As he listened to Faye, the Duke picked up the stack of documents he had neatly arranged and placed in his briefcase. He sighed and looked at Faye. "Then how would you proceed with a land grab?" he asked.
"Slowly," she said. "Cautiously, making sure that no one can intercede where they shouldn't. If word gets out about your discovery, there will be bidding wars and that will drive the land prices up."
"Not to mention it will attract King Minbury's attention… And we all know that is the last thing you want right now."
Sterling nodded in agreement with Faye's assessment. She was far wiser than he had ever given her credit for. Their discussion was suddenly ended when the pope entered uninvited into the rector's office.
His face was distorted with an irritated expression. The pope narrowed his eyes and glowered at the Duke.
"Is it true?" he asked inquisitively. "I have just received word you are leaving with the Saintess back to Everton."
