“Yes; initially, more human, robotic-like bodies were tried, something like your farm creations, but the spirits, or ghost frequencies, didn’t latch on to the qwortzite very easily. Qwortzite is the substance that makes it all possible, but you’ll find out more about that soon. One of Hannah Woolstenbury’s great innovations was realizing that realistic animal-like forms have a much higher success rate. The supernatural view says that there’s something deep about human souls that connects with animals – many cultures have animal spirits in their folklore and customs for this very reason. Also, nature is the best designer, so, at the factorium, we’ve melded technology with the wild.”

Craftsman Primrose patted the back of the eagle-horse. “I hope we get a good match for this one, Rami. Are you thinking guard material?”

“Indeed.”

Prue wondered what he meant by a good match, but she couldn’t ask because Craftsman Shad was already urging them on towards the back of the lab and the huge covered object. Craftsman Shad hauled the sheet from it.

Beneath was an enormous pure-white lion, twice the size of a real lion, with ivory-coloured, feathered wings. “What do you think?” Craftsman Shad asked, chuckling to himself.

“It’s certainly something, Rami.” Craftsman Primrose pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

“Of course, the darned Sovereign Chancellery won’t license it, some bish-bosh about limits and necessity, and I can’t even get Woolstenbury on my side; she said something about a craftsman’s humility. It’ll likely never see a personifate life.” He sighed. Then with a twinkle in his eye he nudged Craftsman Primrose and said, “We can but try! Well, that’s for the future, when it’s not a blood moon.” He winked. “Let’s just say I’m predicting that some of the more creative projects will be put on hold and we’ll be sticking to the Sovereign Chancellery specification until then. It’ll mostly be a commission for companions, guards and messengers from what I’ve heard behind the scenes so far.”

“Do you think we’ll manage it?” asked Craftsman Primrose.

Craftsman Shad pulled in a long breath. “It’s going to be tight. Not sure if the Sahwen celebration will happen this year. But I’m certain Master Woolstenbury will pull all resources to get ahead.”

Craftsman Primrose looked to the apprentices. “You’ll certainly be in at the deep end!”

“What have you got planned for the young whippersnappers this morning?” Craftsman Shad asked.

“Well, I thought—”

“Think no more! I have the perfect task to get them started. A little project I’ve been dabbling with for a while. Some fresh eyes might be just what it needs.”