Alden frowned at the coin and then at Odin. “Information on what?”
“Has anyone from Earth purchased nooten eyes recently?”
Alden stepped back and crossed his arms. “Why do you want to know?”
“Elaria was attacked by a monster using a witch potion,” Odin surprised me by revealing the truth. “The potion contained nooten eyes.”
Alden blinked, then frowned deeper. “I'm reluctant to give you the name. I don't believe it will benefit you.”
Odin added another coin.
“Put your money away, Odin,” Alden said gruffly. “If you insist on acquiring the information, I'll make you a bargain instead.”
Odin's lips pressed into a flat line. I knew that look—he didn't trust whatever bargain this man wanted to make.
“I'll bargain with you,” I offered.
Alden's arms uncrossed and fell to his sides. “You?”
“The information is for my benefit,” I explained. “Someone is after me and I'm afraid it might be someone I trust. So, what do you want for the name?”
“What do you have to offer?” He shot back.
I started to speak but Darc grabbed my arm in warning. Verin grabbed Darc's wrist and growled. Darc ignored him. Odin and Alden watched this with some amusement. They exchanged a few words in that other language and Alden laughed. I was not amused.
“Both of you, open your hands this instant and step away from each other,” I ordered under my breath.
“Don't offer him what I think you're about to,” Darc warned me.
“Why not?”
“He could ask for something you're unwilling to do.”
“I can always refuse. Now, let go of me, Darc.”
Darcraxis made a rumbling sound of irritation and let go of my arm. Verin released Darc's wrist at the same time.
“I can perform tasks that most people can't,” I said to the man. “I—”
“Oh, for fuck's sake, Elaria,” Odin cut me off. “He's not a criminal, just cunning.” He turned to Alden to add, “She's a Spellsinger. What do you want, Alden?”
“A Spellsinger,” Alden whispered as his eyes went wide. Then his gaze swung to the front of the room. “There is one service I need that no one has been able to do for me. If you can triumph where others have failed, I'll give you the name.”
“What exactly is this Herculean feat?” I asked warily.
“Socato.” He nodded toward the bird on its perch. “She has been listless for weeks. I've brought in expert after expert and no one can tell me what's wrong with her.”
“You want me to diagnose your bird?” I asked in delighted surprise.
“She's my companion, not just my pet,” he said defensively. “And I know her. Something isterriblywrong. Please, if you can help her, I'd be very grateful.”
“You have yourself a deal, Alden.” I held out my hand.
“Truly?” He shook on it even as he questioned it.
“Truly. Bring me your companion. All I need is a private place to sing.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
