Ortai Legacy

15 - Collusion (H/C)

Harker had barely sat down in the dining hall when a violet scalewing in an embroidered suit approached his team's table.

Harker flicked his steak knife at Falek. "If you try to buy Raeve again, I'll report you to the Enforcers for harrassment."

The nix in question glared daggers.

Falek seemed unbothered by all the hostility. "I came to make an offer on the human telepath. Word on the street says she's more trouble than she's worth to you. I'll take her off your hands for eight Blues."

Thyr choked on his drink. Harker couldn't blame him; eight Blue CCs was almost twice the amount the team would make over the six-week contract they were currently working. That much money would buy plenty of healing potions, repairs to their equipment, and maybe even exploration rights to a good dungeon. It was a pity they couldn't break the Knight bond between Mar'kost and Liza. Then again, maybe there was a way. A man with Falek's resources could almost certainly force Liza to break the bond herself.

"That human, Liza, has a hold on our teammate-"

"She's not for sale." Thyr shot Harker a look.

A smile tugged at Falek's lips as he leaned closer to Harker. "Let me assure you, kind sir, I'm more than willing to do whatever's necessary to free your teammate from the human."

"I-" He hesitated.

Thyr cleared his throat. "The girl is not for sale. Go, Falek."

"Might nine Blues change your mind?"

"No."

"A Purple?"

"No."

Harker very much wanted to say 'yes,' but he couldn't make that kind of decision without Thyr's approval.

"Two Purples?"

The table fell silent. Two Purples would be almost five times the amount of their contract. They would have their pick of dungeons, and they could buy new enchanted gear. Harker could buy a dozen charms to add to his collection.

"I see we've found your price. Now, what hold does this girl have on your teammate?"

"She isn't for sale." Raeve's voice was quiet but firm.

Harker glared at her. "You tried to kill her. At least this way, we get some chips."

"I'd rather see her dead than in the hands of a slaver. No one deserves that."

Falek tutted. "It's a pity she isn't your ward, nix. Harker, you were saying?"

Thyr cut in, much to Harker's annoyance. "We'll consider your offer in private."

"But I haven't had the chance to offer my services in solving your real problem. If you would only allow me-"

A touch on Harker's hand distracted him from the conversation. A small black orb tapped against a ring on his index finger. As soon as he grabbed the orb, it stopped moving. He popped open the hinged messenger orb to reveal a rolled note inside. After laboriously unfolding the tiny note, he read it—first silently, then aloud.

"I've just gotten a note from Kaliska: Liza and Mar'kost went to Bloodflight. Guards came back injured. Mar'kost presumed dead. Cadmus is looking for him." He knew as well as the rest of his team that Mar'kost was incredibly difficult to kill, but that didn't lessen the horrible weight of the message. Either Liza was dead—nearly ensuring that Mar'kost would die as well—or she'd lost control of Bloodflight. Or worse, she remained in control but had ordered the beast to attack.