“Indeed – I’m just showing them around.” He turned to Prue, Agapantha and Cora. “We like to keep someone on security duty out here, either personifate or a plain-clothed older apprentice.

There were a few large buildings some distance away, other factoria, but the Guild factorium was in quite a secluded position nestled on an arm of land with forest arcing around them. Prue guessed they were on the furthest outskirts of Medlock.

“What happens if strangers stumble upon it?” Prue asked.

“Master Woolstenbury likes to keep everything as secret as possible, although it’s not easy. Usually people just walk on past without a thought, or whoever is on duty will ensure people move on. Many of the factoria in Medlock employ personifates, so it’s not unusual to see them in such places. The biggest threat comes from other cities that would dearly love to get their hands on our technology. The perimeter fence helps, of course, but it only goes as far as the forest.” Craftsman Primrose pointed to a tall, narrow building close to the main factorium. “Our messenger tower over there doubles as a look-out. There are personifates on duty twenty-four hours – not needing to sleep certainly has its advantages. Plus, our personifate guards keep an eye on the surrounding forest, although it spreads back for twenty miles south, so it’s unlikely we’d find anyone spying on us from in there!”

A rabbit hopped across the road before them.

“Morning!” Prue called brightly.

It froze and stared at them, startled for a moment, then took flight into the bushes.

“What was the matter with her? Or him.”

“I do believe it was a just a wild rabbit, Frances,” said Craftsman Primrose.

Cora burst out laughing. Agapantha turned red on Prue’s behalf.

Craftsman Primrose rocked back on his heels. “It’s actually a very easy mistake to make. We do, after all, pride ourselves on our ability to create realistic forms. Most wildlife never show any interest in the personifates – indeed, they seem to be scared off by them – we believe they detect something in the high-pitched sounds of the mechanics. Some animals have become used to it in Medlock, so you may have noticed that pigeons seem to coexist quite happily these days.” He looked at his pocket-watch. “Right, almost time for a special morning meeting that Master Woolstenbury has called, then we’ll get straight to showing you around inside.”

“Special meeting?” Prue said.

“Indeed. You’ve all arrived at the Guild at a rather exciting time,” he said.