The Faefolk had Ferret’s arms and body pinned to his chest, a hand clamped over Ferret’s mouth. The arm holding Ferret clenched as Ferret flailed his dangling legs and tried to yell.
The Faefolk’s face was expressionless, his eyes boring into Peacock.
Peacock went cold, then hot, then cold again. He wanted to run, fight, scream at the audacity. How could the Faefolk violate the only safe spot he had? The second person in a week! Perhaps the cave wasn’t as hidden as he had first thought. Maybe it was time to move on. After all, wasn’t he the one with an important goal for his current life?
“Please don’t run.”
The Faefolk’s voice came out smooth, with a musical lilt to it. It slid over Peacock, soothing the turmoil in his mind. Despite his better judgment, Peacock hesitated.
“Look.” The Faefolk released Ferret, who hit the ground with a thud and scrambled away, hands working the empty spots where his daggers usually sat.
“Sorry about the disarm and capture.” The Faefolk nodded toward Ferret. “But I couldn’t have you scaring off your friend.” He shifted his gaze back to Peacock, a dazzling smile appearing on his slender face. “As your thief friend is fully aware, a dragon not interested in tearing Rebirths apart has become a rare thing. A dragon that follows the art of stealth is rarer still.”
A jolt of paranoia cut through the stupefying haze that had settled in Peacock’s head. This was dangerous. He’d stolen from the Faefolk, and now the same Rebirth had realized he wasn’t a threat. Easy revenge.
Peacock’s muscles tensed, yet for reasons he couldn’t pin down, he didn’t flee.
Ferret stood with an equally confused look on his face a short distance away.
“I know every time your friend stole from me, and I knew when you did. But I’m not here to fight or take my things back. Quite the opposite,” the Faefolk said. “I see something unique here, something with promise. I wish to offer both of you a business opportunity.”
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In an instant, Peacock was completely stupefied again. “What?”
The Faefolk shrugged, a delicate motion which made his robe rustle. “Surely you didn’t think I’d repeatedly let myself get pickpocketed without a reason.”
Ferret’s face went red as he scowled. The Faefolk continued without acknowledging it.
“I’m a curious sort. I’m also a businessman who isn’t afraid to explore all avenues of potential profit.”
“You’re a con-man!” Ferret blurted out.
The Faefolk’s expression soured. “I prefer shrewd entrepreneur. What I do is far more, and far more delicate, than mere conning. Regardless, I don’t pickpocket or skulk, two things you two seem especially devoted to.” His eyes passed over Peacock. For a second, he felt like meat in a shop window. “The fact one of you is a dragon, well, it’s icing on the cake, isn’t it? So, what do you say, O Great Dragon?”
A small voice wanted to tell the guy to shove off out of his cave and never come back. A louder, probably saner voice wanted to know more. Both colored Peacock’s reply. His tail thumped once. “I’m not sure what to say, since you haven’t explained what you actually want or even who you are.”
“Of course, my apologies.” The Faefolk bowed low, then straightened with a flourish. “I am Cormac, businessman extraordinaire, and I offer you a onetime deal. A partnership with me. You may have not noticed out here in your jungle hideout, but I’m a well-respected trader and merchant liaison within all of Krinios, Palenta, Wester, and many smaller settlements.”
Peacock’s eyes glazed over. He didn’t know what this ‘Cormac’ was going on about, but he really wished he’d get to the point.
“Get on with it!” Ferret cried.
Cormac’s calm facade broke, and for a split second, anger burned in his eyes. Then the anger vanished, leaving Peacock to wonder if he’d imagined it. “The point, little thief, is I have access to any mark you desire within any appreciable distance from the city you’re skulking around. I’m well aware of why the Ferret’s hiding in a cave, whether our friend is or not. I can be your inside man, advisor, bait, to bigger and better rewards. Or do you wish to keep taking your chances on the footpath? It worked so well for you last time, didn’t it Dragon?”
“Peacock.”
“Excuse me?”
“My name is Peacock, not Dragon. Am I to assume we would regret refusing your offer?”
Cormac gave a sly grin. “I came with peace, not threats, Peacock. But a businessman must always keep their bottom line in mind. Info on a young, lone dragon’s location carries quite a premium right now.”
“Hey!” Ferret glared at Cormac.
Peacock’s tail thrashed. Everything about Cormac screamed snake. Opportunistic, dangerous snake. Agreeing to his partnership was risky at best, but refusing was guaranteed trouble. Looked like he’d just got a third teammate.