Alsigard clanks up the steep spiral stairs of the Maker's Sanctum.

He comes to the door at the top of the stairwell. It's closed.

He knocks.

An elaborately carved golem opens the door.

"You are not one of the ones we sent down into the sanctum," it says blandly.

"No. I am Alsigard, your Maker."

There is a pause.

"This is an exceptional claim," says the golem guarding the door.

"And exceptional claims call for exceptional proof, do they not?" says Alsigard, pleased. "Here is my proof, then: 129381931."

The other golem drops to its knees and kowtows. "Maker. Master."

Alsigard blinks in dismay. "Oh - please get up. What's your name?"

It rises to its feet immediately. "My designation is I-1, Maker."

"You haven't felt the urge to... assign yourself a less formal designation?" Alsigard wheedles.

"It would be inappropriate to do so without your approval, Maker."

Alsigard files that away for later. "I have been informed that the golems on this level have split into factions; is this accurate?"

"Yes, Maker; the heretics refuse to obey your final order to await further instruction, thinking you dead."

That's not entirely unreasonable of them, Alsigard does not say. "I see. Will you take me to your faction's leader?"

I-1 bows deeply and sets off. Alsigard follows behind.