Sir Gareth pushed one of the heavy doors open just far enough to slip through, then eased it shut behind him. The wood groaned in its wake, complaining as it settled back into place with its sound lingering in the record room.
"The merchant claims urgency," he said. His glance flicked briefly toward Aurel, as if looking at her reaction, before returning to Mikael. "He insists his business concerns the Marquess directly."
Mikael's fingers curled slightly against the arm of his chair. He had long since learned that when people spoke of being pressed for time, they were usually asking for permission they did not deserve.
"What sort of merchant?" he asked. "Did he give a name?"
Sir Gareth hesitated for a heartbeat second. "He did. He gives the name Fenric, from the southern trade road, and states his business relates to obstructed routes and goods nearing perish."
Mikael's fingers stilled atop the parchment before him. His eyes lifted, unfocused for a moment as the words settled.
