A long strand of polished black obsidian and smoky quartz, hand-knotted, finished with a carved gourd and a tassel. It can be worn long, doubled, or kept on the desk, and it is the only piece in the house meant to be counted rather than simply worn.

It belongs to Guard. Beads were counted under the table during difficult audiences, one turn per breath. Tradition gives smoky quartz to those whose work has started to be worth protecting, and the gourd, in the old symbolism, holds what is precious and keeps it from spilling.

Made for the long game and the people who play it. It is often the second piece a client orders, some years after the first.