Murtagh stood before the windows of the throne room, watching the rain streak across the glass. For three days it had rained, not an uncommon occurrence in Perth, especially in summer, but this downpour had ground production to a halt. The city had slowed and the weather had stopped many ships heading further north. It was days like this that made Murtagh grateful for the warm interiors and the firm, unyielding walls of the castle. Ferris strode toward him, pausing beside the window and watching the old oak his father had planted sway in the wind.
"The foreman has sent word," he began, "We need more lumber. We can't move it from the lumberyard until the rain stops."
"I was worried this would happen," Murtagh sighed heavily. "Every year the path over the mountain becomes near impassible with the rain." They remained quiet for a moment.
"Did you ever build the road around the south of the loch?" Ferris asked.
"We plan to build that after we've laid the foundations of the upper city," Murtagh explained. Ferris nodded. "We can't finish building the road anyway; the mine had closed for fear of flooding."
"Perhaps we should move the entrance to higher ground at some point,"
"Perhaps," Murtagh nodded. He thought for a moment. "Trade to the northern cities is slowed, do we still have those barges at port?"
"I believe so, they normally transport between here and the Valyrian Shipyards." Ferris nodded.
"Good; the loch is sheltered from the worst of the wind. Summon the barge captains and we'll see if it's possible to ferry the lumber across the loch instead of around it."
"It'd be a lot of work," Ferris nodded, "But should be possible."
"It'll have to do for now until this weather subsides," They remained unmoving for a long moment before the doors opened and a runner hurried through the hall. He bowed before them, presenting a scroll to Ferris. The Duke thanked him and read the scroll. As his eyes traveled down the scroll his eyebrows met in a frown. Finally he lowered the scroll and swore. He handed the scroll to Murtagh.
"Duchess Celestine is missing." He explained. Murtagh read the scroll.
"Doesn't sound like they know much."
"No, it doesn't." Ferris shook his head. "Have the Carnoustie's left for Wysteria?"
"Aye, they're sending Murdoch, Braven's younger brother. He's got a good head for business, but not so much for mining, so I asked Master Smith to go with him. His son is taking over the mine here while he inspects the mine in Chester le-ford."
"Good," Ferris nodded, then sighed heavily. "I had hoped to remain here with Rosaly, but with this matter I think it best I go myself."
"No, you stay here with your wife," Murtagh said. "Hellasburg is not too far, I'll go."
"You should take my steed," Ferris nodded, "He's good and fast."
"I'll need both." He nodded to the runner. "You may go, I'll be responding to this letter in person."
_________________ Ainmire Sera-Blodh of House Flenadrison, second of his name, King in the South, Ruler of Carrickshire, and slayer of false Kings. "The Crippled King" "Flanders"
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