The invitation arrived before noon. An attendant from the main island residence brought a folded sheet to the guest house. Patriarch Muo asked Yan and his companions to meet him at the Sea Hall and dine there that evening.
Lian read the message, then looked at Daro. “He has heard about the village audit.”
“Probably,” Daro said. “The patriarch asked each island to report its ward conditions this month.” He tucked the corrected roster inside his coat. “I want him to see the old charge began as an emergency measure and never received an end date.”
“Will he let us bring the medical notes?” Qinghe asked.
“He should,” Lian replied. “If you keep household names private.”
They set off along the cliff path above the fishing quarter. The sea was bright below them, the water breaking in pale lines around the rocks. Han walked a few paces behind Lian and watched each turn in the path. Two high points gave a clear view of the harbor. A guard could stand there without being seen from below.
“Do those posts stay occupied?” Han asked.
“During storms and when a Registry vessel is near,” Lian said. “The hall has more defenders than the village, but the guards don’t watch the healers’ stair.”
