Before the elderly ogre caretaker can object, the deeper person snatches the wrapped tool from the dry table and crosses the chamber. He places it directly before Heulguer, keeping both hands beneath its weight.
The Deeper Person
Take it, great ogre. Its weight, its purpose, or the shape hidden beneath this wrapping may show us how to open the waterway without cutting another living root.
The elderly ogre caretaker steps sharply between the tool and the feeder stream. The movement jars his old frame, but his raised palm stops short of touching either the deeper person or the bundle.
The Elderly Ogre Caretaker
No. It was surrendered only on the condition that the living roots remain untouched. Bringing it here is not permission to test it against them.
The Deeper Person
I said we would not deepen the wound. I did not say we must leave a possible answer sealed while our people still thirst below.
Behind the deeper person, the three hidden workers remain at the chamber entrance, guarding the wounded channel and the clear feeder stream. None approaches the tool, but all watch the dispute.
The Elderly Ogre Caretaker
Cooperation requires restraint, Veyr. If that object must be examined, it is examined away from the roots, and only after Heulguer agrees to its handling.