The Return of Sir Percival by S. Alexander O'Keefe

and the abbey is in need of support. After paying all of these debts, there is little left, I fear.”
    â€œIf, as you say, so little was collected, your grace, then surely it would be a small matter for you to fully account for this pittance and then to promptly return to me what little remains. After you have paid all of these … expenses.”
    â€œYes, yes, of course, Your Highness. But, well … it is not an easy task. You see, parchment is scarce, so we try to give you a less burdensome accounting than we might otherwise.”
    â€œParchment is indeed in short supply, Bishop. However, the Lord has blessed me with an ample supply. Cadwyn will be happy to give you an extra scroll when we are finished.”
    Cadwyn made a small smile as she said in Latin, “It would be my pleasure, Milady.”
    Verdino stiffened. “That won’t be necessary, Your Highness. Of late, I have been able to find a scroll or two, at some expense, of course.”
    â€œThen we can expect a more complete accounting next week?”
    â€œUh … well, it may take a little longer. Old Ferris my clerk, why, his eyes grow dim, and as you know, he lost an arm in the service of the King. So the parchment, why, it is difficult to keep it laid out. The rolls tend to … well, roll back up. As I say—”
    â€œWell, we can’t have that, can we, Bishop?” Guinevere gestured to her companions. “I am sure that either Sister Aranwen or Cadwyn could spare several hours a day to assist this man with his work. Sister, do you think you could assist the bishop’s clerk on the morrow for an hour or two?”
    Aranwen looked up from her knitting. “Of course, Milady, I will—”
    Verdino sat up straight as an arrow and raised both his hands in an appeasing gesture.
    â€œThat will not be necessary, dear Queen. I could not bear the thought of taking either the good sister or dearest Cadwyn from your hearth. No, I shall assign one of Captain Borgia’s men to assist Ferris. It shall all be well.”
    Guinevere raised a questioning eyebrow. “Captain Borgia’s men have clerical skills? How interesting. Then, I am sure that a more detailed report will be completed apace.”
    â€œYes, apace, Your Highness, apace.”
    â€œNow, Bishop, is there some other service that I can provide the church today?”
    Verdino wrung his hands before answering, as if reluctant to speak of the matter. “Yes, Your Highness, there is … a matter of some importance. I … I am told that you insisted on walking outside the walls of the abbey in my absence, Your Highness. This is not wise. The kingdom has suffered too much already. It cannot afford to lose its queen.”
    â€œYour concern is most kind, Bishop. However, the guards accompanied me, and I was always within sight of the walls. I also think your fear of brigands is unwarranted, Bishop. I am told by the hunters that none have been seen in the surrounding forests for some time now.”
    Verdino leaned forward and spoke with an intensity that surprised Guinevere.
    â€œIt’s not the brigands I fear. You remain a potent symbol, despite the passage of time. There are those who may see you as a means to legitimize the fiefs they have carved out of the old kingdom with their swords, and others who would do far worse. Please promise me that you will be more careful in the future.”
    Guinevere hesitated, staring into Verdino’s eyes, visible in the firelight for the briefest of moments, before the bishop leaned back, once again shrouding his face. Somewhere in the recesses of her memories, there was the suggestion that she’d seen those eyes before, in a different place, on a different person. She frowned, the memory fading as quickly as it had appeared. When she spoke again, Guinevere’s voice was quiet but firm.
    â€œBishop, your concern is appreciated, and I will take care, but today I am only a