Micahn Arken, son of Aulen and grandson of Jahlen, was a Lord of the Jythanin. He was currently residing, somewhat unwillingly, in the home of his recently deceased grandfather. The men of the Arken clan, directly descended from Jahlen, had gathered for the reading of his Will. Micahn was, at age three hundred and sixty-seven, the youngest adult ranked male present. He did not expect to receive any particular bequests due to his low rank.
The Will was a long complicated document that took several hours to read. Micahn's father, the youngest son of Jahlen, inherited the country estate they were currently inhabiting. The inheritance came under the condition that none of the land would be sold off, except in the direst circumstances.
This turn of events pleased Micahn's seven uncles who all lived in the cities. In fact they had all inherited grand homes in the cities they preferred.
Each male descendent also received enough money to make a decent bride price, in the case of the unmarried or single wived men, or the same amount to be used for keeping their wives.
Fortunately, for the family, Jahlen had outlived his elder wives (those he married when he reached the appropriate adult status) and had no younger wives - a fact considered to be a great eccentricity among his class.
After the reading of the Will the clan, except Micahn and his father, departed the estate with almost undue haste. Aulen, and Micahn, spent several more hours with the manger of the estate. It seemed the land was a vaster area than they thought. The outer regions were part vineyard, part farm, and part herd grounds. There was even an entire, albeit small, village of people who worked on the land and in the manor house.
Finally the two men were able to sit down for the evening meal.
"This was unexpected," remarked his father, after the meal.
"Very," agreed Micahn, "As grandfather never invited any of the clansmen here the younger ones assumed he had some protegee outside the Clan."
"I know you are eager to return to your studies, son, but will you stay a few days and help me sort my father's possessions?"
"It is an honour to be asked, my grandfather had many beautiful things."
"He also kept the majority of his library on this estate."
"I will most definitely stay," agreed Micahn who's greatest love was for books.
"I thought that might convince you. I know your uncles and cousins have no use for them and neither do I. They will be your inheritance as that is both my wish and my father's."
"I am more grateful than I can say!"
"I thought you would be, but it will wait for tomorrow. Say a prayer to my father and thank him for the gift."
"I shall. Rest well, father."
"Rest well, Micahn."