At dusk, the Demetrius family moved into the castle.
The castle is of medium size, with a low stone wall outside, and stables, warehouses, and wells in the courtyard. There are dozens of craters left in the main building. The power of Six-Pounder Cannon is limited, and the wall is slightly damaged.
"Judging from the specifications, it looks like Europe's castle for the lower-class nobles."
Demetrius sighed and took the lead in walking into the main building lobby to visit. Behind him, his wife Matilda Ravello glanced at his illegitimate daughter Marina and motioned for her to move her luggage to the bedroom on the third floor.
"As you command, ma'am."
Marina struggled to carry a suitcase and followed Matilda upstairs.
Michael stayed in the hall, silently waiting for his father's instructions. Suddenly, a smell of alcohol floated into the open space outside. Michael came to the door to observe. The soldiers (exiles) of the garrison company sat on the ground one after another, sharing the drinks brought from Suez.
Under the influence of alcohol, they began to complain and curse, which turned into quarrels.
Michael tried to stop a fight, but was ridiculed mercilessly by someone.
"Who are you? What qualifications do you have to teach me a lesson? Ah, it turns out to be Mr. Michael·Palaiologos, but are you sure you have the surname Palaiologos?"
The fight continued, attracting nearby exiles, and shouts continued.
"Hit him in the face!"
"Idiot, don't rush to punch hard, the opponent will easily dodge."
Soon, more and more exiles came to watch, and those in the back row stood on tiptoes, worried that they would miss some exciting parts.
"It seems like I have returned to the early arena of Rome." Michael muttered in his heart and turned his attention to the officers of the garrison company.
The company commander had no reaction to this. The remaining officers held wine glasses and watched the fight with great interest. Some even started to place bets to support the side they liked.
Finally, the noise triggered the intervention of Red Sea Fleet. Members of Marines rushed into the open space in the castle and began to disperse the booing crowd.
Judging from the number, the garrison company had 20 more people than the marine company, but the former's organization was too low, and it was suppressed by the marine company almost immediately.
"You..." An officer was about to say something, but was beaten to the ground cleanly by a Marines member. The rest of the exiles did not dare to resist, and huddled together in fear, waiting for the navy's decision.
Samuel warned these people, "The fleet will set off in one week. During this period, you'd better be calm, otherwise you will end up like these two people."
In accordance with military regulations, two drunk soldiers who got into a fight were sentenced to caning.
Marines officers showed no mercy and drew blood from the two people's backs. At first, they screamed loudly, but as time passed, the screams became hoarse and low, and finally disappeared completely.
Samuel walked to the prisoners and found that they had fainted, so he ordered his subordinates:
"Bring it to the port barracks and keep it under guard. After three days, the remaining whips will be replaced."
After this repression, the exiles stopped making noises and began to pack up the barracks in the castle and cook tonight's dinner.
Michael sighed and walked back to the main building, very pessimistic about the next situation:
"The exiles were once country squires, businessmen, and officials. They had too many thoughts on their minds. The first time they received an order, they doubted it instead of resolutely executing it. They did not have the qualities of a qualified soldier at all.
The brief military training allowed them to master skills, but failed to unite them into a real company.
Currently, Red Sea Fleet is staying in the port, and the exiled members will not cause too much trouble. Once the fleet leaves, the exiled personnel lose their restraints, and more and more conflicts will break out."
After listening to the illegitimate child's reminder, Demetrius realized the seriousness of the situation.
His method was to bribe: talk to each officer individually, and then reward them with property in exchange for their oath of allegiance.
Michael feels that this method has limited effect.
The officers of the garrison company are also exiles, and their moral standards are worrying. If they can keep their promises, how can they be sent to Socotra?
Demetrius asked, "Then what do you think we should do?"
"Win over the indigenous people and find a way to form a Militia so that they can check and balance the garrison company."
Early the next morning, Michael couldn't wait to leave the castle.
He first found the fleet station and asked Samuel to mobilize an Arab prisoner of war who could speak the local language, and then arranged for an Arabic translator.
In this way, Michael and Greek are translated into Arabic and then translated into local languages to communicate with the local people.
"Your Excellency, the situation of the garrison company is unstable and may mutiny at any time. I want to temporarily recruit a team of Militia before the fleet leaves. It will be too late if it is too late!"
