A two chapter summary from book 3.
Unexpected Allies and Strategic Gains
Cornwall’s leaders initially believed their recent success against King Ine was due to their own strategy. However, they later discovered an unexpected ally in King Coenred of the Middle Saxons, who had launched a simultaneous attack on Ine.
Forced to defend his kingdom, Ine withdrew from Cornwall’s former baronies, allowing the Cornish forces to reclaim Hayle, Zennor, and Rame without direct confrontation. With soldiers from Armorica stationed in these areas, half of the displaced residents returned.
The sergeants overseeing each keep were offered the title of Baron if they held the territories successfully for six months, an incentive that kept them focused on stability.
Fostering Economic Growth and Infrastructure
With six baronies now under Cornwall’s control, the leadership concentrated on spurring economic growth. Tax breaks were granted to encourage farming and trade, roads were extended, and a semaphore system connected the keeps. Complaints about road construction delays soon poured in from all over Cornwall, drawing comparisons to distant lands where politics often delayed infrastructure.
Reunions and Trade Negotiations
Once this part of Cornwall stabilized, Eleanor and her husband returned to Owen-nap to reunite with their three-year-old daughter, Catherine, affectionately called “Catty.” In Saltash, Eleanor bonded with the widow of the former Baron, who showed an interest in remarrying.
The leaders then visited John Chandler, Cornwall’s chief trading partner, who shared troubling news: the Franks had become aware of Armorica’s lucrative trade routes and were considering an invasion. Diplomacy was chosen as the first course of action, emphasizing to the Franks that invading Armorica would result in lost trade profits, not newfound riches.
A New Project: Penicillin Production
Returning to Owen-nap, the leadership turned their attention to a pioneering endeavor: producing penicillin. Carefully crafted from the leaders’ knowledge, the process involved growing and filtering the antibiotic. Tested first on a critically ill lumberjack, penicillin worked wonders, clearing the infection within days. Lady Agnes, present during the treatment, marveled at the results and grew increasingly curious about the leaders’ knowledge and capabilities.
Cornwall Witnesses a Medical Breakthrough
With word of penicillin’s success spreading, Cornwall’s senior leaders gathered to witness its effects firsthand. While some religious objections arose, Archbishop Luke ultimately declared that anything reducing pain and suffering should be embraced. The demand for penicillin led to the construction of a dedicated production facility designed to produce 250mg and 500mg doses.
Initially packaged in vials, later batches were crafted as sugar-coated tablets for easier consumption. Cornwall’s health centers soon received supplies, with stories of miraculous recoveries attracting visitors from neighboring regions.
Securing Cornwall and Fending Off Raiders
As Cornwall’s prosperity grew, it also drew interest from Jewish merchants seeking safe storage for their wealth, resulting in plans for a secure repository. However, the increased wealth also attracted raiders. Viking forces attempted an invasion, but thanks to Cornwall’s robust infrastructure, soldiers repelled them swiftly, sending a strong message that Cornwall was well defended.
New Beginnings and a Looming Plague
Another wave of joy arrived with the birth of a son, James Douglas Fletcher. His mother’s post-birth infection was successfully treated with penicillin, demonstrating the life-saving power of their latest advancement.
Yet, even amid such victories, reports arrived of a deadly plague sweeping through Rome, likely pneumonic in nature. A council was called, with Lady Agnes and Archbishop Luke in attendance. Cornwall’s response centered on strict quarantine measures to protect its borders, a vital strategy to safeguard the population.
Looking Ahead
Cornwall’s prosperity and security were hard-won, underpinned by a strong health system, solid infrastructure, and a growing population. With steady leadership, the region now stood as a beacon of stability, attracting settlers, merchants, and allies alike. But even as Cornwall flourished, its leaders knew that their journey—and the challenges ahead—were far from over.
