Chapter Six
‘The Wereguard were formed by the first citizens. We are twelve in number. Our sole purpose is to ensure the safety of the reigning regent, of any and all living members of the Patraena dynasty, and of every particle of Patraena liveware stored in the Navel. In reverse order, my lady.’
‘So you have existed since the Pale began?’
‘A mite before, my lady. Some years. We assisted with the construction of the Acrocomplexa itself, where the first citizens resided and worked. Our greatest priority was the creation of the Navel where we store our most precious artefacts. The Navel is the oldest structure in the entire Pale, and the most important. We Wereguard have ensured its security for as long as it has existed. The Acrocomplexa itself is built around the Navel at its core.’
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