“I’m fine,” said Prue quietly, trying to take in that she was now being addressed by a second lifer while lying on the ground. She sat upright and rubbed the side of her head. “Thank you,” she said to the girl.

“You’re welcome. But you might need to watch your step a bit more.”

“Really, I’m fine,” Prue said, hoping the gaping crowd would stop staring.

The girl helped Prue to her feet and turned to the small group. “She’s not injured, you can all move along.”

The goshawk personifate took flight and the people scattered.

“You’re not from the city, are you?” said the girl.

“How did you know?”

“Your lack of tramtrax awareness. This isn’t the country, you know. Things happen fast here.”

“I can see that.”

“And your clothes, they’re not exactly city.” The girl looked her up and down and re-buttoned her own jacket.

“I usually live on a farm.”

The girl tilted her head a little. “How quaint. My name is Cora Duval.”

“I’m Pru—” she quickly stopped herself, thinking fast, “—prudent, when I cross the road … usually … that is.” She gave a little cough and Cora frowned her dark eyebrows at her. “I mean to say that my name is Frances, I’ve only just arrived in Medlock.”

Cora shook Prue’s hand politely then absently brushed it on her jacket. “Well, if you’re fine, I’ll let you get on with your city tour, or whatever it is you were doing. I need to get going; I’m picking up my uniform for the Imperial Personifate Guild. I’m going to be an apprentice,” Cora said, flicking her hair behind her shoulder. She turned on her heels.

“Wait!” Prue called. “I’m going there too.” She felt a rush of relief at the thought she’d now know someone in the same position as her.

Cora turned back. “Pardon?”

“To Deakins Entire to pick up my uniform; I’m going to be an apprentice too.”

“Really?” Cora said, wrinkling her nose.

Her tone instantly made Prue straighten her frame. “Yes.”

“Are you sure? Didn’t you say you were from a farm?”

Prue nodded trying not to scowl. The girl had just saved her life after all.

Cora looked like she had tasted neat lemon cordial. “Well, I suppose I can show you the way.”

Chapter 5: Deakins Entire

DEAKINS ENTIRE

Prue followed Cora into Burlington West.

“Have you been to Smithy Door before?” Prue asked, feeling like a lost puppy following in her shadow.

“I know every inch of this city,” said Cora, striding on.

They passed more shops and grand buildings in Burlington West. Prue’s eye was caught by Aloysius Pye’s Pastries. The windows were heaped with shiny buns and fruit rolls. The next store was Bletchley Steam Peddlers with all manner of steam-enhanced bicycles. Dad would’ve loved them.

“Are you from Medlock, then?” Prue asked.