PAGE 19 (3 Panels)

Panel 1. Talis uses an arm to sweep a clear space on the table. She looks thoughtful and concerned.
MAISY: Bert ain’t seen ‘em himself, course, or he wouldn’a been talkin’-- but he says their ships are solid metal, an’ their guns shoot light instead of iron.
TALIS: I can't even imagine what that’d look like. Have any of the Five intervened?
MAISY: Not as yet. But you know the Alchemists - it's below their pay grade.

Panel 2. Talis looks scandalized as she puts away some of the things from the delivery.
TALIS: Shh! You dirty old blasphemer!
MAISY: Maybe, but it’s true. And if they don’t show up, we’re on our own against those aliens.

Panel 3. Talis continues putting away the delivery.
TALIS: Any orders for us Lightkeepers, then?
MAISY: The same. Keep the glow shining. No signal carvings in the gourds for our ships out there - the fleet is on its own, too.