“The same,” Warna responded. “I take it there’s trouble with the accounts?”
Both men erupted back into their argument, each talking over the other. Warna saw the younger clerk scurrying in the background, searching for something.
She raised a hand, and both men went quiet. “Pay him half,” Warna said.
“Eh?”
“You’re been dealing with each other for years, yes?” Warna raised an eyebrow at both of them. “Neither of you is cheating the other, it’s just a matter of resolving the accounts. Pay him half of what he asks, then settle the matter when the books have been located.” She waited patiently as they thought that through. “Or waste more time yelling at one another,” she added.
Both men looked at each other, then Pierson huffed out an explosive breath. “Aye, that’s well. If you think so, Farnor.”
“I’ll find the accounting by your next delivery,” Farnor agreed. There was a swift exchange of coin, and Pierson was on his way.
“My thanks, m’lady,” Farnor said with a sigh. “This mess is enough to drive me into my cups. Wasn’t this way before.”
“Where were your old offices?” Warna asked.
“Second barracks,” he said. “Right across the way. A place for everything and room to work,” he said. “Not that his Lordship’s not within his rights. But…” His voice trailed off.
“But just the same, it causes chaos, doesn’t it?” Warna shook her head.
They shared sympathetic looks, then Farnor squinted at her. “So how can I assist you?” he asked.
“I want to order supplies for the Healing Hall,” Warna said. “We need to make sure that it’s supplied in case of need.”
“Well, we never kept that stocked.” The clerk frowned. “The Seneschal took care of that aspect. I’ve lists of the supplies the units carry on the field but that’s not what you are looking for.”
“Is the Seneschal in town?” Warna asked.
Farnor shook his head sadly. “No, lady. He was slain—” his eyes shifted in the direction of the keep.
“Oh,” Warna said. That was right, and it explained quite a bit to her, especially about Verice...Lord Verice’s actions. “Well, who else would know?” Warna asked.
“Priest Dominic,” Farnor said. “He’s the head of the Church, and assigned himself to run the Hall. He’s in town now, far as I know.”
Warna nodded, thinking. “What about Lord Verice’s staff. His clerks—”
“All in town,” Farnor said. “The lord shut the castle down, but work of the barony still goes on as best it can.”
“So, they are still working with Lord Verice?”
“Oh, aye, Lady. More ‘in spite’ of than ‘with’, but aye. The Lord kept them all on, but won’t allow them within the walls.” He shrugged. “Lord Verice doesn’t give the work the proper attention it—” He stopped when he saw her frown. “No disrespect intended, m’lady. Lord Verice is a warrior, and he’s seeing to that right well.”
“But there are other aspects to ruling,” Warna said quietly. “Things that involve paper and ink, and not quite the level of excitement.”
Once again, they exchanged understanding looks.
Warna made her decision. “Very well then, I am going to go into town. I will talk to them, and see what needs doing.” She hesitated, but then went on. “I also need a few supplies. Would it be possible to get a few coins…” It was her turn to let her voice trail off, trying not to show her embarrassment.
“Oh, aye,” Farnor chuckled. “Lord Verice left instructions.” He busied himself for a moment, then plunked down a bulging coin purse on the counter.
Warna opened the bag, and gold coins spilled out into her hand. She caught her breath, then shook her head. “No. I am not taking this much,”
“Lady?”
“Silvers and coppers,” she said firmly, pushing the bag back. “And not nearly this much.”
“But—”
