Chapter 33 Kian #2
"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 two centuries, 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."
Elias looked surprised. "Is she a teacher?"
"She's a researcher. My sister Amanda is the head of a neuroscience laboratory, and Syssi works with her. They research paranormal abilities."
"Fascinating. I would love to hear about her work. Can I bring Tamira with me?"
Kian arched a brow. "Does she know what you've told me?"
Elias nodded. "As you've said, it's difficult to keep secrets from one's mate."
"Indeed. Does she know everything?"
The shaman shook his head. "I only told her what I told you.
There is only one more thing that I haven't told you yet.
My real name is not Elias. It's Eluheed.
I've adopted Elias because it's common and doesn't invite questions.
A strange name like Eluheed sparks curiosity, and for someone like me, that's dangerous. "
Kian smiled. "These days, people give their children all kinds of strange names, so Eluheed sounds pretty mundane in comparison. I think it's safe for you to use it."
The guy frowned. "What kinds of strange names? I'm afraid that I'm not familiar with popular culture."
"Let me see." Kian rubbed a hand over his jaw. "I can only recall a few. X-tiel is the name of a new hire in one of the hotels the clan owns. Zyrion and Maeliegh appeared on job applications."
Eluheed chuckled. "You are right. Those sound much stranger than mine. Do they have a meaning?"
Kian shrugged. "Maybe." He rose to his feet, signaling that the meeting was over. "I'll let you know when we can meet over the weekend after I've spoken with Syssi. I'll also ask Shai to do some research on excavations in volcanic rock."
Eluheed stood as well. "Will you have to share what I told you with Shai?"
"It's not necessary, but it would be helpful if he knew what he's researching and why. He's also very good at keeping secrets."
Eluheed sighed. "You know what they say about secrets."
Kian laughed. "A secret among three people remains a secret if two of them are dead. I hope you are not implying anything."
"Elu forbid." Eluheed put a hand over his heart. "I'm grateful for any help you can offer me, but I'd rather limit the exposure for now."
Kian nodded. "Speaking of secrets, there are some from the island that I'm sure you will have no problem sharing with me."
Eluheed nodded. "What would you like to know?"
"Everything you can tell me about Navuh's enhanced soldiers."
The color drained from Eluheed's face. "They are an abomination, and they are extremely dangerous. I hope they are still contained in the holding cells in the laboratory."
Kian sat back down and motioned for Eluheed to return to his chair. "Tell me everything you know."