"So what do the leeches say?" the little grey man took off his spectacles and polished the glass with an ink-spotted handkerchief.
Heathbrand Mercer raised his head weakly as he reached in vain for the goblet at his bedside. Letting his head fall back with a beaten sigh he said,
"Nothing good, clerk....nothing good."
The notary replaced his glasses and adjusted the writing table he balanced on his lap. Taking up his quill he smoothed the piece of parchment in front of him and asked,
"So you wish me to draft a complete Power of Attorney? For all your goods and holdings?"
A ragged laugh burst from the sick-bed.
"Power of Attorney....Will....either will serve."
The grey man cleared his throat slightly "Power of Attorney for the present, at least. It would cover either...situation." He dipped his pen into a small bottle of ink that nestled into a corner of the writing desk.
"And who shall I name as beneficiary? " His eyes roved across the shriveled figure that lay under the coverlet. "You do not have any children..." An unkind smirk passed over the thin lips. Everyone knew of the wound Heathbrand Mercer had taken in the Andrath.
Heathbrand's voice came weakly across the room. "A cousin...I have a cousin in Trestlebridge. I ...I do not know her name. Her mother and my father had a falling-out long ago. She is still a Mercer, though she bears another name. Find her...."
The grey man paused a moment, "That may not be so easy. Trestlebridge has been beset by many troubles. It is dangerous."
"So am I." Burning eyes glared out from a pale face. "Go. Ask. It would not be that difficult to find her. Her mother's name was ...Lilly."
The clerk busied himself with writing. "Alright, alright. I have written it." He took a small bottle of sand out of his pocket and sprinkled it over the wet ink. Waiting a moment, he then blew the excess onto the floor. "It will need both signatures...though it may take a while to find this cousin of yours."
Heathbrand groaned. "I do not have a while...I will sign it now, and you will give me your word of honour that you will find my cousin with all haste."
The clerk shifted uneasily, Heathbrand made an annoyed sound. "You will be paid gold...I give you my word."
"Five Hundred?" came the querulous voice.
"Five Hundred, you robber. Just see that it is done. Instructions will be given."
The clerk moved to the beside and held the parchment and quill out to the ill man. Heathbrand took the pen and with a great effort scrawled his name at the bottom of the document. Falling back heavily, he held the quill out for the notary to take back once again.
"Go now...get it done." the voice was barely audible.
The little grey clerk gathered up his desk and quills and made his way to the door. Making his way into the main hallway, the Notary heard a woman's voice speak softly behind him.
"What would you require to write my name upon that parchment?"
