By now, all the legionaries had gathered, and Cade could see Amber hauling a sackful of what must have been treasure into Genghis’s chamber. Scott, on the other hand, was empty handed.

“So tell me of your trade,” the man called, impatient. “Treasure? Remnants?”

Cade bit his lip, considering his next words. His head was swimming, exhaustion catching up to him.

“Would you consider a remnant?” Cade asked. “I know Caesarion has quite a collection. He would pay a high price for the one I have in my possession.”

The man laughed. “We will take it from you after we’re done,” he said. “That and any treasures this tomb might contain. Fool child. There is nothing you could offer that we cannot have regardless.”

Cade smiled. The slaver had played right into his hands.

“Oh, but there is,” Cade said, speaking loudly for all to hear. “I have in my possession something Caesarion would give half his kingdom for. And let me tell you, if he hears you had the chance to get it and didn’t, it’s not just your tongue he would rip out.”

The slaver was not so quick to retort now, and his silence stretched out. Cade took the opportunity to turn, and saw Amber and Scott had come back.

“Pick that up,” Cade said, pointing at the black box the legionaries had left beside Alexander’s tomb. “Quickly.”

He waited for them to do so, then whispered, “Abaddon.”

There was no response, and Cade tried again.

“Abaddon, we’re ready. Take us to the keep.”

The Codex hovered closer, and Cade heard the little girl’s sardonic voice in his ear.

“Every. Last. Piece.”

Cade’s eyes widened. “We’ve missed something,” he gasped. “Quintus, hold the box, and do not take your hands off it. Amber, Scott, there’s something else here somewhere!”

They moved with speed, even as the slaver ventured a reply.

“What is it, then? And why can we not take it from you?”

Cade spoke with as much confidence as he could. “This remnant has been drying out for millennia. One spark and it’ll burn up. And don’t think I won’t do it if you attack us. It’s worthless to me, and worth everything to the emperor.”

The slaver muttered under his breath. Then:

“The lies of a desperate man. What chances are there that you would have such a thing in the very moment you need it most?”

“It’s the whole reason why we came here,” Cade said. “Treasure means nothing to us. We need weapons, food, clothing. We came here because we knew that Caesarion would give us anything for it.”

“More lies,” the slaver drawled. But Cade could sense the curiosity in his voice. And the doubt.

Cade did not reply. He was buying time. Every second he wasted was another that Amber and Scott had to find the missing trinket. Some coin that had rolled into a corner. A dull gem, fallen from its setting. Even the jewels on the coffins might count.