Tracer

2: It's Not About Money

"If a Tracer doesn't want an Offer," Desmon explained with remarkable patience, "they'll politely refuse it. Jymke didn't acknowledge the gold because you insulted him with it. You may as well have kicked him in the balls."

Jason blanched. "I... I don't understand."

"That," Jylke said heavily, "is obvious."

"Abundantly," Myron murmured.

"Listen," Desmon shook his head and pinned Jason with a frown. "I told you before we came Down. Tracers don't deal in money of any type. They don't care about who you are, what you do, or how much money you have Up There. It's not about money for them.

"When the first Top-Siders came Down, they dashed around the Wastes unchaperoned and most of them got themselves maimed or killed. The few that didn't act like idiots formed alliances with the Tracers and became the first Packer families."

Desmon didn't add that his grandfather was among those first families.

"When you Call them, you have to thank them for coming, because they don't have to come if they don't want to come. They made the trip from the depths of the Wastes. It takes about three weeks if they come along the High Route. I Called less than a week ago, though, so they came straight through, which takes about five days non-stop.

"They don't sleep much when they Cross," Desmon continued, "and the few wells that exist are too precious for washing up. He's going to bathe and he's going to rest. He may sleep for a few days. When he wakes up, you'll have another chance. If Jymke doesn't accept your Offer, he won't take you Across."

How was he going to get them Across if they couldn't grasp the simple notion of Offering? It was probably the easiest part of the entire venture, and this asshole gave Desmon serious doubts about their chances of getting past the preliminaries.

"What could we give him, then? What does he want?" Elizabeth asked. Her blue eyes were sharp, and Desmon thought he might like her before this was all over.

"An astute inquiry," Jylke smiled at her.

"Usually something that will fit what they need, "Desmon answered. "Jymke loves handmade things. He has an eye for the unique, a taste for the odd. I knew he had an old grooming and butchering set, so I had more made for him. It was something he needed, handmade, and well-crafted. Even the chest is part of the Offer. He can use it any number of ways."

"Utility, beauty, versatility. That's what Tracers care about." Myron nodded towards Jason. "If that blade you're wearing is Duster, he'd accept it in a minute."

Jason clapped a possessive hand over the ornate sheath at his hip. "My father gave me that!"

"Jason," Elizabeth sighed, giving him a look only a mother could master before turning back to Desmon. "Mr. Desmon, if we offer something simple, but useful, will he accept?"

"Yes," Desmon thought the sun was shining just for this practical lady. "That's exactly it."

She frowned in deep thought then asked, "What if it's something not so useful, but lovely?"

"Like any Tracer, Jymke loves beautiful things," Desmon told her. "His mother worked glass, and he had dozens of pieces she made. They're valuable enough that other Clans trade for them, and Top-Siders collect them."

"So, he has a soft spot for glassworks?"

"I would say that," Jylke agreed. "My sister's glass is without equal, and their value has only increased since she went back to Tracing. She does not use her glassworks as much anymore."

"Elizabeth, you wouldn't!" Jason cried. "Now look here, Desmon," he huffed at him, angling a finger in the Packer's face, "Mrs. Irons has some lovely vases given to her by her grandmother. There's no way-"