ADDITIONAL TAXES

Edmund woke up very early as usual. It was just the first cock crow. He got up from his bed and tapped Ayan who slept in his room that night. Together they went to fetch their cousins Drax and Skurt.

The four went to have their bath and brought back some water for their parents to have theirs. It was wrong for men and women who had been of age to get naked and take their bath amid the youths.

After they had finished their domestic chores. They began to head for the farm. It was about a 2 km distance from their house so they each took their horses. They had been riding for about ten minutes and were now at the market. They could see soldiers everywhere, some harassing traders, others collecting some amount of money.

"What is happening over here," Drax asked. He was quite confused, he was aware that such things only happened during tax payments but it hadn't been long since they had collected the tax.

"I don't know either" Ayan replied. The four got down from their horses and moved closer to the scene.

Skurt asked one of the men watching about the situation and he informed him.

"But that's impossible, I mean weren't taxes collected a few weeks ago?" Skurt voiced out.

Edmund stood holding the horse's reins, he had noticed something amidst all the commotions. The soldiers were heading for their house. He called his friends and made known to them his hypothesis.

They got on their horses immediately and followed the soldiers trail. Just like Edmund's prediction, it led them to his house.

They met some soldiers discussing with the grand matron and his grandfather in their compound. They got down from their horses and dashed to the scene.

"The governor has instructed that we collect extra tax from traders. And following his orders, we are here to do so." A voice spoke. He was one of the officers but unlike the rest, he wasn't a soldier. He wore a blue robe that looked less stylish than that of the ministers in the governor's administration. He was an officer. A low one I must say in the taxation department of the kingdom.

"Why do we have to do so. I mean we just paid some a few weeks ago. Isn't this supposed to be an annual thing?" The grand patron wasn't happy with the development but he made sure to maintain his cool when speaking with the officer.

"It was supposed to be but suddenly the dynasty requested for an increase. We are deeply sorry for the short notice." The officer replied apologetically.

"So how much is the money?" He asked. It was obvious he wasn't going to give them but he was inquisitive to know the amount charged.

"Nothing much sir. Just 0.3 percent of what was previously charged."

"Well, I'm sorry. My family has nothing to give you. We've spent most of our money on getting new bulls and equipment for the next farming season. You will have to wait till the next two months." The grand patron spoke again. He was about to leave when the officer spoke again.

"Pls sir, I will advice that you comply and don't make us result in using other measures."

"What other measures are you talking about? Are you going to force us to pay what we had already paid for? Look, we understand that you work for the government but at least you were a citizen first before any other thing. We don't have that amount of money!" A voice replied. It was a man in his late 50s, he had dark eyes and was of an average height.

"Rima! It's okay. And you officer, Like I said, we don't have that kind of money now." He was about to turn and head for his chambers when the officer ordered his arrest.

"I'm sorry sir. I'm just following orders." The officer was about to make a turn around when he heard a familiar voice.

"Stop there! We would give you the money you requested for. Now let go of my father."

The voice belonged to the grand patron's second son and Edmunds grand father Rima.

He was hesitant to release the money but realized that it would be worse for people to see his father getting arrested. It would bring shame to their family. Though they weren't as wealthy as other families, they weren't poor either. They were known farmers and often traded outside the walls of the kingdom.

"Didn't you hear him? Let him go!"Another voice said. It was his son Culbert this time around.

"Let him go!" The officer ordered. He waited for some minutes as Rima made his way to the grand patron chambers. He came back after a while with 80 silver coins.

"Here, have it." He said giving the coins to the officer who made a turn. He counted the coins, got on his horse, and rode away with the soldiers.

"Father, were you ready to get arrested?" A member of the crowd asked. The voice sounded a bit more mature than that of Rima. It was the grand patron's first son Zima.

"That's enough! I suggest we all go to our chambers. It's been enough show for one day." The grand patron exited the place and finally made his way to his chambers. Moments later others followed. Soon enough the only people left there were Ayan, Skurt, Drax, and a surprised Edmund.

* * * *

Hi, it's the author here

Pls, note that this novel is fiction. Hence, the places and names used are all based on the writer's imagination.

I also appreciate you all for the love and support you have shown me so far. Believe me, it has helped me a lot.

Thanks.