86. The Ones Who Knock First [BONUS]

Ironroot felt louder the moment Carlos stepped through the portal.

The Bellvine rang once from the western wall before its flowers settled again. The Burstpod turned toward the silver doorway, recognized Carlos and slowly turned back toward the empty plain.

Mira reached him with a relieved face.

"You took long enough," she said. Then she saw Kaia, Brann and Nessa behind him. "Did nobody die?"

"Wow, that's a nice way to ask. Nobody died, and that's a relief," Carlos answered, making her giggle as if she was joking.

"Rowan has the damaged Crop Ledger now," Carlos said. "There is a crop sample under Channel Five. If he restores it properly, the Settlement system will recognize my Crop Keeper authority permanently."

Mira blinked. "And if he does it wrong?"

"We lose it forever."

"Then Rowan will do it right," she said. She said it like there was no other possible answer.