Medieval: Kingdom Come: Deliverance

In 1403, land disputes in Bohemia had become extremely acute.

Lords and nobles owned all land, mountains, and rivers, but they did not cultivate them themselves. Instead, they distributed the right to use the land and collected rent.

Free farmers possessed hereditary rights to a portion of land, which could not be revoked without cause. Landlords and wealthy households like Jaksi were among the best of these groups.

Commoners possessed allotted land from the lord, typically 4-5 hectares, but only had temporary usage rights; the lord could reclaim the land at any time. This was the case for most members of the village guards.

Employees or serfs who lost their land due to bankruptcy were forced to work for others to make a living, placing them at the very bottom of society. This was the case with the unfortunate Raq.

This is why Peter was so happy when he promised Lac a share of land.

After Peter brought Sauerkraut Pepa and unlucky Lark back to the camp, the camp officially began its land reclamation and farming. The two of them threw themselves into the work with great enthusiasm.

But the two of them were still clearing land too slowly. They needed to recruit more farmers, and Peter set his sights on bankrupt farmers. These penniless laborers and serfs were the class most eager to change their fate.

Previously, even the poorest people would be reluctant to join the camp, because if they were caught by the executioner, they would be hanged.

After the Battle of Devil's Canyon, Peter had proven his ability to protect his territory, giving the laborers and serfs who longed for change a new option.

"It is our inescapable duty to save the poor from their suffering! I have decided to embark on an armed pilgrimage to spread the Lord's way of salvation!"

Peter proposed this new plan at a camp meeting.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, puzzled as to why the adult had suddenly become so radical.

Tom, the deputy leader of the combat team and squad leader of Class A, forced a smile and said, "Sir, we just defeated the village guards and haven't even fully digested the spoils of victory, including a large amount of wealth, supplies, and personnel. Is it really necessary to continue expanding?"

"Time waits for no one, Tom."

Peter said earnestly, "It's already the end of April, and May is just around the corner. The planting season is almost over, and we must get enough farmers to cultivate the fields and plant crops."

"But, sir, shouldn't our primary focus be on war? If we have enough soldiers, how much food can't we seize?"

John, the class monitor of Class B, was somewhat puzzled.

The other combat team members nodded in agreement. Although it wasn't explicitly stated, they all seemed quite pleased with the widely circulated title of "Thief Baron." The victory had made them a little arrogant.

"madness!"

Peter directly criticized him, pointing at Big Mouth John and saying, "What do you think you are? A robber? A Robin Hood? Bullshit!"

John the Big Mouth blushed and hurriedly lowered his head to admit his mistake.

Peter then looked away and addressed the crowd, saying, "Do you remember what I said before the war? Why are we fighting? We are fighting for a land where we can survive and have a say; for every loaf of bread, every piece of clothing, and every piece of armor we receive; for a fairer, freer, and more dignified life! Not to continue being bandits after we win!"

Everyone lowered their heads, too ashamed to meet Peter's gaze. They had become a bit complacent lately, especially after they made a name for themselves. Passing merchants obediently paid their dues and treated them with utmost respect, which gave them a sense that things were actually quite good.

Peter continued, "Remember, you are loyal warriors of the Griffin family, who are sworn to me. One day, you will receive knighthoods and have your own fiefdoms. Understand that a strong land is built on the foundation of a strong territory by having farmers who can cultivate the land steadily."

The crowd was thrilled by Peter's promise of a knighthood, a hereditary title and land. Did they even deserve it?

"The title of 'Thief Baron' sounds prestigious, but without a solid foundation, one defeat can lead to utter ruin. We, on the other hand, with our own land, farmers, carpenters, blacksmiths, and apothecaries—our complete logistical support—can withstand the sieges of nobles, sustain a stalemate, and even if we suffer minor setbacks, we can start again! The title of 'Thief Baron' is not our goal, nor our end. Developing our strength, accumulating resources, waiting for the opportunity, and becoming true lords is our path. Now, I have said my piece. Does anyone still have objections?"

Peter glanced around, and sure enough, everyone quieted down.

"Since no one objects, I will make the following arrangements. Brother Martin, Jerry, Robert, and Andrei, you four are excellent riders, and you will accompany me on horseback tomorrow. The rest of you will continue with your work as usual."

"Yes, Lord Peter."

The four who were called stood up straight. Those who weren't called looked dejected, even somewhat anxious. Everyone knew that Lord Peter would definitely have to do something during tomorrow's procession, and those who considered themselves quite capable were somewhat resentful for not being chosen for this opportunity to earn merit.

"Sir, I can too..."

John the Big Mouth wanted to fight for himself, but Peter stopped him by raising his hand.

Peter said gently, "There are still so many new prisoners in the camp. Your guard duties are very heavy. It is because of my trust in you that I can go out with peace of mind."

"Yes, sir. We will certainly guard the camp well."

Tom and John immediately stood up, bowed, and made their promise.

Peter nodded to them to sit down, then said to Romeo, "Get me two baskets of potions tomorrow. I'll take care of this week's credit program."

"Okay, I've prepared some chamomile medicine, calendula medicine, blood-activating medicine, hemostatic medicine, and detoxifying medicine for you."

Romeo was very reliable in his work.

It was sunny on March 4.

After having breakfast, Peter and his five companions led the six captured warhorses out of Devil's Canyon.

Peter, clad in heavy armor and wielding a longsword, was dressed like a knight; Martin wore iron armor under a monk's robe, clutching a cross; Jerry and Robert, in scale armor and longbows, resembled Cuman rangers; Andrei, a massive figure, rode a black horse, carrying a three-meter-long banner adorned with a red griffin. A sixth horse carried two baskets of potions.

They first went to a shack outside the mountains, tied the hands of the captured executioner Serush, and dragged him toward the village of Troski.

