Edwin raised a paw. “Is it a reminder that the thing that makes us who we are is not the outer body, but something deep inside, and that our bodies, whether flesh or ghost machine, are just a shell. It’s a stage in our history and future; which is, you know, infinite? Or something.”

The silence became enormous for a moment.

Then Cora said, “That was a bit deep!”

Craftsman Primrose smiled to himself. “Edwin is correct in his line of thought – truly only an insight that a personifate perspective can bring. Although none of us truly understands the nature of what Master Woolstenbury discovered by harnessing the wildspark in qwortzite, this certainly opened a new chapter in the infinite story of life.” He let it sit with them for a while, then added, “Your journey as an apprentice is about so much more than the mechanics we achieve here.”

Prue’s cheeks blushed with warmth and the word imposter, unbidden, echoed in her ears.

“But understanding the greater picture is entirely something else.” He observed each one of them carefully with his knowing eyes, staying a moment longer with Edwin and Prue. Prue could tell it was so much more than a job to Craftsman Primrose. He was part of something that made history.

“Take some time to look around. I want you to pay specific attention to the different types of machinery in the early personifates, make sketches and take notes in your journal. This will all form part of your ongoing research into the evolution of personifates.”

They spent two hours drawing and recording their observations. Prue’s depictions were dreadful; she thought a baby would’ve drawn better. Agapantha’s were good, and Cora Duval’s drawings were annoyingly neat and exact again, but it was Edwin who was in his element. He drew not only with precision, but with flair; his sketches seemed to bring the inert paintings before him to life, as though inhabited once more.

Cora sidled up to Agapantha and smiled sweetly. “These are impressive, but I’d expect no less from a Young.”

“Yes, but I’m not sure being skilled at art is to do with—”

“Don’t be modest. I can spot good breeding and talent from a hundred furrows.” She glanced at Prue. “Perhaps Edwin was from a respected family in his first life too.”

Prue was just about to rise to the bait when Craftsman Primrose approached.

“Excellent work, apprentices. Now, you may break for lunch. Cora, you will meet Master Sollentude afterwards; Frances, Agapantha and Edwin, I will meet you in the atrium at one o’clock sharp. You have had your most important lesson, and after lunch I will take you to the most important place.”

Chapter 12: The Most Important Place

THE MOST IMPORTANT PLACE