The first petitioners arrived before dust settled on the new board, though none knew the others had entered through different roads.
A flour-stained grain broker came from the west, a wheel carrier from the north, and a red-sleeved ferry worker crossed from beyond the basin.
'Three ordinary complaints should be easier than one divine threat, unless the threat hides inside paperwork.'
Taren assigned the arrival order, while Marrick opened three forms and kept their route names apart from the first sentence onward.
The grain broker lifted both flour-dusted hands above his form.
"A bridge crew took my deposit, but the far support remains open to the river, so my wagons can't cross."
Taren leaned over the desk and studied the fresh form.
"Did anyone threaten you, alter the contract, or stop you from sending another crew to inspect the support?"
The broker rubbed the flour from his sleeve before replying.
