The canal was dry enough to reveal everything that could trip them.
Loose grit covered the first turn. Two side channels opened dark beneath the retaining wall. Lyra tested the next step before letting Rafe Deller bring the document case after her.
The volunteer watch escort marked the return line.
At the entrance, the custodian’s messenger checked their preservation order and exact identifiers. Western freight monitoring. Run eight. Internal return annex.
The ordinary freight route remained clogged by its scheduled inspection. The service canal was within the custodian’s permitted access, provided they presented the notice at the records wing and took only the named material.
At the first side channel, Rafe tapped the edge with his ordinary carrying pole.
The grit fell into a deeper gap than the upper surface suggested.
Lyra moved the lamp before putting a boot there. The drained route had been used by workers who knew its dry edges, not built for a visitor looking only toward the important door.
