Chapter 306: Marketing (1/2)
Sahel watched from the roof as the small group walked out of the building and headed towards Traders Square.
”Are you sure this is wise?” He asked Marcosias, who had joined him to observe their progress. ”Giving him free reign in the markets? What if he gets his hands on something that could upset the balance of power on the surface?”
”Oh, I don't think it will cause too many problems. He seems to be the secretive sort to me. Unless moved by altruism, I doubt he'd share anything he'd discovered during his time here. That's not even counting the problems he will face in acquiring anything of true value.”
The Coreguard furrowed his brow. ”You are suggesting that our people will not be willing to sell him their wares? Surely the Settlers would.”
”Perhaps, but I wouldn't be so certain. They are aware of the possible consequences. More than likely, he will end up with a few trinkets at best. Nevertheless, I have to admit I am rather impressed. He handled that situation better than I would have expected for one of his age. So well in fact, that I would normally suspect him to be a Reincarnator in disguise.” The Elder replied calmly, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Sahel started. ”You think he is one of those fiends? I thought they did not get involved in mortal affairs unless it was to find new victims.”
”Indeed. I initially thought as much, but after getting a good look at him, I changed my mind. Now, I can safely say that, while he bears some similarities to the Unborn, he is something else entirely.”
It was said that the Elders possessed a skill that allowed them to see through one's soul. They could discover a person's darkest secrets and greatest achievements with a single glance. However, they were forced to keep most of this information to themselves as part of their divine curse, which made many of their actions quite mysterious to the rest of the Asani.
”I see. Then is there anything else you would like me to do?” He asked, hoping to get back to his usual duties.
Marcosias watched the group round a corner a move out of sight and paused for a few moments as if in contemplation. Finally he said. ”No, you are free to return.”
Sahel saluted and turned to leave. As he was reaching the door, the Elder called out to him.
”Fifth Spear, do me a favor and carry a message to your peers. Let them know that our exodus is nearly at an end.”
The Coreguard stiffened for a moment, but managed to give a brief salute and leave without saying another word. However, it was not discipline that stilled his tongue, but fear. Fear of what the Elder's message foretold, and the horrors that no doubt laid in wait for them as the end of their mission grew closer.
Steeling his nerves, he went to spread the dark news.
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”Whew, that was rough.” Morris commented weakly as they walked through the streets of the Asani city. He was looking a little dispirited, and Mike could easily guess the reason.
”I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to ask your questions. Maybe I can see about making some inquiries before we leave the island.”
The bard shook his head. ”Don't worry about it. I'm getting the feeling that any knowledge I get from them would come with a price I'm not willing to pay.”
”Dangerous.” Tal agreed.
”No doubt.” Morris continued while rubbing his shoulders as if trying to get warm. ”I could tell from the second that he walked into the room that I wasn't going to be getting anything from him. A being like that, you don't ask it for favors, you just pray that it overlooks you.”
Tal, and even Lily, nodded in agreement. Evidently they'd both found the experience disturbing. Sera didn't comment, but then again she'd been silent since the meeting ended.
Mike frowned. Marcosias was fairly intimidating, but he didn't seem to be all that bad. Honestly, Morris's father seemed like a more dangerous individual. Then again, there had been that strange offer which had come up in the middle of their discussion. He'd been strangely tempted to accept it, and only decided to decline after Sera tried to warn him about something.
[Maybe lower Tier people see him differently? Well, whatever. Once we leave this island, it won't matter anymore, and I doubt that we'll be coming back.]
Wanting to lighten the mood a bit, he spoke up. ”We should be getting there soon. Is there anything you'd all like to look for?”
Perhaps in an effort to go along with the attempt, Morris took up the question first. ”I'd love to see what kind of books they have here, although I'd probably need your help to read them. If the stuff you mentioned from before is what constitutes a basic education for the Asani, I can only imagine the kinds of secrets their normal works would have.”
”Good luck.” Sera muttered quietly.
The bard gave a forced laugh. ”Yeah, I figured that would be one of the things they'd be most hesitant about letting us have. Considering how polite and orderly everyone's been up to this point, I'm guessing we'll find that the only bookstores are currently closed for some plausible reason, and won't be open again until long after we've left. Still, there might be a few they're willing to part with.”
”That's true. I'll keep an eye for them. Speaking of which, is there anything you are looking for, Lily? I bet they have some fascinating…” Mike trailed off once he realized that she was no longer following them.
[Alright, don't panic. Nothing's exploded yet, so she can't have gotten far.]
He quickly activated Aerosense, and scanned his surroundings, locating her just as she walked through the doorway of a nearby building. Above the entrance was a sign emblazoned with the letters 'Arms Depository.' Based on the signals he was getting, not only was there no one in the building besides Lily, but many of the secure areas had been left open in the chaos that had accompanied the attack.