Khao'khen reached the Arch at midday with Brekka Hammerfall, Durrek, and their escort, six hours after the creature's appearance and dissolution. Oshrak's report was waiting at the facility gate. Khao'khen read it on horseback, finished it before dismounting, and folded it.
He went directly to the southern wall of the instrument room without speaking to anyone.
The stone where Aliyah had applied the compound was distinguishable from the surrounding wall only by a slight difference in surface sheen: the fresh compound's seal was marginally more reflective than the cured stone around it. He pressed his hand against it. It was at ambient temperature now. He moved his hand across the surrounding stone. He felt nothing beyond stone.
Aliyah came and stood beside him. "It held through the rest of the morning," she said. "No further temperature elevation. No second attempt."
"Vor'gath said it would not try again immediately," Khao'khen said.
