The chest contained blank paper, two packing boards and a stone wrapped in sacking.
Barnaby examined each item before the custodian closed the lid.
“An unpromising archive,” Felix said.
“It isn’t intended to improve with reading.”
Across the room, Lyra checked the real packet against its custody list. Mera’s authorized deposition copy, the shipment comparisons and the contract references would leave by the separate route arranged with the inquiry office.
The chest would take the visible wagon.
Jian waited beside its driver, listening while the custodian described the stopping points and return signal. The handler adjusted a padded strap and checked the weight before agreeing to lift.
Barnaby had chosen the escort after asking the questions that mattered to him. Where could he take cover? Which turn permitted a retreat? What signal would bring the wagon back rather than invite the humans to defend a box of stationery?
