| By: Jason Atwood |
Nestled in the foothills of a small mountain range, Enfield had once been a barely noticeable
collection of secluded farms. Ten years ago, any visitors to Enfield were either lost or avoiding
some sort of trouble. The handful of residents ignored these outsiders, or did their best to send
them on their way. Enfield was a bastion for righteous, upstanding people who prized the
conservative values of: hard work, family and faith. It was a place where people could live far
away from the liberal societies of Charton, the capital of Midland, and other large cities. Enfield’s
citizens could do without all the useless pursuits of the arts and sciences, as well as the corruption
of a powerful government. The big cities had other evils such as alcoholic spirits. Enfield was as
devoid of decadence as a desert is of water, and that seemed to be how it was always going to
be.
Then, a monumental event occurred. This event brought all the evils of the outside world to
Enfield, as surely as a wounded deer brings a mountain lion. The nation of Redland to the north
and the nation of Granger to the south, after decades of quarreling, had struck upon a mutually
beneficial trade agreement. The nation of Midland, of which Enfield was a part, was situated
between the two opposing nations. So naturally, they were only too happy to help mediate this
event. Anyone who has been unfortunate enough to be caught in the middle of an argument knows
how vexing this situation can be. Although, personal quarrels rarely lead to one party wanting to
march an army though your house to eliminate the other party.
Enfield had maintained a precarious neutral position. Threatening to rain fire upon your neighbors
should they try to move an army through your country may protect your borders, but it doesn’t do
much to improve matters. This state of affairs could have continued indefinitely, as the leaders of
Redland and Granger adamantly resisted any form of compromise.
Fortunately, political climates change. Some leaders are removed by an unexpected election
result. Others are removed by a kidney dagger in an alley behind a brothel. Such are the many
facets and nuances of politics. Whatever the method used, the new leaders saw the benefits of
friendly trade with neighboring nations. More money and less raining of fire happen to be very
powerful incentives.
So, it passed that the leaders of Redland and Granger signed the historic trade agreement in
Midland’s capital of Charton. Midland’s senate members were very receptive to the idea of
imposing a nominal tax on the merchants from both nations traveling across the country to trade
with their former enemies. All was good, and the gods were smiling upon everyone. Enfieldians
were ignorant to the international intrigues and their potential effects. If they had only known what
the consequences of this agreement would be, they would have probably petitioned to rain fire
upon all the parties involved. The residents of Enfield failed to recognize, however, that when you
isolate yourself from the evils of the outside world you remain oblivious to events which can bring
those evils to you.
Enfield did not change overnight, and if not for some very cunning merchants, it may have
remained as it always had been. Some traders were none too happy about the ‘nominal’ tax being
levied against them by Midland’s senate. So, there was motivation to find a more covert way to
cross the nation. A small guild of traders, with somewhat shady reputations, discovered a little
used road. It was really no more than a glorified animal path, but it was serviceable enough for
their needs. This road just happened to travel through Enfield.
Things happened slowly. At first, the natives of Enfield were merely curious about the transients
who passed through their community. A few travelers could be tolerated if they did not linger. As
time went on, more and more merchants discovered this new trade route. Enfield was getting
more visitors each passing month, and some of them had the gall to approach some of Enfield’s
female residents. This did not sit well, and there were some skirmishes.
No one was ever seriously injured, but it was becoming clear that action needed to be taken. The
residents of Enfield held a meeting, and decided to brave the evils of the city. A few suggested
going directly to Charton, but this was quickly discounted. It would take several days to reach the
capital, and that city was just too corrupt to offer any assistance to the upstanding citizenry of
Enfield. Instead, a delegation was sent to the nearer and somewhat smaller city of Winsford. A
smaller city had to be less corrupt, and help would be able to arrive sooner.
Help did come, but not as the Enfieldians expected. The local government in Winsford was
outraged that merchants had been sneaking through Enfield. Of course, harassing the good
people of Enfield was unfortunate, but dodging taxes was unforgivable. A message was sent to
Charton, and action was taken with unprecedented celerity. A battalion of engineers, lawmen, and
tax collectors were dispatched to correct the situation. The plan was to widen the road the
merchants were using and place outposts at the borders just as with all other major trade routes.
Any communities that existed on this new route were to have an official government presence for
the protection and well-being of the residents.
Enfield was no exception. The people of Enfield were of a split mind at the results of this
operation. They resisted the presence of city officials who they viewed as a lazy, corrupt blight on
their fair community. Although, there were more than a few Enfieldians who appreciated how
those despicable merchants were brought in line, and some Enfieldians even began to trade for a
few goods with some of the more reputable traders, at a discount of course. This continued for a
year, and then a plague was unleashed upon the good, hard-working people.
