In Golden Pear Territory, Durham County, Green Shade Castle stood surrounded by pear orchards. Count Benjamin was reading a letter that had just arrived by carrier pigeon from Two Rivers County. The two territories had established a pigeon-post route long ago.
The countess sat beside him, anxious to read it too. With a letter arriving so suddenly from Two Rivers County, she feared something had happened to Veronica.
Count Benjamin frowned when he finished reading. Seeing the worry on his wife's face, he patted her hand. "Veronica is fine. You don't need to worry."
He pulled out one sheet and handed it to the countess. She recognized Veronica's handwriting at once. It was full of greetings and assurances that all was well. Reading her daughter's letter put her mind at ease.
But she soon noticed several more sheets in Benjamin's hand. "What do those say?"
Count Benjamin gave a rueful smile. "They're about a very troublesome matter!
"Victor really won't let me have a moment's peace. I'm sorry, my dear, but I may not have time to spend with you for a while."
The countess seemed to understand from his expression. "Benjamin, don't worry about us. We'll take care of ourselves.
"You must take care of yourself out there too. And at your age, you don't have to do everything personally!"
After so many years of marriage, the countess could tell from his face what sort of matter the letter concerned. Benjamin would most likely be leading troops into battle.
Sure enough, before long Count Benjamin ordered the officers of his private army to assemble at Green Shade Castle. He also sent word to two important vassals, Baron Pim and Baron Raymond, telling them to come as soon as possible.
Seeing these preparations, the countess knew this was no small