The head clerk sighed and put his quill down. Goddesses give me strength.

He looked up at the opening door and forced a smile. “Good morning, priest Olrich. Alas I have no word of any wagons passing through today. We still expect the rotation to occur on schedule though, so you should be able to ride with them to Saphire before the end of the month.”

As always, the priest seemed to deflate at the words. “Thank you master clerk. Should another opportunity arrive please let me know. I shall be in the lord commander’s study.”

The clerk watched the man leave and closing the door behind him. Several moments passed before he let out a breath, he had not realized he was holding. Please stop coming here.

“Sir?” He recognized the voice of his most promising junior.

“Yes, Trilla?” he turned in his chair to look at her and found the other clerks also watching him.

“Are you alright? You seem stressed whenever the priest comes.” the concern in her voice warmed him.

He shook his head. I am supposed to worry after my juniors, not them me.

“I…” he looked at the worried faces and the words died on his lips. No, they deserve the truth.

He cleared his throat and started again. “What I am about to say does not leave this room. Do you all understand?”

They all nodded.

“Good. I do not want any of you to go near that man if you can possibly avoid it. If he needs something tell him, I will see to it personally. He is dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” Tilla asked her brow furrowing as she looked to the closed door. “A priest?”

“Yes, a priest. He is seeking something, I do not know what it is, and I swear to the goddesses I do not want to. But whatever it is, it has become a borderline obsession. I saw many men lose themselves during the siege. He has the same beginnings of madness in his eyes. I do not know what happens when a priest goes mad, but I have seen it in enough other paths to know it will not be good.”

“I am sure this must seem odd to you, but I need you to trust me on this.” He looked around at his juniors. Their faces were a mix of confusion, but also trust and acceptance. “Now you know why I have been trying to make sure the rotation happens on time for a change. I want him back in the goddesses’ halls as soon as possible.”

Several of the clerks nodded, but Trilla’s brow furrowed. “What if we could move the rotation forward?”

“How do you propose to do that? He raised an eyebrow.

Trilla smiled, “The guard captain in Saphire is a friend of my father. If I ask, he may be able to more the timeline up a bit.”

“Do it. If you think it will help, do it.” He smiled as she began heading to the messenger pigeon cages. If she can manage that, I can retire early. I will be leaving this place in good hands.