“I will sign a binding contract stating that as long as the blood is in my possession, Finn Sovaesh is off limits,” Hemlock explained.
“Then if you give it away it’s no longer in your possession and you could kill him,” Jala countered.
Hemlock snorted in amusement and nodded. “Then we will add into the contract that I will not give, sell, or barter the blood to anyone but you,” he offered.
“Why do you want it?” she asked, her tone suspicious.
“Leverage against you, of course,” he replied calmly.
“Show me the contract,” she said, taking the vial from his hand and looking it over. There were no signs of magical wards on it anywhere that she could see. As far as she could tell, it was no more than it appeared - a simple glass vial.
Hemlock watched her examination with an amused smile and produced a rolled up paper from inside his cloak. “Read over it. I believe you will approve,” he said, handing it to her.
Tucking the vial into her sleeve she took the contract, unrolled it carefully, and read over the tightly written words. Nodding slightly, she handed it back to him. “You anticipated my objection about giving it away,” she said quietly.
“I have dealt with contracts for a while. It’s fairly easy to guess what will bring objections. So I brought two copies. This one if you were smart enough to see the issue and the other in the event that you weren’t,” he explained. “I take it we have a deal then?” he asked.
“We do,” Jala agreed pulling the vial back from her sleeve. “I’ll need a knife. Bring me the guard’s please,” she said her gaze flicking to Havoc.
“I do have one myself you know,” Hemlock said with a smirk, but moved to Havoc’s side and pulled a dagger free from his belt. Tossing it lightly in the air, he strolled back with a smile and handed it to her hilt first. “Are you afraid of where mine has been?” he asked with a smile as he watched her slice open her palm and press the vial to the welling blood.
“I’d rather not use anything of yours,” she replied curtly, eyes locked on the golden droplets as they ran down the side of the glass. This was not something she could ever tell Finn about, or any of her friends for that matter. Sovann would be as furious as Finn if he found out, and the thought of Neph’s reaction made her want to shudder. Still in the end, it came down to one thing. Would she die for Finn? The answer was, “yes,” if there was no other way to save him.
Hemlock watched her as the vial filled. He unrolled the contract slowly. Slipping a hand into his cloak once more he drew out a pen and hastily signed his name to the bottom. Waving a hand over it briefly he smiled and pulled an exact duplicate from the first. “One for each of us, though I suggest you keep that hidden. I truly don’t think Finn would approve.”
Glaring at him, Jala handed the vial over and took her copy of the contract. “I trust after this, we will have no further business?” she asked.
“I see no reason at all for further business,” Hemlock replied as he carefully sealed the vial with wax not even looking up to her face. “Good luck today,” he said with a smirk and turned to go. “The Lady Nerathane’s presence can test even the best patience,” he said as he reached the door. With a last smile in her direction, he left the room. With a sigh she stared down at her bloodied hand and Havoc’s dagger wondering how exactly she would explain either when time resumed.
“Jala have you slept at all?” Victory’s voice came from the shadowy corner.
“No, I can’t sleep,” she replied quietly and paced farther back into her cell. Placing one hand carefully over the cut she called on the healing magic and slowly relaxed as the pleasant warmth covered her skin.
What did you just do? Emily’s voice asked softly in her mind and Jala almost jumped in response. She had forgotten completely that the Blight child was with her. Emily had been silent since they had arrived.
What I thought I had to, she responded through the link.
What will he do with your blood? Emily asked with concern.
Blackmail me as he said he would, most likely, she replied with a slight shake of her head. Limply, she dropped to the edge of her mattress and propped her elbows on her knees. With a long sigh, she covered her face and rubbed at her stinging eyes. She had no idea how long it would be until the trial but she hoped it was soon.
The mattress shifted as the Blight child sat down beside her. She felt a slight weight against her arm as Emily rested her head on her. Careful to not give away the child’s presence to the others in the room Jala moved her arm behind the child and squeezed. I didn’t even know you were in the cell with me, she told her and smiled faintly.
I didn’t want to leave you alone, Emily responded faintly.
I never got you the lunch I promised you. You must be starved. If I had known you were in here I would have shared my dinner.
I’m waiting. If your trial goes badly, I’ll eat well, Emily replied with promise in her tone.
*
“Jala wake up,” the voice called distantly through the thick fog of her mind. “Jala, up now,” it repeated again, refusing to allow her to drift back into her dreams. “Jala, get up,” it came again, louder and more insistent.
“I’m awake, Havoc, shut up!” she growled and sat up slowly. She felt Emily move away from where she had been nestled beside her and rose to her feet glowering at Havoc. “See, I’m up,” she said, holding both hands out to her sides.
“It only took my saying your name a few dozen times,” he replied dryly.
“I was having a pleasant Firym free dream,” she shot back irritably and stretched. Glancing toward the window, she sighed. By the light, she guessed she had only been asleep a few hours. She didn’t even remember falling asleep.