Page 87 of Forsaken Secrets

Kaiya nodded sharply, and I followed suit, my heart hammering so loud I was sure everyone could hear. "We understand."

His lips pursed, and he leaned back in his chair. "Well then, if you have a reasonable request, I might be inclined to accept. What exactly are you proposing?"

A low exhale made me look at Kaiya. Her cheeks were pale and her hazel eyes wide. Was she going to be able to do this?

Finally, she swallowed and leaned forward in her wooden chair. "If we give you the map, we want a guarantee that you will protect both of our households." The Overseeker sat watching us, his face not giving anything away. Kaiya plunged on, "And also remove a vrytra from their care."

His brows rose, and he sat there completely silent for a few moments. "Well, I can safely say that I was not expecting that, young lady."

Kaiya nodded, face back to a calm mask.

"However," his lips twisted into a smile, "if what you say is true … I think I can promise all those things."

We both let out a sigh of relief and sat back in our chairs.

He continued. "Seekers have been disappearing at an alarming rate, and I'm convinced that man has something to do with it. If this can prove that, the payment will have been more than worth it. If you give me the map and one week, I'll be able to get things in order."

I looked at Kaiya, expecting some concern, but she was nodding, and had a radiant smile on her lips. "That makes sense to me."

"Well, then. How should we seal this deal?"

Kaiya motioned to a pad of paper on his desk. "I'll draw the map and you write the terms. We'll all sign and trade."

He nodded once and pulled off a sheet for us.

When both papers were sufficiently filled out and signed, we traded and shook hands. "Miss Maderoth, Lord Westin. I am happy that you chose my doorstep to darken today, and I wish you the best of luck."

I dipped my head. "You as well."

"May the gods shine graciously on you," Kaiya murmured, and we turned to go.

He smiled a grandfatherly smile and waved us out. "Be safe and happy, you two."

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