An increasing number of wealthy individuals learned about Enfield. There were large tracts of land,
and the ownership of said land was unclear at best. Affluent people from Winsford and Charton
purchased real estate from some of the Enfieldians for a pittance. The sellers thought they were
getting a great deal, payment for land that they did not use and weren’t even sure they owned.
These pieces of land were cleared and large farming operations built. Timber from the trees was
used to build palatial estates for the newest residents of Enfield. People from Granger caught
word that these new farms needed workers, and many migrated to seek employment.
Things were quickly spiraling out of control for the natives of Enfield. In just a few short years,
their secluded community was being overrun by merchants, corrupt city officials and foreigners.
The foreigners were by far the worst. They were different. They spoke a different language, and
they had different customs. In the mind of the Enfieldians, these people swept in and stole all the
jobs that the Enfieldians believed to be theirs. In reality, very few Enfieldians wished to work for
the owners of the new farming estates. Those that did seek employment were usually placed in
supervisory roles and given more than adequate compensation for their work.
The immigrants from Granger were happy with their new lives. They were able to live in a way that
supported their values of hard work, family and faith. It was ironic that the native Enfieldians didn’t
get along well with the people from Granger. They had much in common.
As the influx of people continued, Enfield grew into a real town. Shopkeepers, innkeepers and
tradesmen opened businesses. Many of these people had come to the area for a fresh start. An
official town hall was built, and local affairs were overseen by a council of elected representatives.
A sheriff was also elected to keep order, and coordinate with lawmen in other towns and cities
when needed. The native Enfieldians were not quiet in the affairs of their ever-changing
community. They formed an association, and they quickly learned how to exert political pressure
on the council members. The Enfieldian Protection Association sought to keep the evils of the
outside world at bay while reaping the benefits brought by increased trade.
Things did not go smoothly. Old and new ideals clashed, but they were eventually able to
compromise. No group was entirely happy, but peace was maintained and Enfield prospered.
The Enfieldian Protection Association won several battles over important issues. One notable
example was the ban on all livestock and draft animals within the town proper. All such animals
must be held outside the town or transported around the town via a special road. This did wonders
for keeping Enfield clean.
Another victory was a ban on vice. Gambling, prostitution, alcohol use and many other activities
were prohibited, and stiff penalties were imposed on offenders. In the five years since the
creation of the trade agreement, Enfield had undergone changes beyond what any of the residents
could ever have dreamed.
In contrast to the previous years, very few things changed over the next five years. People
continued to journey to Enfield. A few, like Jayce and Kayli, decided to stay in the area. Most
were transients. The travelers and merchants were treated with hospitality as long as they obeyed
the laws and spent their money. Poor travelers and troublemakers were unceremoniously ejected
from town. During this period the Professionals and their families became welcome additions to
the Enfield community. Life had changed, but it was pleasant enough.
The only point of contention came as a challenge to the anti-vice laws. Many of the innkeepers
sought to sell beer, wine and spirits with the meals that they prepared. Taverns were strictly
outlawed. Due to this, inns had become the places of choice for travelers and some residents to
eat and pass the time. The innkeepers saw an opportunity to increase their earnings if they could
sell pleasing potent potables. The Enfieldian Protection Association vehemently opposed such an
idea, but the innkeepers challenged them to find the harm with a drink or two with a meal.
In the end, the innkeepers were victorious. The council voted to allow limited sales of alcoholic
beverages. There were some conditions, however, to appease the Association. First, the
penalties for any offense committed while intoxicated were greatly increased. Second, the
innkeepers were responsible for refusing to serve alcohol to people deemed to be too young to
handle strong drink, or those who were already intoxicated.
These were the events that shaped the Enfield we see today; a prospering, peaceful community. It
is a place where the most scandalous subjects are who didn’t show up for weekly worship and
other such gossip. It is a place where you could easily see a story ending with a “happily ever
after”, but it is also a place of change. Any of the native Enfieldians will be quick to tell you that
when change comes, you best be prepared.
collection of secluded farms. Ten years ago, any visitors to Enfield were either lost or avoiding
some sort of trouble. The handful of residents ignored these outsiders, or did their best to send
them on their way. Enfield was a bastion for righteous, upstanding people who prized the
conservative values of: hard work, family and faith. It was a place where people could live far
away from the liberal societies of Charton, the capital of Midland, and other large cities. Enfield’s
citizens could do without all the useless pursuits of the arts and sciences, as well as the corruption
of a powerful government. The big cities had other evils such as alcoholic spirits. Enfield was as
devoid of decadence as a desert is of water, and that seemed to be how it was always going to
be.
