However, everything is just the beginning.
The lights switch again, this time to a dye-scented cloth workshop.
Matthew kneels on the ground, facing the bloated cloth shop owner, the only person he can still plead with.
"I beg you to lend me money. I can offer my next five years in exchange!"
"Your time is worthless to me."
The cloth shop owner blows out a smoke ring, his gaze greedy, yet pretending to be generous.
"But I do like your livestock shed and the surrounding land. I can lend you five silver coins; when your finances improve and you repay me, those collateral items will be yours again."
Matthew grinds his teeth.
For Eloise, for the girl who shyly smiled under a garland, he ultimately sold his only home.
No freedom, no land.
This diligent, brave, loyal Campbell young man stripped himself bare, just to exchange for the sound of a bell.
He holds the heavy silver coins and stands once again before the Bell Tower Steward.
This time, the steward can't find an excuse.
