Chapter 1

In a storm, Gregor pilots the Foundryside crew to the heavily fortified Michiel campo. They pass espringal-battery defenses using time-limited clearance tokens and are escorted to the Hypatus Building. Inside a lavish hall, they set up a test lexicon amidst close guard scrutiny.

Armand Moretti arrives with senior scrivers, condescending but eager. Orso reveals their offer: a technique to twin a lexicon’s presence into a portable iron box and, more critically, to twin the cradles of multiple foundry lexicons, enabling instant, field-wide updates. The Michiels grasp the massive cost and security advantages.

Payment of sixty thousand duvots is produced before the demonstration. Sancia and Berenice prepare the iron box and seal the test rig; Orso explains constraints and their solution to prior instability. The Michiels insist on using their own definition plate and a lantern that should only light within a lexicon’s range.

The test lexicon is activated; the iron box grows heavy as if it contains one. The lantern lights atop the box, indicating successful twinning. Moretti, still cautious, orders the box taken elsewhere in the building to verify range and exclusivity with areas unfamiliar to Foundryside.

To control variables and maintain appearances, Orso proposes splitting roles: he and Sancia accompany the moving test, while Berenice and Gregor remain to monitor the lexicon. Moretti agrees, and the procession departs, setting up the next phase of their plan.