Blood of the Fold

"The reports," Verna said, as if it should be obvious. "They wouldn't want ones so new at the job as you two to be undertaking such responsibility. Maybe if you continue to work hard, and prove yourselves, I will someday trust you with them. If they think it wise, of course."

Dulcinia's frown darkened. "What did Philippa say, Prelate? What aspect of my experience does she find inadequate?"

Verna shrugged. "Don't misunderstand me, Sister. My advisors haven't derided you in an way; they are most scrupulous about praising you, in fact. It's just that they've made it clear that the reports are important, and have urged me to see to them myself. I'm sure they will come around, in a few years, and have the confidence to advise me when you are ready."

"Ready for what?" Phoebe asked in bewilderment.

Verna waggled her hand toward the stacks of reports. "Well, it's the duly of the prelate's administrators to read the reports and dispose of them. The Prelate only needs to occasionally oversee the disposition, to confirm that her administrators are doing a proper job. Since my advisors urged me to handle the reports myself, I assumed it was obvious that they. . well, I'm sure they meant no offense, seeing as how they always compliment the both of you." Verna clicked her tongue. "Though they do then go on to remind me that I should handle the reports myself, in the best interest of the palace."

Dulcinia stiffened with indignation. "We already read those reports — every one — to make sure they're in order. We know more about them than anyone. The Creator knows I see those reports in my sleep! We know when something is amiss, and note it for you, don't we? We bring tallies to your attention when they don't reconcile, don't we? Those two have no business telling you that you must do it yourself."

Verna strolled to a bookshelf, busying herself with a fictitious search for a particular volume. "I'm sure they only have the best interest of the palace in mind, Sister. You being so new at the post, and all. I think you read to much into their advice."

"I'm as old as Philippa! I have as much experience as she!"

"Sister, she made no accusation," Verna said in her most humble tone as she glanced over her shoulder.

"She advised you to handle the reports, didn't she?"

"Well, yes, but. ."

"She's wrong. The both of them are wrong."

"They are?" Verna asked, turning away from the bookcase.

"Of course." Dulcinia looked to Phoebe. "We could have those reports, the whole lot of them, worked, ordered, assessed, and ruled on in a matter of a week or two, couldn't we, Sister Phoebe."

Phoebe lifted her nose. "I should think we could have it done in under a week. We know more about how to handle those reports than anyone." Her face flushed as she glanced to Verna. "Except you, of course, Prelate."

"Really? It's a huge responsibility. I wouldn't want to put you in over your heads. You have only been at the jobs a short time. Do you think you are already seasoned enough?"

Dulcinia huffed. "I should say we are." She marched to the desk and scooped up a huge stack. "We'll see about this. You just come and check any we've done, and you'll find you would have handled matters in the exact same manner we do. We know what we're doing. You'll see." She scowled. "And those two will see, too.

"Well, if you really think you can handle it, I'm willing to give you a chance. You are my administrators, after all."

"I should say we are." Dulcinia tilted her head toward the desk. "Phoebe, grab a stack."

Phoebe lifted a large column of reports, staggering back a step to keep them balanced. "I'm sure the Prelate has more important matters to attend to than doing work her administrators can just as easily handle."

Verna folded her hands at her belt. "Well, I did appoint you because I believed in your abilities. I guess it only fair that I allow you to prove them. After all, a Prelate's administrators are of vital importance to the running of the palace."

Dulcinia's lips spread in a cunning smile. "You'll see just how vital we are to helping you, Prelate. And so will your advisors."

Verna lifted her eyebrows. "I'm already impressed. Sisters. Well, I do have some matters to look into. What with being so busy with reports, I've not had a chance to check up on my advisors, and make sure that they're handling their duties properly. I guess it's about time I did that."

"Yes," Dulcinia said as she followed Phoebe out the door, "I think that would be wise."

Verna let out a huge sigh when the door closed. She had thought she would never see the end of those reports. She gave a mental thank-you to Prelate Annalina. She realized she was grinning, and straightened her face.