The last forty-four tons reached the upper store on the morning after Mara’s arrival.
She stood beside the receiving keeper until the final load mark matched the lower yard’s return. Then she signed the completion acknowledgment for the full ninety-two tons and put the carrier’s copy into Varno’s hand.
“Now it’s uphill,” she said.
He looked at the sacks, then at the lift.
“I’d noticed.”
“I’m enjoying it.”
“So am I.”
The workers’ outward wages were settled. The lower storage turn was closed. The public buyers had the actual fuel in their plateau stores, with the supplier’s deposit and balance both recorded against one consignment.
