Sampling the Wares

[Morgan]

Having stabled his horse on the farm, Morgan had found a well out back and drawn some water. After washing and making himself a bit more presentable, he decided to walk into Clun and see if there was a thatcher in the village that he could hire to repair his house's roof. As he walked along the road, scuffing up stones with his boot, Morgan also thought it might be a good idea to get a couple of women to work in the house too. It needed cleaning. Mentally, his shopping list started to get bigger and bigger. He would need animal stock and hardy horses to pull the plough. Morgan couldn't expect his old warhorse, Pilgrim, to do such energetic work. But, reason told him that he'd probably have to look in Nottingham's market for what he needed.

The village was up ahead and Morgan quickened his step. The market was busy as he walked amongst the stalls. It seemed that everyone stopped and looked at him. It made him feel slightly uncomfortable until Morgan realised that it was probably because he was unknown to them. From then on, he treated the villagers with deference, always being polite. Every now and then, he stopped at a stall. First, one which sold fruit and vegetables. Morgan chatted with the owner, telling the man that he'd taken over the farm. The stall holder reminisced over how prosperous the farm had been until it had been abandoned and fallen into disrepair. Morgan laughed with him, and after buying an apple, moved on.

Stopping at the pottery stall, Morgan enquired about the wares, and selected some pieces for use in his kitchen. At his request, the potter agreed to deliver them to the farm later that day. Morgan handed over his money then walked on.

[Morgan]

A while later.......

Morgan finished his business for the day very satisfactorily. Not only had he met the village's thatcher, the man had agreed to start work as soon as possible on Morgan's farm house, repairing the roof. The thatcher had also been able to recommend a good steady man to work in the fields. Morgan would seek the man out tomorrow and offer him work, clearing the overgrown fields.

He'd stopped by the blacksmith/farrier's shop and bought a good sturdy plough but had not been able to find the horseflesh he wanted to pull it. Morgan would have to visit Nottingham for that. The ex-Knight had also been given the name of Will Scarlett, as a good carpenter, and Morgan vowed to call on him also before the week was out.

Returning to his farm, Morgan spent the rest of the day cleaning the house as best he could, which wasn't really much. Then, feasting on bread and cold pork, he settled down in front of the fire, wrapped in his heavy travelling cloak, to sleep. Tomorrow, he would return to Nottingham to spend more of his hard earned gold. And he had quite a shopping list too. A couple of servants for the house, livestock, furniture too. Tired, but contented, the man fell asleep.