Mara arrived at the workshop with a coal-black handprint on her coat and a sealed order in her pocket.
“Rovan bought the reserve house,” she said.
Neri looked up from the housing drawing. “Which reserve?”
“The South Bank fuel store. The council leased it from a private owner for the season. The lease expired at midnight.”
Rila set down her pencil. “We have fourteen tons inside.”
“Council property, still. Rovan owns the building and the loading equipment. His new terms double the storage charge and require every withdrawal to pass through his dispatcher.”
“Can he hold the coal?” Iven asked.
“The order says the council may remove it today. After that, it pays the new rate.” Mara unfolded the document. “He has guards at the gate. They’re allowing one cart at a time.”