Then, a monumental event occurred. This event brought all the evils of the outside world to
Enfield, as surely as a wounded deer brings a mountain lion. The nation of Redland to the north
and the nation of Granger to the south, after decades of quarreling, had struck upon a mutually
beneficial trade agreement. The nation of Midland, of which Enfield was a part, was situated
between the two opposing nations. So naturally, they were only too happy to help mediate this
event. Anyone who has been unfortunate enough to be caught in the middle of an argument knows
how vexing this situation can be. Although, personal quarrels rarely lead to one party wanting to
march an army though your house to eliminate the other party.
Enfield had maintained a precarious neutral position. Threatening to rain fire upon your neighbors
should they try to move an army through your country may protect your borders, but it doesn’t do
much to improve matters. This state of affairs could have continued indefinitely, as the leaders of
Redland and Granger adamantly resisted any form of compromise.
Fortunately, political climates change. Some leaders are removed by an unexpected election
result. Others are removed by a kidney dagger in an alley behind a brothel. Such are the many
facets and nuances of politics. Whatever the method used, the new leaders saw the benefits of
friendly trade with neighboring nations. More money and less raining of fire happen to be very
powerful incentives.
So, it passed that the leaders of Redland and Granger signed the historic trade agreement in
Midland’s capital of Charton. Midland’s senate members were very receptive to the idea of
imposing a nominal tax on the merchants from both nations traveling across the country to trade
with their former enemies. All was good, and the gods were smiling upon everyone. Enfieldians
were ignorant to the international intrigues and their potential effects. If they had only known what
the consequences of this agreement would be, they would have probably petitioned to rain fire
upon all the parties involved. The residents of Enfield failed to recognize, however, that when you
isolate yourself from the evils of the outside world you remain oblivious to events which can bring
those evils to you.
Enfield did not change overnight, and if not for some very cunning merchants, it may have
remained as it always had been. Some traders were none too happy about the ‘nominal’ tax being
levied against them by Midland’s senate. So, there was motivation to find a more covert way to
cross the nation. A small guild of traders, with somewhat shady reputations, discovered a little
used road. It was really no more than a glorified animal path, but it was serviceable enough for
their needs. This road just happened to travel through Enfield.
Things happened slowly. At first, the natives of Enfield were merely curious about the transients
who passed through their community. A few travelers could be tolerated if they did not linger. As
time went on, more and more merchants discovered this new trade route. Enfield was getting
more visitors each passing month, and some of them had the gall to approach some of Enfield’s
female residents. This did not sit well, and there were some skirmishes.
No one was ever seriously injured, but it was becoming clear that action needed to be taken. The
residents of Enfield held a meeting, and decided to brave the evils of the city. A few suggested
going directly to Charton, but this was quickly discounted. It would take several days to reach the
capital, and that city was just too corrupt to offer any assistance to the upstanding citizenry of
Enfield. Instead, a delegation was sent to the nearer and somewhat smaller city of Winsford. A
smaller city had to be less corrupt, and help would be able to arrive sooner.
Help did come, but not as the Enfieldians expected. The local government in Winsford was
outraged that merchants had been sneaking through Enfield. Of course, harassing the good
people of Enfield was unfortunate, but dodging taxes was unforgivable. A message was sent to
Charton, and action was taken with unprecedented celerity. A battalion of engineers, lawmen, and
tax collectors were dispatched to correct the situation. The plan was to widen the road the
merchants were using and place outposts at the borders just as with all other major trade routes.
Any communities that existed on this new route were to have an official government presence for
the protection and well-being of the residents.
Enfield was no exception. The people of Enfield were of a split mind at the results of this
operation. They resisted the presence of city officials who they viewed as a lazy, corrupt blight on
their fair community. Although, there were more than a few Enfieldians who appreciated how
those despicable merchants were brought in line, and some Enfieldians even began to trade for a
few goods with some of the more reputable traders, at a discount of course. This continued for a
year, and then a plague was unleashed upon the good, hard-working people.
An increasing number of wealthy individuals learned about Enfield. There were large tracts of land,
and the ownership of said land was unclear at best. Affluent people from Winsford and Charton
purchased real estate from some of the Enfieldians for a pittance. The sellers thought they were
getting a great deal, payment for land that they did not use and weren’t even sure they owned.
