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Pela turned the slate so Kesta could read it. The entry was surprisingly plain.

KESTA FRANK HUMAN PROTECTED ARRIVAL — ASH CAMP EMERGENCY CLAIM:

DREVEN OF ASH TERMS ACCEPTED AT FIRST SHELTER:

LIMITED OWNERSHIP RIGHTS: NONE

BOND RIGHTS: NONE BED RIGHTS: NONE

LABOR RIGHTS: NONE MEDICAL AUTHORITY RETAINED BY SUBJECT REVIEW REQUIRED

Kesta read it twice.

“Subject?”

Pela’s ears flattened. “The ledger is older than I am.”

“Then the ledger has had plenty of time to learn manners.”

Tavi whispered, “I warned you about the trade code.”

Pela scratched out the word with her stylus and replaced it with PERSON.

Kesta looked at her.

Pela shrugged. “Ink is cheaper than argument.”

It was a small thing.

It mattered anyway.

The older Kharovian with the metal-capped horn rested both hands on the table. “The problem is not the wording. The claim remains emergency status. Emergency claims can be challenged.”

Kesta looked toward Dreven. “Challenged how?”

His expression tightened, but unlike the man Kesta had first met in the basin, he did not decide she was better off without an answer.

“Another claimant may argue before witnesses that my protection is inadequate, unlawful, or harmful to Ash Camp. If the challenge is accepted, the claim can be dissolved or transferred.”

A slow chill moved through her.

“Transferred to whom?”

“The challenger, if the witnesses permit it.”

Dreven’s voice had gone flat enough that she knew exactly what he thought of the possibility.

Kesta looked at Pela’s record again. “Even though I accepted only limited protection?”

Nethra—the gray-haired Kharovian woman—answered this time. “Your accepted limits travel with the claim unless you agree to alter them. A challenger cannot gain bed, bond or labor rights merely by replacing Dreven.”

“That is a remarkably low bar for reassurance.”

Nethra’s lips curved. “You are learning our law quickly.”

“I’m motivated.”

The reptilian elder gave a rumbling sound that Kesta was beginning to recognize as laughter.