The wanderer stared at her with that implacable expression. “I was claustrophobic in the city. At least sitting here I can look out over the river.”

Nomi offered Ramus a brief smile. “So do we have something to discuss?”

Ramus took out the parchment roll and placed it on the table between them. “It's worth buying,” he said casually.

“And it is from where Ten claims?”

“I don't know. That's why I want to buy it, so we can pursue it further.”

Ten looked at Nomi. Even a wanderer could discern wealth. “How much will you offer?”

“How much will you take?” Nomi asked.

Ten leaned forward, glancing at the tables around them. He placed his hands flat on the table, fingertips just touching the parchment as though he had missed its company. “There are other places I could go,” he said. “Other Voyagers who I'm sure would be interested in these pages.”

Ramus looked at Nomi. She sat with her legs crossed, leaning back, presenting a casual air that he knew was anything but relaxed. He could see the small tic below her left eye which always began when she was most stressed.

I should have made sure we talked alone. I should have made her aware of what this really is. “So what will you take?” he asked.

Ten leaned back in his chair and rubbed his face. Then he looked down at the rolled pages, and smiled. “If your first offer is enough, I'll take it. If not, I go straight to the Guild; I'm sure they can finance my needs. No negotiation.”

Ramus said nothing. Nomi shifted in her chair. Ten looked out across the river, and for the first time his scarred, weathered face seemed relaxed. He'll take whatever we offer, Ramus thought. He's come a long way, but I think he likes us. I think he sees the adventurous spirit the three of us share.

“Fifteen thousand pieces,” Nomi whispered. “And a third of whatever we bring back.”

Ten smiled. “As for the latter, the glory is all yours. I want no part in what you discover. But for the offer . . . I accept.”

Nomi let out a held breath and Ramus closed his eyes.

“I can give you a promise token now,” Nomi said. “I'll tell you which banker to go to, or . . . ?”

“Yes, that's fine. I trust you.” Ten poured a little more cydrax for each of them. “Shall we toast our deal?”

Should we? Ramus thought. Is this really something to celebrate?

Nomi's nervousness vanished and she threw him her most dazzling smile. “A toast to your own voyage, Ten,” she said. “And good wishes for whatever will come for us all.”

Ten nodded and raised his mug.

They all drank, then Ten stood and stretched. “Time for me to leave,” he said. “I'll take your promise token with thanks, and if you could direct me to the banker, I'll be on my way.”