"How and when will they be retrieved?"
"I don't know, and that's the truth. I'm waiting for someone to come for me. But if anyone comes, they will look for me on Mount Ararat, where I was supposed to wait." Elias's expression grew distant, haunted. "I hid them in a cave, and for centuries, I watched over them, making sure they were protected and unharmed. But then the mountain erupted. It was the 1840 eruption, the second of July to be exact. I barely escaped with my life, and my charges were buried under tons of volcanic rock. Lava and basalt and debris, hundreds of feet deep. I've been trying to find a way to reach them ever since, but I don't have the means. I don't have the resources or the technology or the manpower."
"And you think the clan does?"
"You are my last hope." Elias met his eyes. "I saw what you did to rescue Tula. You have wealth and connections. If anyone can help me excavate a site buried under a volcanic eruption, it's you."
It was an extraordinary ask. The kind of excavation Elias was describing would require resources that Kian couldn't even begin to imagine. Heavy equipment, expert personnel, permits and permissions from whatever government controlled the land, and probably years of work. It wasn't the kind of thing that could be accomplished quietly or cheaply.
"I don't know if what you're asking is even possible," Kian said honestly. "I'd have to investigate, consult with experts, and get a sense of what would actually be required. But I can tell you right now that it would be a monumental undertaking. The clan might not have the resources for something of this scale."
Elias's face fell. "I understand."
"You'd have to offer me something extraordinary in exchange for that kind of help." Kian pinned the shaman with a hard look. "This isn't a rescue mission where we sweep in and save someone from danger. Your charges aren't people in immediate peril. Relics or priceless possessions that are buried under a mountain hold no value to me. Only to you."
Elias returned with a hard look of his own. "Is this your way of pressuring me to reveal things I'm not allowed to reveal?"
"It's not pressure. It's the honest truth." Kian shook his head. "The rescues the clan undertakes with no expectation of reward save lives. But this isn't the same. This is an archaeological excavation on a massive scale, for purposes you won't fully explain, to recover objects you won't identify. I'm not in the business of archeology or treasure hunting."
He leaned back in his chair. "You might want to talk to Kalugal. He's passionate about archaeology, and he would love to hunt for ancient artifacts. He funds excavations all over the world. If anyone in the clan would be interested in this kind of project, it's him. That being said, even he might not have the means for what you need."
Kian felt a twinge of sympathy at the devastated look on Elias's face. The man had been carrying this burden for nearly twocenturies, searching for a way to fulfill his duty, risked sharing his secret, and had come up empty-handed.
"There might be another way," Kian said as an idea began forming. "My wife also has visions. They are different than yours, though. In scale and in scope. She's helped us locate several people who couldn't have been found any other way."
Elias looked up, a spark of hope in his eyes.
"If you're willing to let me share what you've told me with her, I could ask her to try summoning a vision related to your situation. Maybe she'll see something useful that will help us achieve your objectives without bankrupting my clan."
He wasn't being completely honest about his motivations.
Syssi's gift was remarkable, and it had proven invaluable, but Kian was also curious and wanted to know where Elias had come from, what his charges were, and whether any of this extraordinary story was true.
But since he'd given his word, he couldn't share it with her and ask her to summon a vision without Elias's explicit permission.
Elias hesitated, seeming to wrestle with the decision. The silence stretched long enough that Kian began to wonder if he would refuse.
"The offer is tempting. But I need to think about it."
"Of course." Kian was disappointed. He didn't like to keep secrets from Syssi, but he had given his word to Elias that he would not share anything about this conversation without his consent.
"Elu hasn't granted me any visions that could help retrieve my charges," Elias said quietly. "Perhaps fate brought me here not because of you and your resources but because of your wife's ability. Perhaps her gift can see what mine cannot."
Was Elias changing his mind?
"Just say the word, and I'll talk to her tonight."
Elias released a long breath. "I'm sorry, but it took a lot out of me just to confide in you. I need a little more time to consider your offer. I hope that doesn't offend you."
"Not at all. I don't like keeping secrets from my mate, so I'm a little disappointed. But I can understand how difficult this is for you. If it helps, I can assure you that Syssi is great at keeping secrets. You have nothing to fear from her." It suddenly occurred to him that Elias might be more comfortable telling Syssi himself. "Would you like to meet her first?"
Elias's expression brightened. "That would be much appreciated."
"I'll see when it's convenient for her. Do you have any preferences?"
"The weekend, maybe? It will give me enough time to get used to the idea that I need to break my vows again."
Kian nodded. "The weekend is good. Syssi works in the university during the week."
