Drat that priest. They’d all agreed to help her last night. If this was his idea of cooperation and patience—
“Constable,” Warna called, cutting through the argument below her. “I’ll be right down.”
She pulled back inside, and dressed quickly, braiding up her hair as she ran down the steps.
At least Ricard had stopped bellowing at the top of his lungs. He’d switched to a low menacing growl, one that Warna could feel in her bones even before she opened the door. “—no need for this,” he glared at Dominic.
“Every need for it,” Dominic glared right back, looking imposing and regal in his white and gold robes. “I’ve not much time and a responsibility to see this Hall stocked and ready. We’ll be done and on our way quickly.” The disdain in his face as he gave Warna a glance slid into pure satisfaction. “I’ve received a summons to the Church at Edenrich, and the portal will open at noon.”
“What, among all those humans?” Ricard raised his eyebrows.
“I wouldn’t expect you to appreciate the nuances,” Dominic’s disdain was restored. He was staring down his nose at both of them.
“Constable,” Narthing was calling from the midst of the men. Ricard frowned, giving Warna a concerned look.
“Go,” she said.
He gave her a nod, and strode off.
Warna swung open the door behind her, and the acolytes started ferrying supplies from the carts into the hall. “I’ll be back; I’m going to the kitchens for kav.” And to make sure that Verice hadn’t noticed this ruckus and interfere. “I’ll return shortly.”
“No need,” Dominic said, taking a basket out of the cart. “We know what needs to be done.”
“I want to know what needs to be done,” Warna said. “So that in the future—”
“Please,” Dominic sailed past her, his robes flapping. “You’re little more than a pet, girl.”
Warna lashed back. “And yet you are summoned to the human city of Edenrich, elf.”
Dominic paused in the doorway. “To the highest offices of the Church I served, where the halls ring with the voices of highborn nobles. Humans, yes, but of the highest blood and breeding. I imagine I’ll be most comfortable in their presence. Now, if you will excuse me.” He whipped out of sight before Warna could open her mouth.
Flushed with the insult, Warna’s hands formed fists, and she took a step to follow and berate the elf. But Verice’s men were still milling about, and she desperately wanted kav.
She turned and headed to the kitchens, uttering a small prayer that the cooks had made it strong.
Verice came outof the barracks eager to be on his way, only to run into a bleary-eyed Warna entering the kitchens. Her cheeks were pink, her eyes flashing.
“You’re up early,” he said.
“I asked for someone to stock the Healing Hall with supplies,” she said crossly. “I didn’t expect Priest Dominic at the crack of dawn.”
“Arrogant bastard, isn’t he?” Verice said.
Warna rolled her eyes.
“Skilled though,” Verice added, pausing to follow her into the dining area. “I’m surprised he’s still in Tassinic. He was angling for assignment to the Church in Edenrich.”
“Well, he’s apparently received a summons,” Warna said as she headed to the hearth, nodding to the men who were eating. “I need kav.”
“Ah,” Verice said, following her. “I wonder if he realizes what he’s getting himself into.”
Warna glanced over her shoulder at him as she poured herself a mug. “How so?”
“Let’s just say that the Church in Edenrich is more concerned with its power base than its spiritual obligations.” Verice shrugged.
Warna took another sip and stared at him over her mug. “Where are you off to this time?”
“Birch Cove,” Verice said. “A small town, near a lake, by the Summerford border. We’re not expecting trouble.”