Samuel put down the black bread in his hand and looked at this eighteen-year-old illegitimate child with interest, with short brown hair and a sad face.
This guy's reaction is very quick, unlike that slow Demetrius.
Socotra Island is the navy's outpost in Indian Ocean, and Samuel is willing to help each other within its ability.
"I agreed. Also, if there are broken troops or bandits in the interior of the island, I will allocate twelve more Marines members to serve as your temporary guards."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Excellency."
For the next whole day, Michael visited every house in the port town and only recruited two soldiers.
This phenomenon is normal. Suq Harbor is the only commercial port on the island. There are often passing merchant ships berthing here. The residents have a high living standard and have insufficient willingness to serve as soldiers.
On August 3, Michael left Suq Harbor with a group of people and headed south along the road.
The inland scenery was barren and the rivers were dry. When arriving at the first village, Michael found that there was very little farmland outside the village, and the villagers relied on grazing and date palm trees to survive.
"This place is poor enough and should be able to recruit some people."
Michael came to the village church and told the priest why he came.
Knowing that these people were from the Roman Empire and also believed in Christianity, the priest's favorability increased. He summoned fifty households in the village to help Michael publicize and persuaded five villagers to become soldiers.
After having lunch at the village community, Michael continued heading south.
Ahead, the terrain gradually gets higher, and the hot wind stirs up dust and blows across the ground. There are patches of "Dragon's Blood Tree" growing on the hillside. Their branches are knotted and the crown is dense, like a huge green umbrella.
Under the shade of the tree, an aborigine used an iron knife to cut the bark of the tree, and deep red resin gradually oozed from the gap. According to the captured officer, this resin can be used as medicine and dye, and is Socotra's main export product.
In addition, the island produces a small amount of aloe vera, Myrrh, and Frankincense. Because the quantity is too small, the income from this part is limited.
Michael thought of the sheep grazing in the mountains and said, "You forgot about the wool. Socotra is almost half the area of Crete. Tens of thousands of sheep on the island can still be scraped together."
The captured officer shook his head. "Sir, I don't know what the situation is like in your hometown, but in Arabia and the Africa coast, the most popular textile is India cotton. This kind of fabric is light, breathable, soft and comfortable. Its quality is better than woolen cloth and Flax cloth, and its price is cheaper than Ming Dynasty silk.
As you just saw, the herdsmen who are a little better off generally wear India cotton, and the woolen cloth on the island cannot be sold at a high price."
Continuing deeper into the mountains and forests, Michael came to the second village. The economic situation here was obviously not as good as the village in the morning, and the poor people were more willing to join the army.
The disadvantage is that they are chronically malnourished and thin.
"Melee infantry need to wear Plate Armor to fight the enemy. These people are not physically fit enough and can only be used as crossbowmen and Matchlock soldiers."
After thinking about it for a long time, Michael decided to accept most of the people, considering the quantity first, and then finding ways to improve the quality later.
He had no idea how to train his troops for the time being.
As an illegitimate son, Michael did not receive a systematic education. He lived in the countryside of Macedonia until he was fourteen years old, and then was taken to the mansion of Thessaloniki by his father.
In the next three years, Michael studied martial arts with the guards and culture with a scribe. Although his wife did not like him, Michael's diet and daily life stayed with the guards, and the living conditions were acceptable.
When he was seventeen years old, Michael joined the local garrison of Macedonia and served as an orderly at the company headquarters, doing some insignificant chores.
In his spare time, he read the teaching materials for junior officers and non-commissioned officers in the library of the battalion headquarters, until the emperor's edict arrived at Macedonia, and the Demetrius family and related personnel were exiled...
"Oh, I wasn't careful when I was reading, but now when I have to do something, I can't remember many things."
Michael sat in the open space at the entrance of the village and sighed. The ground was heated by the sun. Not far away, herders drove their goats back to take a good look at these outsiders who wanted to stay overnight.
At this time, Michael thought of the officers of the garrison company.
In fact, these people had no formal military education. Originally, the two with the highest military rank were only sergeants, and the remaining personnel were veterans who had served for 2 to 7 years and were deprived of military status due to various misdeeds.
