Accordingly, it was not until late the next day that Falkes and Philip found opportunity to sit down together. “You have done well, Cousin,” Philip asserted. “Father always said that Elfael was a plum ripe for the plucking.”
“How right he was,” agreed Falkes readily. “I hope you will tell him how grateful I am for his confidence. I look forward to an early demonstration of my loyalty and thanks.”
“Rest assured I will tell him. Know you, he has charged me to convey a secret—all being well.”
“I hope you think it so,” said Falkes.
“It could not be better,” replied Philip. “Therefore, I am eager to inform you that the baron intends to make Elfael his staging ground for the conquest of the territories.”
“Which territories?” wondered Falkes.
“Selyf, Maelienydd, and Buellt.”
“Three commots!” Falkes exclaimed. “That is . . . ambitious.”
Falkes had no idea his uncle entertained such far-reaching plans. But then, with the endorsement of the king, what was to prevent Baron de Braose from laying claim to the whole of Wales?
“Ambitious, to be sure,” avowed Philip pleasantly. “My father is intent, and he is determined. Moreover, he has the fortune to make it possible.”
“I would never doubt it.”
“Good,” replied Philip, as if a knotty issue had been decided. “To this end, the baron requires you to undertake a survey of the land to be completed before spring.”
“Before spring—,” repeated Falkes, struggling to keep up.
“But we have only just begun to establish—”
“Zut!” said Philip, brushing aside his objection before it could be spoken aloud. “The baron will send his own men to perform the survey. You need only aid them with an appropriate guard to ensure their safety while they work.”
“I see.” The pale count nodded thoughtfully. “And what is this survey to determine?”
“The baron requires three castles to be built—one on the border to the north, one south, and one west—on sites best suited for controlling the territories beyond each of those borders. This the surveyors will determine.”
“Three castles,” mused Falkes, stroking his thin, silky beard.
The cost of such an undertaking would be staggering. He hoped he would not be expected to help pay for the project.
Philip, seeing the shadow of apprehension flit across his cousin’s face, quickly explained. “You will appreciate,” he continued, “that the building will be funded out of the baron’s own treasury.”
Falkes breathed easier for the reassurance. “What about the people of Elfael?” he wondered.
“What about them?”
“I assume they will be required to supply ready labour.”
“Of course—we must have workers in sufficient number.”
“They may resist.”
“I don’t see how they can,” declared Philip. “You said the king and his son have already been removed, along with their men-at-arms. If you were to encounter any meaningful resistance, you would certainly have done so by now. Whatever opposition we meet from here on will be easily overcome.”
Despite his cousin’s effortless assurance, Falkes remained sceptical. He had no clear idea how many of the original inhabitants remained in Elfael. Most seemed to have fled, but it was difficult to determine their numbers, for even in the best of times they rarely stayed in one place, preferring to wander here and there as the whim took them, much like the cattle they raised and which formed their chief livelihood. Be that as it may, those few who remained in the scattered farms and steadings were certain to have something to say about invaders taking their property, even if it was mostly grazing land.
“You can tell your father, my uncle, that he will find everything in good order by next spring, God willing. In the meantime, I will await the arrival of the surveyors—and what is more, I will accompany them personally to see that all is carried out according to the baron’s wishes.”
They talked of the work to be done, the materials to be obtained, the number of men who would be needed, and so on. In all that followed, Count Falkes paid most stringent attention—especially when it came to the labourers who would be required.
It was common practise amongst the Ffreinc to entice the local population of conquered lands to help with construction work; for a little pay, parcels of land, or promises of preferential dealings, an ample workforce could often be gathered from the immediate area. The custom had been applied to rousing effect amongst the Saxons. This is how the Conqueror and his barons had accomplished so much so quickly in the subjugation and domination of England. There was no reason why the same practise should not also work in