He beckoned to two of the serfs.
"Take the chest," he directed, "and stay close in front of me."
Herding the bearers before him, he went out to the wharf. His guard was drawn up in their proper station, facing upstream, so that they could view both the steps from the cliff and the river. No traffic was in sight in the long gorge.
The new guard came slowly down the trail, formed at the foot of the steps, and marched to the tower portal. Their commander dressed their ranks, motioned to his clerk, and came forward, saluting as he approached Gerda.
"Anything unusual?"
"Nothing," Gerda told him. "Seven barges, this watch. Traders are gathering for the fair at Orieano."
"I know," the other agreed. "We'll have rich collections for the rest of the summer, what with fairs all down the valley. You'll be going to the Orieano Fair?"
"Got my permission yesterday. I'm to ride with the Baron. Have to give the merchants back part of their money, you know."
"Yes, I suppose so." The other grinned, then sobered. "I'll relieve you, sir."
"Very good." Gerda saluted, then turned.