Page 61 of Echoes of the Raven
“That’s enough. We don’t have time for this. We have to act. Tonight. Please, help us.”
“You’ve got nerve to ask us for help,” Esmeralda says. “You two live right here with her. Stop her.”
I sigh, suddenly feeling exhausted. “Like I said, I tried, but she’s determined.”
“Try again.”
“That path is closed to me now.” I really would like the Romani’s help, but I’m doing this with or without them.
“We best get moving, Gaspar.” Esmeralda tugs on his sleeve. “The further we are when this mess kicks off, the safer we’ll be.”
Gaspar doesn’t budge.
I take the money bag and spill its contents on the table. The coins spread over the surface, clinking and sliding over the smooth wood. A few of them fall to the floor and glitter on the dark rug.
Esmeralda’s eyes grow wide, her pupils shrinking to pinpricks in a sea of green. She sits back heavily, looking defeated, the sight of gold eclipsing all of her concerns as I anticipated. Her mother’s health is poor, and Esmeralda is responsible for taking care of her. Of course, coin can be used to manipulate her. I feel low for doing it, but I’m desperate.
“You’ve told us why you want us to help you, and maybe there’s more than just gold that makes it worth our while,” Gaspar says. “But if we’re to help you, you need to tell us everything.”
I was hoping the why and the gold would be enough. I fear that if I say more, they’ll run out the door. But I suppose I have no other choice.
Swallowing my doubts, I nod. “You must promise me not to tell anyone what I’m about to say.”
“Promise,” they both say in unison.
Jago looks at me sideways, his expression asking,Can you really trust their word?
The answer isno. The truth is I wouldn’t trust anyone with this information. If I’m being honest, I’m only ready to tell them because if they don’t agree to help us, my only choice will be to leave them locked up in a cell with orders to release them only after we have left Nido without their help.
“I have a way to open the veil,” I say without further preamble.
They both blink and comically cock their heads to one side.
“Truly?” Gaspar asks.
I nod.
“And what is that?”
“I’m afraid I cannot share that information,” I say.
He’s quiet for a moment, considering. At last, he says, “You talked about a companion, one other person besides yourself, who is it?” he demands in a tone that lets me know our conversation is over if I don’t reveal the identity of the third person.
I come clean. “The leader of the veilfallen,Rífíor.”
“Saints and feathers, no!” Esmeralda exclaims. “You really are crazy.”
Gaspar leans back on the sofa, his eyelids opening and closing at a fast rate.
“What’s wrong with him?” Jago asks.
Esmeralda presses a finger to her lips and mouths something unintelligible. The fit passes so quickly that I almost dismiss it.
She places a hand on his shoulder. “What is it? What did you see?”
The man shakes his head, his face draining of color.
“What is it?” Esmeralda insists.
