The deep thrum of the giant steel rung rapping against the main hall’s doors reverberates through the tower. Taru immediately sets down the cup and takes up their sword belt with its two low-hanging scabbards. The retainer stands, strapping on the belt with practiced ease.

Lexi watches, her smile turning to a frown. “I’m sure it’s nothing worthy of a blade’s answer.”

“It is also not an hour for callers, Te-Gen,” Taru reminds her darkly.

“I dislike it when you’re right. Why is that?”

“Possibly because I have a tendency to only point out dire things,” Taru answers matter-of-factly.

Lexi nods. “That’s it.”

The retainer leaves the study and crosses the main hall, keeping one hand closed around the hilt of their short sword. Taru throws back the latch and pulls open one of the heavy double doors.

An older Aegin with a sour face is waiting on the other side.

“Te-Gen Xia has a caller,” he informs Taru.

Taru’s hand tightens around the hilt of the short sword suspiciously.

“Who is it?” Lexi asks, walking to the middle of the main hall.

“One of…” The Aegin hesitates, looking up at Taru’s face. “It’s one of them. Says they’re an armorist, delivering an order.”

“ ‘Them’?” Lexi asks.

Taru’s fiery eyes remain fixed on the Aegin. “He means Undeclared.”

Lexi frowns.

“Did you place an order with an armorist, Te-Gen?” Taru asks.

Lexi hesitates. Images wreathed in the blood of their last unexpected guests scream through her mind in brief flashes. Fear almost compels her to admit the truth, but something stops her, a feeling she can’t quite explain, even to herself.

“Allow our guest entry,” she says.

Taru gestures stiffly to the Aegin, who appears more than happy to silently stomp away from their door.

A few moments later Taru is standing aside to allow Lexi’s “delivery” passage (after thoroughly inspecting it to assure that delivery is unarmed). There is no parcel, just a person. In fact, the armorist is the first person Lexi has seen in the Capitol who is as tall and broad through the shoulders as Taru. They also share the same plain, angular features that could easily belong to either man or woman. Also like Taru, the armorist prefers to wear their hair in a topknot with both sides of their head shaved bare.

“Welcome,” Lexi greets their guest.

“I’m called Spud-Bar.” The armorist quickly adds: “Te-Gen.”

It is clear Spud-Bar is unaccustomed to addressing Gen members. The armorist also smells heavily of long miles on a hard road far outside the cities.

Lexi bows formally. “I am Lexi Xia of Gen Stalbraid, and this is my friend and retainer, Taru.”

Spud-Bar becomes very aware of not bowing, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot.

“Thank you for seeing me.”

“Of course. Although I am afraid, Spud-Bar, I did not place an order with any armorist.”