Chapter 71: Silenced [Bonus - ]
Marie explained that Count Clement only had five knights. All the other knights were recruited to the capital or the borders.
One knight each was assigned to guard the entry and exit points of the county in the north, south, east, and west. The people have apparently been thinking of blocking the other entry points due to the lack of knights but it would make escaping in case of an emergency difficult.
The only one left of the knights serving the Count remains on the lookout for when the collectors arrive. He stays at the highest floor of the bell tower. In that manner, he can also guard the Count against danger.
Once the collectors were spotted, the knight in the bell tower would ring it so the people could prepare the money for the tribute and hide the children and young people.
Only the husbands, the heads of families, get out of the house to avoid attracting attention. Because, it happened in several instances that if the collectors had taken a liking to a woman, they would take her with them making up all sorts of reasons or just resorting to force.
Marie’s husband had headed to another territory along with other men from the county to purchase food supplies on the count’s orders.
They were supposed to be back before the end of the month when the collectors come, but the collectors suddenly came today. Marie had no choice but to step up since the collectors would forcefully open the door if no one opens it when they knock.
Marie had instructed the children to hide but her son couldn’t help but get out upon hearing his mother’s cries of pain which led to the incident.
Further, the Count’s cooks and maids also have to hurry up and prepare meals for the collectors, or else their dissatisfaction would be directed to the common folks.