The Key: Book 2 The Rose Tree Chronicles

Chapter Sixteen: Meet Ravan the Great

The Mystery Miracle Worker removed two copper cups from her cupboard and set them on the counter. Meanwhile, the mysterious man took a seat in front of the fireplace and never removed his hood to show his face.

"You knew I was here all along," he said. "And here I thought you would be surprised to see me again."

"The only thing that surprises me is that you stayed for so long," replied the Miracle Worker. "I thought you would surely leave after I convinced my last clients to stay. You must really want what you came for."

"Indeed, I do."

"So, what is it?" the Miracle Worker asked, turning to face him. "My instructions failed you?"

"You remember everything, don't you?"

"How could we forget?" asked Stephocra.

"I even remember your name," the Miracle Worker added. "Ravan of Rivas, the customer surely up to no good."

"What I'm up to is none of your business." Ravan laced his fingers together.

"Did you miss our conversation with the empress?" asked Stephocra.

"It doesn't matter," said the Miracle Worker. "I've always had enough of an idea as to what he's been up to."

"Then why do you help me? It appears you know many people who are after the same thing, and clearly you're one of them."

"True, but most will fail to find it," Stephocra said.

"So tell me why you've returned," said the Miracle Worker. "I'm assuming you didn't find her."

"Oh, I found her," Ravan replied. "And I got what I needed from her. I'm here because I need the directions from you."

"I only have directions from beneath the ocean."

"Don't insult me," said Ravan. "I may not be pure human, but I'm certainly no fool. You have the directions from land and you have them memorized."

"Even if I do, I know there's no chance that you're going to expose what you received from the nymph, so you're not going to get it. I'm afraid you're wasting your time with me." The Miracle Worker turned to finish preparing her tea.

"There must be something else you wish for," Ravan pried.

"Not from you," Stephocra answered.

Ravan stood and began to exit. "It seems as though today I won't be breaking you. But we both know that only I can get you absolutely anything you need or want, no matter the risk. Don't forget that."

The Miracle Worker shot a glance at Stephocra and they smirked at each other. It seemed as though everything was going exactly the way they wanted it to.

"Ravan," called the Miracle Worker. He stopped at the entrance and she leaned against her counter. "Why don't you have a seat here and perhaps we can work something out. There's no sense in bartering like a couple of Arcorian thieves; as a human I prefer to do business in a more civilized manner." She poured them both some tea and they each took a seat across from each other at the table. "So, let's start with a little conversation."

Ravan eyed the cup in front of him. "You first."

"Very well," replied the Miracle Worker as she sat back in her chair. "You mentioned that you could get me absolutely anything I—"

"No, Sweetheart," Ravan interrupted. "The tea. You first."

The Miracle Worker looked at the pot and then her cup. "You think I poisoned it?"