The next morning Captain Narthing was tightening the girth on his saddle when the Constable Ricard sidled up to him, and muttered something out of the corner of his mouth.
“Eh?” Narthing gave the men around them a glance. They were all preparing to mount. Lord Verice had returned to his normal routine. The day before had been a nice change of pace, but they were back to it this morning.
“My orders have changed,” Ricard said again.
Narthing straightened, and gave the man a puzzled look. “Verice changed your orders?”
“Aye,” Ricard said.
“Really?” Narthing glanced at his Lord, who was checking his own gear.
“I’ve said, haven’t I?” Ricard replied, his face straight.
Narthing rolled his eyes over to him. “You’re enjoying this,” he said.
“First change in how many months?” Ricard’s mouth quirked.
“And the change?” Narthing demanded.
A stir in the men drew his attention away from Ricard. The Lady Warna was weaving her way through the horses and men. She came right up to both of them, and gave them a warm smile. “Good morning, gentlemen.”
“Morning,” they both responded. Narthing found himself returning her smile, feeling his spirits lift.
“Ricard, I’m going to finish cleaning the Healing Hall today, and I’ll be sleeping there from now on. Would you have someone carry over my basket?” Warna said. “It’s in my room, ready to go. You can reassign that space as soon as you wish.”
Narthing blinked.
“As you wish, m’lady,” Ricard replied. “I’ve four lads who need to be shown the error of their ways. I’d thought to have them flush the privies, but if you’ve a need…”
“That would be lovely,” Warna said. “Many hands make light work.” She gave Narthing a nod. “Travel safe, Captain.”
“My thanks,” Narthing said, but Warna was already moving, seeking out Verice. The Lord exchanged a few words with her, and then she headed toward the Healing Hall. Verice turned back to his horse, a calm expression on his face.
“Ancestors,” Narthing swore. “What’s—”
Ricard nudged his elbow. “My orders,” he said.
“What?” Narthing asked.
“You asked about my orders,” Ricard’s smile was a broad one.
“Yes,” Narthing narrowed his eyes. “What did Lord Verice say?”
Ricard chuckled. “‘Let the Lady Warna have her way.’”
Warna was surprisedat the amount of comfort she took from her task.
She’d feared that the mindlessness of the work would force her to think about things that she wasn’t ready to confront. But the regular swish of a broom on the wood floor and the slap of a soapy cloth on a dusty surface were sounds she could lose herself in. There was no past, no present; there was simply dust and dirt, and it all had to be dealt with.
It was soothing, to worry about dirt her ‘assistants’ had missed, or to scan the ceilings and corners for cobwebs. Maybe the peace she found in doing these things was a false one, but it was still a peace.
The Healing Hall was finished by early afternoon. She’d released the lads assigned to her, and they’d escaped quickly. But not before the constable grabbed them, and had them carry her lidded-basket and bedding to the top-most bedroom. As tired as she was, Warna still wanted to make the room as comfortable as she could before she sought her supper.
Not that there was much to arrange. The clothing the supply clerk had provided were all tunics and trous, worn and soft, perfect for cleaning. Warna had to sigh over the state of her skirt and blouse. The hems were all worn, and they were almost grayed out of any color they once had. She’d have turned them both into rags, but they were the only womanly clothes she owned at the present.
She had a comb from the supply clerk as well, along with a bit of soap and towels. Yet there were other things that an army clerk probably couldn’t provide. She paused as she put the folded clothes into the press, counting the days. There was time yet, but she couldn’t wait too much longer. Although the idea of outright asking the clerk for moon pads made her blush.
She shook out the sheets and blankets and made up the bed quickly, smoothing out the pillow and giving it a pat. This would be better than the barracks, by far.
