in the vicinity."
Reina seems concerned for you. "Do you think they know what's going on, or suspect? Maybe you should get out now."
I look Reina in the eyes, "Agreed. This Sir Gee messes everything up. When the spy told them of my coming to this bar, it could have put you in jeapordy as well. I propose that you return with me, so that neither of us are in danger. What do you say to doing this tomorrow?"
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