These pieces of land were cleared and large farming operations built. Timber from the trees was
used to build palatial estates for the newest residents of Enfield. People from Granger caught
word that these new farms needed workers, and many migrated to seek employment.
Things were quickly spiraling out of control for the natives of Enfield. In just a few short years,
their secluded community was being overrun by merchants, corrupt city officials and foreigners.
The foreigners were by far the worst. They were different. They spoke a different language, and
they had different customs. In the mind of the Enfieldians, these people swept in and stole all the
jobs that the Enfieldians believed to be theirs. In reality, very few Enfieldians wished to work for
the owners of the new farming estates. Those that did seek employment were usually placed in
supervisory roles and given more than adequate compensation for their work.
The immigrants from Granger were happy with their new lives. They were able to live in a way that
supported their values of hard work, family and faith. It was ironic that the native Enfieldians didn’t
get along well with the people from Granger. They had much in common.
As the influx of people continued, Enfield grew into a real town. Shopkeepers, innkeepers and
tradesmen opened businesses. Many of these people had come to the area for a fresh start. An
official town hall was built, and local affairs were overseen by a council of elected representatives.
A sheriff was also elected to keep order, and coordinate with lawmen in other towns and cities
when needed. The native Enfieldians were not quiet in the affairs of their ever-changing
community. They formed an association, and they quickly learned how to exert political pressure
on the council members. The Enfieldian Protection Association sought to keep the evils of the
outside world at bay while reaping the benefits brought by increased trade.
Things did not go smoothly. Old and new ideals clashed, but they were eventually able to
compromise. No group was entirely happy, but peace was maintained and Enfield prospered.
The Enfieldian Protection Association won several battles over important issues. One notable
example was the ban on all livestock and draft animals within the town proper. All such animals
must be held outside the town or transported around the town via a special road. This did wonders
for keeping Enfield clean.
Another victory was a ban on vice. Gambling, prostitution, alcohol use and many other activities
were prohibited, and stiff penalties were imposed on offenders. In the five years since the
creation of the trade agreement, Enfield had undergone changes beyond what any of the residents
could ever have dreamed.
In contrast to the previous years, very few things changed over the next five years. People
continued to journey to Enfield. A few, like Jayce and Kayli, decided to stay in the area. Most
were transients. The travelers and merchants were treated with hospitality as long as they obeyed
the laws and spent their money. Poor travelers and troublemakers were unceremoniously ejected
from town. During this period the Professionals and their families became welcome additions to
the Enfield community. Life had changed, but it was pleasant enough.
The only point of contention came as a challenge to the anti-vice laws. Many of the innkeepers
sought to sell beer, wine and spirits with the meals that they prepared. Taverns were strictly
outlawed. Due to this, inns had become the places of choice for travelers and some residents to
eat and pass the time. The innkeepers saw an opportunity to increase their earnings if they could
sell pleasing potent potables. The Enfieldian Protection Association vehemently opposed such an
idea, but the innkeepers challenged them to find the harm with a drink or two with a meal.
In the end, the innkeepers were victorious. The council voted to allow limited sales of alcoholic
beverages. There were some conditions, however, to appease the Association. First, the
penalties for any offense committed while intoxicated were greatly increased. Second, the
innkeepers were responsible for refusing to serve alcohol to people deemed to be too young to
handle strong drink, or those who were already intoxicated.
These were the events that shaped the Enfield we see today; a prospering, peaceful community. It
is a place where the most scandalous subjects are who didn’t show up for weekly worship and
other such gossip. It is a place where you could easily see a story ending with a “happily ever
after”, but it is also a place of change. Any of the native Enfieldians will be quick to tell you that
when change comes, you best be prepared.
| Splintered Fate |
| September 2009 |
| Serial Fiction |
| Copyright 2009 by Jason Atwood |
| Chapter 4 |
Bio:
Jason Atwood is a native of Sparta, a small town in the mountains of North Carolina. He now lives in Lilburn,
Georgia with his lovely wife Lisa and their four cats. When he's not writing, he's making a difference in the lives of
children as a pharmacist at a children's hospital in Atlanta.
Jason Atwood is a native of Sparta, a small town in the mountains of North Carolina. He now lives in Lilburn,
Georgia with his lovely wife Lisa and their four cats. When he's not writing, he's making a difference in the lives of
children as a pharmacist at a children's hospital in Atlanta.
| Return in October, 2009, for the next installment of Splintered Fate |
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