Chapter 20: The Lord's Forester

The next day, representatives from the Wendelmeer City Woodworkers' Guild arrived at the baron's domain as scheduled. Having nothing much to do, Gwyneth decided to accompany the guild's representatives, along with Baldwin, Gervase, and a host of attendants, to survey the forest within the territory for suitable trees.

The Baron of Targas' domain covers an area of 16 square miles, consisting largely of forests apart from the Berling River that traverses the entire territory and the cultivated farmlands. Due to the domain's high latitude and its proximity, merely 10 miles west to the great ocean bay known as Northern Bay, the region is influenced by a warm current from the south. This current raises the water temperature in the area, resulting in milder winters and abundant rainfall in Targas and the entire Anen River Valley.

The warm current fosters a mixed forest in Targas, a typical blend of northern coniferous and various deciduous trees, including oak, white wax, pine, spruce, maple, beech, elm, birch, and more. These diverse species contribute different economic values to the domain.

Take the locally favored white birch, for example

. Its bark, resembling white leather, is tough and durable, perfect for crafting baskets and containers. It can also be thinned to create various crafts. White wax wood is hard and durable, ideal for furniture, doors, barrels, and ships. The sap of white wax trees is medicinal, commonly used for treating coughs, fevers, and colds. It can also be made into syrup, candies, and beverages, especially when mixed with maple sap to produce a delicious maple syrup drink. This drink, popular locally, can even be exported to the south as a unique regional product.

The resin of white wax trees is used in making fragrant oils and scented candles. Indeed, every part of the white wax tree is valuable, and today, Gwyneth and his party were specifically there for it.

Upon entering the forest, the guild representative began marking suitable white wax trees. Later, workers from Targas would come to fell the marked trees. Despite the excellent quality and age of the trees, exceeding the standards, the representative continually nitpicked to drive down the price. Originally agreed at 18 copper coins per tree, with an expectation of felling 80 trees, the representative insisted on reducing the price to 12 coins per tree, specifically marking the larger trees. Gwyneth was internally displeased but had no immediate alternative.

As the representative got busy, Gwyneth remembered a forester living nearby, mentioned in the documents he had read. Asking Baldwin for the exact location, he decided to pay a visit. Foresters live in the lord's forest, guarding it against unauthorized hunting and logging. Everything within the domain, including forests and animals, legally belongs to the lord.

Gwyneth, leading his group, soon reached the forester's cabin. The forester's absence during their earlier entry into the forest had slightly furrowed Gwyneth's brow. Baldwin pointed out the exact location, and they made their way there, quickly arriving at the small wooden hut of the forester.

From afar, one could see a wisp of smoke rising from a chimney, and even before approaching, an enticing aroma was already in the air. Pushing open the door, a man in his forties was found slumped on the floor, clutching a wine glass, deep in slumber.

Next to him was a fire pit, over which hung an iron pot. The stew inside was ready, wafting a delicious meaty fragrance. Gwyneth's eyes narrowed slightly as he stepped into the cabin, scanning the surroundings.

The cabin was rather rudimentary, but Gwyneth managed to pull out a heap of dry furs from under the bed. Deer, wild boar, wolf, squirrel, fox – all kinds and sizes were found. He also discovered numerous processed meat pieces in the kitchen at the back. Some were hung to be dried into jerky, while others were still freshly bloodied, evidently recently killed.

Expressionless, Gwyneth returned to the fire pit and sat down. He picked up a wooden bowl, wiped it with his clothing, then ladled some stew into it. After a tentative taste, he found it delicious.

The stew was made with venison, enriched with onions, garlic, mushrooms, carrots, and celery. Fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary were added as herbs, and a pinch of salt for seasoning. The flavor was outstanding, causing even Gwyneth to nod in approval silently.

Inside the cabin, Gwyneth savored the stew, spoonful by spoonful. Baldwin, Jarvis, and the other guards, however, stood uneasily, occasionally casting cautious glances at Gwyneth's face.

But Gwyneth remained impassive, showing neither joy nor anger. Eventually, after what seemed an eternity, the forest ranger finally stirred from his slumber.

He smacked his lips and took a hefty gulp of beer, sighing in contentment. However, the next moment, he leaped to his feet in alarm.

The cabin was filled with nearly ten people. The one sitting right beside him, watching expressionlessly, was Gwyneth.

"You seem to enjoy yourself quite a bit, living a comfortable life," Gwyneth remarked, almost smiling.

The forest ranger felt a chill run down his spine. He opened his mouth to make excuses but found no words to defend himself.

"Sleeping in broad daylight instead of patrolling, and eating my animals. Judging by these furs, you've been indulging quite often," Gwyneth said coldly.

Sweating profusely, the ranger struggled to concoct some excuses, but his mind was a muddled mess.

"Seize him," Gwyneth commanded softly.

The guards immediately sprang into action, their hands reaching for the ranger's shoulders. But the ranger wasn't ready to give up without a fight. He bolted out of the back door of the cabin, sprinting wildly into the forest.

"Kill him!" Gwyneth bellowed in rage, seeing the ranger fleeing.

Everyone mobilized. Some chased on foot, others mounted their horses, and a few stepped outside, drawing their bows.

"Whiz!" "Whiz!"

Arrows flew close to the ranger's scalp, making him duck instinctively. The sound of hooves grew louder as Jarvis rode past him, striking his back with a sword.

The ranger cried out in pain and fell to the ground.

When the guards dragged the barely alive ranger back to the cabin, Gwyneth had just set down his wooden bowl. Sated from his meal, he glanced coldly at the ranger.

"Take him back. He shall face the wheel," Gwyneth declared.