Uriel returned to Vella's clinic before the hour ended, leaving Hans to carry her standard divisions across every command copy.
The southern gate sounded Seliza's contract pattern while Marrick sanded the final board, bringing everyone around the registry table upright.
A Serpent factor entered beneath a white road pennant, accompanied by two road escorts newly arrived from the southern camp.
He carried a narrow silver case instead of supplies, with Seliza's personal serpent pressed across three separate wax seals.
"House Seliza delivers formal notice under the eastern gold agreement," the factor said, presenting the case to Hajin, "a witnessed receipt is required before I depart."
Taren remained near the equipment-room door without his silver clasp, making no effort to hide from the people who once served beside him.
The factor acknowledged him with one measured glance, then returned his attention to the contract table without speaking his former title.
