They stepped inside, the sudden heat taking her breath away. The Gardener-smith had fled to the corner of the room, and Pik was caught mid-turn as he’d gone to follow her. In his armour, he looked like Yadavendra in miniature, save that Rochant’s shoulder plates and bracers were shaped differently. They were less elaborate than the other Sapphire Deathless. Some believed it was to show he was unlike them, coming from a different bloodline, but Chandni believed the armour reflected the man: elegant, minimalist, direct.

She gave silent thanks when she saw Pik was wearing his helmet.

‘Satyendra,’ said Yadavendra, ‘Come here where I can see you.’

Pik complied. The boy was not used to walking in Sky-legs and wobbled slightly as he approached.

The High Lord tutted and glanced at her. ‘Rochant is always steady.’

‘I’m sure it is just his excitement getting the better of him. You know how much he adores you.’

‘Yes,’ he agreed, ‘we cannot hold a boy’s love against him. Indeed, it shows he is ready, a true match for Lord Rochant’s devoted soul. Now, Satyendra, do as I do.’

He stretched out his arms, luxuriating in the magnified sunslight. As the sapphire plates on his body drank in the energy they began to shine.

Pik hesitated until Chandni glared at him. Then, the boy complied, lifting his arms. As the crystals on his armour began to glow, the places where the armour was unfinished were highlighted, becoming patches of black.

Yadavendra tutted again. ‘Your Gardener-smiths have some work to do, Honoured Mother. Are you sure they’re up to the task?’

‘I admit their progress has been slow but with so much riding on this rebirth they’re being especially conscientious.’

‘Understandable,’ he mused. ‘But not acceptable. Perhaps we should have them replaced.’

Though the Gardener-smith’s head was bowed, Chandni could still see her imploring look. ‘Please, High Lord, I am sure that they will redouble their efforts.’

‘They’d better. I expect the armour to be joined and alive by the time the Bringers arrive.’

‘It will be, I promise.’

He nodded, appeased. ‘I will take that lunch you offered me, Honoured Mother. Satyendra can dine with me, so that I might better assess his readiness.’

Pik’s squeak of terror was just audible over her reply. ‘My guard will escort you to your chamber and I will have Satyendra changed, prepared and sent after.’