Farmer Bryson

Bryson sat in the back of the limousine staring vacantly through the car window. Phillips was currently driving the limousine towards the farming town that Bryson had been assigned to. They had been travelling for over a day now and the busy urban landscape had now transformed to the sparse rural farming land. Bryson had used this time to prepare a few things for this trip.

“You know, I’ve never actually been this far out of the city before.” Lila, who sat next to him, said.

“Great for you.” Bryson grumbled.

“Well, Lord Coldwater, it is useful experience.” Nico who had also joined them in the back of the limousine assured.

“This is so pointless.” Bryson compared.

“Lord Coldwater, we have arrived.” Phillip announced.

“Finally. Let’s get this over with. Make sure to keep my notes in order.” Bryson said as he hurriedly opened the door and crawled out of the car.

Lila and Nico shared a smile at the speed in which Bryson was moving at.

“Frost! Reese! Out now!” He shouted back at them. Both of them shrugged at one another and joined Bryson exiting the vehicle.

“Wow.” Lila breathed out seeing the farming village for the first time. In comparison to the city was a sprawling urban metropolis that had buildings stacked upon buildings at the center of the city, the town in comparison seemed so simple.

A lot of the buildings seemed to be constructed by hand with little use of heavy machinery and were only a few stories tall. It seemed like the place still used oil lamps to illuminate the streets and fireplaces to keep the homes warm.

“I know, old fashioned.” Bryson said reading her mind.

“Yeah, why is that?” She asked.

“The city is powered by a mixture of technology and magic. Here on the outskirts, not much of either. Here, even a tractor would be considered impressive.” Bryson said as he watched someone riding a horse move across the dirt road, “Most people at best have a child’s education on most matters.”

Bryson took a breath, taking in the outdoor air, “I miss air conditioning.” He muttered.

“Then you should probably get it over with.” Lila said.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Bryson said as he began to head towards the building with a sign that said town hall.

***

“I’m terribly sorry Lord Coldwater. We will get to work on sowing the crops immediately. It’s just that we’ve had a few issues.” The town’s mayor said to Bryson nervously.

Upon entering the town center the mayor quickly greeted Bryson and currently they were having a meeting inside his office. His very dusty and rustic office. Bryson saw a massive spiderweb in the corner of the office.

Bryson raised an eyebrow at the sweating mayor, “What’s the problem that’s stopping you from doing your job?”

“It’s… it’s- uh just… the field, sir Coldwater.” The mayor stammered out.

“Lord Coldwater.” Bryson interjected.

“I beg your pardon?” The mayor asked confused.

“I am to be referred to as Lord Coldwater, sirs are for knights. Get this wrong with the wrong noble and that tongue of yours might get you in trouble.” Bryson said absentmindedly staring at the spiderweb pattern.

“Oh… uh of course, my apologies Lord Coldwater.” The mayor said.

“Continue.” Bryson beckoned.

“R-right. Well, due to recent weather events the soil on our farms are far less fertile.” The mayor explained, “But don’t worry!” He hurriedly assured, “In a few weeks time we can start planting!”

Bryson slowly turned his head and his pitch black eyes bore into the mayor who physically shrank back. Oh yeah, I have that affect on people. Bryson recalled seeing the mayor’s reaction. Whatever, it’s how I talk, I’m not going to change. He decided.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but are you not suppose to start this week?” Bryson asked.

“Um… yes, we are.”

“And you are aware that we have a tight schedule?”

“Y-yes.”

“And waiting a few more weeks will put us behind schedule?”

“…yes.” The mayor said quietly.

“So we can’t start in a few weeks, we have to start now.” Bryson stated.

“B-but, the soil, the wheat won’t be able to grow well on it.” The mayor said helplessly.

“It doesn’t need to be wheat.” Bryson said as he shifted in his seat.

“A- huh?” The mayor asked confused.

“It doesn’t need to be wheat.” Bryson repeated. Extending an open hand out before Lila he waited expectantly. Lila stood there and did nothing, so Bryson motioned with his hand. Still nothing.

“Oh my- Frost!” Bryson snapped.

“Oh! Yeah?” Lila said blinking to attention.

“The tablet!” Bryson said exasperated.

“Ah, here.” She said pulling out a small tablet from a bag and handing it out to Bryson. Turning on the tablet he showed the mayor the screen which read the requirements that the town needed.

“Look.” Bryson said showing, “It says produce foodstuffs. Not wheat, you can grow other things now that will be easier to grow.”

“That’s… true, but we only have wheat.” The mayor said.

“Yes I am aware, the plan is to trade your wheat with other farming towns for corn, pumpkin and beans. They will be done in a couple days and you will be able to get it done by the end of the week.” Bryson said.

“Three different crops?”

“Yes, plant these crops using the three sisters method. They aid one another while growing, require less fertile soil to grow and helping to enrich the soil.” Bryson explained, pointing to Phillip who gave a polite bow, “My butler will give you the instructions on how sow the crops.”

The mayor stood there in silence for a moment reading through the tablet in awe. Finally looking to Bryson, he was beaming, “Oh! Thank you, Lord Coldwater! Your benevolence will be remembered forever!” He thanked happily.

Bryson gave a dismissive wave of his hand as he got up and left the office, leaving Phillip and the mayor to discuss. Following Bryson was Lila and Nico.

“I didn’t know you knew so much about farming.” Lila complimented.

“I don’t, I had Phillip do most of the work, not sure how he was able to get it all done in two days, but he did. Though really, it’s a bit of an issue that the people on the outskirts of the continent don’t have information about more modern farming methods. Still, this should solve some of the issue for now.” Bryson admitted.

“So the mayor should be thanking him with all his might, not you.” She said teasingly.

“No, Phillip was just instructed to gather information. He never would have done so without my instruction.” Bryson replied.

“You mean you pushed all your work onto him.”

“It’s called delegating Frost. It’s an important tool to have for a Coldwater.” Bryson said as he opened the door at the front of the town center.