Gustav and Alexis have been standing outside Ca’armine’s working while Ca’armine cleanses the crystal ball. When the working shatters and the ball goes clean, a shudder runs through Alexis and his body slumps. Gustav turns to look at him. Alexis straightens slowly, and Gustav thinks he sees a shadow leaving Alexis’s eyes, but it’s dim out here and hard to be sure.

Alexis looks at Gustav and smiles.

“Utiog did not enjoy that. I felt it in the Tear.”

He picks up his hat, knocks the dust off it against his leg, and puts it back on.

“Thanks for standing out here with me, Gus. Watching my back when I didn’t ask you to.”

He tips his head toward Ca’armine, a signal that it’s time to go, and starts back toward the group.