Later, after the bowls were empty and cleaned, after the mimics had filtered back to their tents and half-built homes, after the fire had burned down to coals, Marron sat with her companions and the two leaders of New Brookvale.
The Generous Ladle rested on the table between them, its symbols now permanently visible, the preserved leather wrapping warm in the cooling night air.
"Three," Keeper said, his voice resonant with something that might have been satisfaction. "You carry three now."
"I do." Marron touched the ladle gently. "I wasn't sure it would accept me."
"It knew," Keeper said. "Just as the pot knew. Just as the cart knows. They recognize the difference between someone who wants power and someone who wants to serve."
Alexander leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "What will you do now?"
