Fallen by Tim Lebbon Read Free Book Online

stretched his arms above his head, clicking his fingers.
    “Interesting,” Ramus said. “They're written in an unusual language, and contain some intriguing imagery.”
    “But don't you agree that they're from above the Divide? ”
    Ramus stared at the wanderer for a dozen heartbeats, trying to see past his eyes. “Nomi will be here soon,” he said. “Our discussion should begin when she arrives.”
    Ten stretched again and looked around. “Good. Can't wait to get away from here. My feet are itching already.”
    “You didn't look around the city?”
    “What's to see?” Ten asked, and Ramus surprised himself by finding nothing to say.
    At Ten's signal, Savi came with cydrax and a mug for Ramus.
    “Another mug?” Ramus offered, but Ten shook his head.
    They sat in silence for a while, looking everywhere but at each other. The deck was filling rapidly with traders and buyers breaking off for their midday meal, and the chatter was upbeat and pleasant.
    “So where did you really find them?” Ramus asked at last.
    Ten frowned. He had been staring into the distance, lost somewhere beyond Long Marrakash. “You don't believe what I said?”
    “If there is a lie in your story, you'd best tell me now.”
    “No lie.”
    “Good. Because if there is one, Nomi will know it by now. Her mother's sister is a truthscryer.”
    “That's superstition!” Ten scoffed.
    Ramus raised his hands and shrugged. “I'm not pretending to know how it works.”
    Ten's eyes narrowed. “You're just trying to play me.”
    Ramus stared at the wanderer. “Believe what you wish.”
     
    NOMI ARRIVED , A look of doubt and suspicion on her face as she glanced from Ramus to Ten.
    “I thought we were meeting at midday?” she said to Ten.
    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