Teclos found the enchanter before noon.
Her shop was hidden behind a clockmaker's workshop near the western market. A narrow stairwell led down from the alley, carrying the smell of lamp oil and heated metal. There was no sign above the door, only a brass knocker shaped like a closed eye.
He knocked twice.
A slot opened. One dark eye looked him over.
"We're closed."
"I need a blood-bound enchantment repaired."
"Who sent you?"
"Maela."
The slot shut. Several locks moved before the door opened a hand's width.
An elderly woman stood on the other side. Thin silver tools had been pushed through her gray hair, and the leather apron around her waist was stained with ink and ash.
"Maela still owes me money."
"I'll cover it."
"You don't know how much she owes."
Teclos held up a gold coin.
The door opened wider.
"Come inside before someone sees you waving that around."
Orena cleared a space on the nearest table.
"Let me see it."
