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It was a new and dangerous world that they were living in. Both exciting and terrifying. Caster might have hoped that after merging with the God of Sight, among other things, he would have gained a more complete understanding of the world around him, but he had since learned repeatedly that there were always more questions to be asked.

Always things that went unseen. Things that hid. Things that deceived.

It was a struggle in its own right, trying to discern the truth from what was visible. And of course, it didn’t help that this merge was still so new. In time, of course, their powers would grow and unify, but even then, that was no guarantee of complete worldly knowledge.

“The lords of Sair,” echoed Caster flatly. “I am not seeking a deal with them. I am seeking a deal with you.”

“Unfortunately for you, they’re my allies. I won’t ally with you unless you first make peace with them.”

Not budging on that at all, eh? How uncommon. Loyalty was not typically made so obvious. Could it be bluster? An ostentatious show to conceal how fragile that relationship actually was?

Maybe. But if he was wrong and pushed harder, then the blowback would be tremendous. Any further attempt at negotiation might well prove impossible. He needed to choose his words carefully.

But he also wasn’t prepared to give ground just yet.

“If I were to help them with their reclamation,” said Caster, “then how much information should I expect from you?”

Darksteel paused. “...I know of a few different locations that might pique your interest.”

“A few, eh? That’s a bit too vague for my taste. By my recollection, a ‘few’ typically refers to any number between three and ten, though context might add some variation. And some folks even use that term for as little as two. So which is it, then? Be more specific, please.”

“...More than three.”

“Ah. Better, but still not being exact, I see. Is there a reason for that? Or are you purposely trying to annoy me?”

“Just being cautious. Maybe I tell you about a place, but when you go there, it doesn’t meet your standards. I don’t want to overpromise.”

“Heh. That is fair, I suppose. So that means you’re certain of at least three locations, then?”

“I’d say so, yeah.”

Interesting. Were three new locations worth all that trouble at such an early stage of this incarnation? Almost certainly not. But if that trouble was going to find him, anyway? Perhaps he should take what he could get.

Hmm.