Yesterday, I was vaguely aware that it was Sunday, but it so didn’t feel like Sunday that I kept forgetting. And here it is, Monday evening, without a spoiler. What can I throw at you, gentle reader, that will have you scratching your head and wondering, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? <grin> Ah yes. Here we are.

“We will need
to gather what remains of the stronghold staff and all the city and regional
representatives,” Storaas said quietly, leaning his elbows on his knees and
looking at out at the bare cora trees. “And you must visit the Jorann. She has
summoned you. Meanwhile, I have sent to the city for more trained guards and
servants.”

He nodded. “And
the kitchen staff?” he asked.

“A few survived.
They were in the city when the stronghold was taken.”

“It will be
enough for now,” he said. “We will fill in staff as we find need for them. Did
the head guard survive?” Storaas shook his head. “Find the most senior of the
surviving guards. He will be our head guard. Make sure there are enough
servants and kitchen workers to care for the remaining staff without being
overwhelmed with work. Delegate as much as you can and send any difficult
decisions to me.”

“Yes, high
one.”