Based on their performance along the way, they are obviously not qualified officers.
But no matter what, Michael can only ask them for advice, or persuade an officer to transfer Militia Company to help manage the troops.
On August 7, Michael led one hundred and forty newly recruited soldiers back to Suq Harbor and asked for equipment from Demetrius.
Demetrius looked at this group of timid and thin herdsmen or fishermen, "How much military pay did you promise to give them?"
"Five Florin per year."
The salary of soldiers in the field force is seven Florin per year. The annual salary of these Militia is set at five Florin, which Michael thinks is reasonable.
However, Demetrius doesn't think so.
He has been doing mischief in the local area for more than 20 years. Although he made a lot of money, he squandered most of it.
Demetrius is keen on hosting banquets and often entertains a large group of people to eat, drink and have fun in the mansion or country manor, enjoying the adulation of the guests.
Three years ago, he specially built a zoo at the manor, raising rare animals from all over the world, including lions, ostriches, peacocks, cheetahs, and even held animal fighting competitions...
After being exiled, Demetrius lost all his real estate and could only carry some gold and silver jewelry. He counted them yesterday and found a total of 3,400 Florin.
After using up all his savings, he had no choice but to go to Matilda to discuss using his wife's dowry.
Demetrius: "Can you cut wages or lay off a group of people?"
Michael was shocked by his father's thoughts. How could he go back on what he had promised before?
"Father, I have heard private discussions among the exiles. Many of them blame you for their exile. Although they used to be your guards and friends, things are different now. You have ruined their lives. Do you still expect their loyalty?
If you cut Militia's salary or lay off personnel for no reason, Militia will definitely be dissatisfied. Both troops are guilty, how can you live in the future?"
These words touched the sore spot of Demetrius. He slumped behind his desk with his head hanging down, like a fat country rich man who was about to go bankrupt.
After an unknown amount of time, he picked up the tea cup, stared at the turbid light yellow tea soup, and managed to squeeze out a sentence:
"The financial officer is responsible for supplying food. I will give you another eight hundred Florin every year, and you can find a way to maintain it all."
Only eight hundred?
Michael is crying without tears. One hundred and forty people require 700 Florin every year. But the company needs to promote officers and non-commissioned officers, and they take up more wages. Eight hundred Florin is barely enough.
The question is, what to do with the remaining expenses?
According to Michael's experience as a miscellaneous worker at the company headquarters, the army regularly distributes bedding, clothing, and shoes. During daily training, equipment that is worn out needs to be maintained or replaced. Where can I find this cost?
He walked out of the main building of the castle dejectedly and came to the open space outside. The group of Militia spontaneously disbanded and hid in the shade to chat.
At this moment, Michael was exhausted and had no intention of scolding Militia for slacking off. He set up a table in the shade and asked the financial officer and clergy to help register the roster.
An hour later, the formation of Militia Company was completed, and Michael selected nine squad leaders and asked them to take the members of each squad to move into the barracks and officially start training tomorrow.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, Michael returned to the dock with the navy personnel.
The fleet will set off tomorrow, and a group of sailors are busy carrying fresh water and supplies to the cabin. Not far away, a group of foreign businessmen gathered at the dock to discuss this new arrival.
Michael could not understand their Persia language or Arabic and ignored these foreigners. He found Samuel and told them what he had experienced in the past few days.
In this regard, Samuel is helpless.
"I have seen the garrison's account books. The tax provided by the island is limited. I suggest you find new sources of income, such as mining and fishing. If Demetrius wants to increase taxes, you must stop him."
Michael kicked the gravel on the road, "It would be great if we found a gold mine."
Samuel smiled and shook his head, "If there is a gold mine, it will be a bad thing for you.
Socotra Island is the transfer station from India to East Africa. Merchant ships often berth at Suq Harbor. After so many years, the surrounding governments have not actually controlled the island because of its poverty and occupation.
Assuming that gold mines are discovered on the island, pirates and foreign troops will definitely be attracted. It is possible that the island has already fallen before Red Sea Fleet has received the news.
Forget it, you should take care of the present and train these farmers and herdsmen to become Militia. If you have the spare capacity, it is best to build a wooden wall outside Suq Harbor."