Ferra laid the damaged Chains across three holding fixtures while Hajin took position at the open forge threshold.
The first siege bolt arrived before she locked the middle section and crossed the service yard after militia crews removed the bodies.
Hajin opened one Ring around his right forearm and caught the bolt against Aegis several paces outside the forge.
Its iron head flattened against the barrier and fell into the empty cable channel without reaching Ferra's prepared bench.
Ferra tightened the first fixture before looking toward the shattered projectile.
"That one missed your head by an entire wall," she said. "Try to keep maintaining that same impressive standard for me."
Days of siege had sharpened her jokes instead of dulling them.
Hajin spread Aegis fully across the open doorway before answering.
"Work faster, because the next wall might demand wages," he replied.