"Sir, I released your son two days ago to raise the 500 Grossen ransom, but he hasn't shown up yet. I've decided to personally take you home and collect my money myself. What do you say?"

As the group cycled, Peter chatted with Therlush, who was hiking behind them.

"500 Grosshins, I'll give it to you, I promise. But please give me a drink of water first..."

The officer, bound outside these past two days, had suffered terribly. He received only barely enough food and water to fill his stomach; his favorite beef stew with butter and onions was nowhere to be found, nor his beloved Kutenberg red wine. Hearing Peter's words, he began to resent his son, Swatya, for not hurrying to ransom him for a mere 500 Groschens!

If we really let that robber break into our house and ransack it, the cost would be much more than five hundred! Foolish, son!

Peter wasn't on an armed parade specifically to collect a ransom; sending Thelushi back was just a side trip. His main purpose was to promote his "immigration policy."

Coachman's Station.

When everyone saw five cavalrymen carrying a large griffin banner slowly approaching, the once bustling post station erupted into chaos as if startled. The tavern owner quickly closed the door, the bathhouse manager and his bath attendants hid in the tubs, the merchants clutched their wallets tightly, the post station grooms trembled as they protected their two remaining horses, and the common people chattered through the windows.

"Who are they? They look so impressive."

"Didn't you see the griffin on that big flag? That must be Peter the Red Griffin!"

"So young, yet so robust?"

"Who's dragging them from behind? Looks like Executor Therush? How brutal!"

........

Peter and his companions had already entered the post station. Seeing the trembling crowd, they thought they had frightened them, so they called out loudly, "I am Peter Griffin, a knight blessed by God, seeking the path of salvation. I apologize for disturbing you."

"He was so polite, and his tone of voice was like reciting poetry. He didn't seem like a bad person."

"It was a troubadour named Michael who said this in a low voice."

"Bullshit! The guy we were drinking with that day didn't seem like a bad guy, but he still robbed us of all our money bags!"

George, however, had a different opinion.

Peter looked at the chaotic inn, shrugged, and realized he wasn't welcome here. But it didn't matter; thick-skinned as he was, he launched into his own propaganda: "I was called here by God and established a camp. I've produced high-quality, inexpensive potions and built an inn at the crossroads. Welcome to trade with me if you need anything."

The old monk Martin recited a passage of Latin scripture to endorse Peter.

Jerry and Robert took five bottles of potion from their baskets and placed them on the table in the tavern courtyard.

Peter added, "I know that the coachman's station is a stopover for many traveling merchants, so please help me spread the word. Also, my camp needs a lot of farmers to cultivate the land, and after the autumn harvest, we will distribute land. If you are interested, you can sign up at the crossroads. Places are limited, so come early to get your share!"

Seeing that everyone still looked incredulous and dared not approach, Peter sullenly continued to urge his horse forward.

"This Red Griffin is so polite, he didn't rob us?"

"I told you, he's a knight of redemption. Have you ever heard of him robbing civilians?"

"A post station has opened at the crossroads? Aren't they afraid of being besieged by the lord?"

"What are you afraid of? The Red Griffin is so powerful, didn't you see that Executor was still pulling on his horse's rump?"

"Is what he said about dividing the land true? I want to try it."

..........

A few miles east of the coachman's station lies the village of Zhelyov, which was Peter and his companions' main destination.

The village guard spotted a cavalry unit approaching from afar. Upon closer inspection, they were startled to see a red griffin banner and immediately sounded the alarm, alerting the village sheriff, Old Orbram.

Zheleyov, Takhov, and Apolonia are three subordinate villages of Troski. Unlike the central village, they do not have a town hall executive officer, but only a sheriff to protect each village. Old Orbram is one of them. When he heard that the five Red Griffin cavalrymen were coming, he immediately cowered.

How could a dozen poorly trained civilian guards possibly defeat five cavalrymen? Especially after hearing that Executor Therush was being dragged along by Peterma, old Olbram immediately chose to stay indoors.

"People say that red griffins don't prey on civilians; I hope that legend is true."

Old Olbrham, hiding at home, prayed silently.

Indeed, this was the case. After Peter and his men arrived in the center of the village, they began to sell medicine on credit to win people's hearts.

"God revealed to me that there are many poor people suffering from illness in Zheleyov. So I came here, not to make money, but to spread the Lord's grace. A bottle of medicine, not 9.8, not 8.8, just 4.8 Groshen, you can take it home immediately!"

"No money? No problem. I can pay on credit. As God said, 'A rose given away leaves its fragrance in the hand.' I dare not be as generous as God, but I can allow you to use the medicine first and pay later. Just press your bloody handprint on this parchment, and you can take home the potion worth 4.8."

"What? You have no money, don't want to buy on credit, but urgently need medicine? Fine. My camp needs a lot of farmers to cultivate the land. As long as the cultivated land yields a good harvest in the fall, I will allow you to pay with grain."

"What? You don't want medicine, you just want farmland. Fine, come to my camp, anything is possible. There's bound to be a path to redemption for you in Peter Griffin's ways!"

Surrounded by enthusiastic villagers, Peter climbed to a high place to give a speech, speaking fluently and with ease.

The old monk continued to play the charlatan, chanting incomprehensible Latin scriptures. The surrounding crowd listened with rapt attention.

Jerry and Robert were busy delivering medicine, signing documents, and pressing their fingerprints.

Andrei, carrying the banner, stood tall and proud, his heart brimming with pride, occasionally glancing at the bound Serush, wondering if he was behaving himself.

Therush was stunned by Peter's words and actions and the enthusiastic scene. He couldn't understand how someone like Peter could be so generous with money and so selfless. Was he really a holy knight blessed by God?