Thirty-one names became thirty when one Sairren changed their mind before departure. Mireva crossed the name from the slate without asking for an explanation. That left six empty places at Forest Hidden, and nobody tried to fill them.
The Sairren preparing to leave carried less than Martin expected. Nobody packed as though they were abandoning the Belfry. Families brought clothes, medicine, food meant for young Sairren, and small personal objects that could make an unfamiliar room feel less temporary.
One child carried a bronze bell almost as large as his head. It did not ring because his mother had wrapped cloth around the clapper.
Martin saw him holding it against his chest while the first group gathered beside the upper bridge.
"You're taking that?"
The child looked up at him.
"It's ours."
Martin nodded because that was enough explanation.
