Iris held her lower abdomen to support the weight as she walked the flagstones. Her movements were slower than they had been in the winter, her breathing short and shallow against the damp mountain air.

Nila found her by the third gun-slit, carrying a leather scroll-case under her arm containing the land transfers.

"The noon inventory is waiting for your signature, Iris," Nila said, stopping a few paces away.

Iris gripped the stone edge of the parapet, her jaw tightening as her posture went tensed. A sharp contraction went through her lower back, forcing her to lean heavily against the masonry to keep her balance.

"Iris?" Nila set the scroll-case...