Warna shook her head, and leaned down to oblige. “We’ll have to see about that,” she told him.
By mid-day, the entire barracks was clean and done. Still damp from the scrubbing, but the windows were wide open to let it dry.
Warna stood in the clerk’s office, looking at the various desks and shelves. She felt hot, tired. Her tunic and trous clung to her skin, damp and stained, and her stomach was telling her it was past time for a meal. But she still had a rush of pleasure in looking at the results of their efforts.
Most of the warriors had trailed out, carrying the last of the buckets and rags. Ricard ducked in the door and came up to her. Warna welcomed him with a grin.
“Can you get them all moved in this afternoon? Before Lord Verice returns?”
“Aye,” Ricard seemed confident.
“Before he sees anything more than normal activity? Even the clerks?” Warna continued, giving one of the counters a final wipe. “It would be best if he didn’t have a chance to object.”
“Yes,” Ricard said. “Lady Warna, you’ve had a response to your messengers.”
“Really?” Warna asked, heading for the door. “Lovely, that will give me something to do after—”
“Wait,” Ricard said, but she already had the door in mid-swing, stepping out into the sunlit courtyard.
Only to find a crowd of assorted men and women gathered about, staring at her. The dogs were up among the crowd, their tails slowly wagging.
At the very front was a tall elf, with long, straight black hair, a Priest of the Lord of Light.
He raised his head, glaring at her with pure disdain. “You are Warna of Farentell?” he demanded.
At her nod, his mouth twisted. “Just who in the darkest hells do you think you are?”
Chapter Twenty-Five
The Constable stiffened. “Here now—” he started, but Warna held up a hand.
“Priest Dominic?” she asked.
The elf lifted his chin to regard her, his robes rustling as he gave her an imperious look.
Warna was sure he’d notice every stain on her trous, but she wasn’t about to back down. “How kind of you to come so quickly.” Sand and Gray came trotting out of the crowd to greet her. She reached out to stroke their heads, while making sure her expression was warm and welcoming. “And these others are…?”
A tall woman spoke up from the crowd. “We’re Lord Verice’s staff. We’ve come to—”
“We have come to learn just who you are and what is happening,” Dominic snapped, raking Warna with a withering glance.
Brindle had also appeared, followed by the other dogs. Sand and Gray were leaning against Warna’s legs. Brindle just sat, facing Dominic.
“Of course,” Warna said. “We’ve just finished cleaning out this barracks. There’s plenty of room within. Perhaps we could go in and talk?” She threw the rags onto the pile just outside the door. “Just give me a moment to clean up, will you?”
Dominic opened his mouth to protest.
“I’ll see kav brought, m’lady.” The Constable opened the door. “Priest Dominic?” He asked, gesturing for him to enter.
Dominic huffed, but he strode past Warna and into the building. Warna didn’t wait for another protest. She just started forward, pushing past the dogs to walk through the crowd. She smiled at everyone, and headed for the Healing Hall.
She didn’t let herself hurry until she was through the door and taking the steps three at a time to her room. A quick wash, fresh clothes, and she’d be ready. Her heart was racing and it wasn’t just the steps. What if Lord Verice saw this crowd, and they demanded an explanation from him? There was a good chance that Verice would escort them to the gates and she wouldn’t chance that.
She was headed down the stairs when the door below opened. The constable and the dogs were all pacing the main room.
“Dominic’s the one in charge of the Healing Hall?” she asked breathlessly.
“Aye,” The constable was peering out the window. “I’ve got them all settled and drinking kav. I don’t think we want the Lord to see…” he cast a glance at Warna.
