Kazuo licked his lips. “Right. So, assuming I believe in this stuff, I’d have to tell him my mission? Deal-with-the-devil style.”
“Yes.”
“So here’s a question, then. What’s to stop me from telling ol’ Woodsbane that my mission is to be the first man to live on Jupiter? Live out the rest of my days with a fancy pig-sticker. Die old, fat ‘n happy without ever paying the debt?”
It looked like Aurelia suddenly had fangs. “If he doesn’t think you’re capable of the mission you want to partner up for . . . he’ll end it before it ever starts. You’re not the first to think of that. Chances are, you won’t be the last.”
Kazuo chuckled. “All right. I think I’ve got this figured out.” He started to walk away. “Nice talking to you, Aurelia.”
Aurelia watched him walk for a moment.
“. . . I’ve seen what you can do,” she called out after him. Kazuo stopped. “My employer is very talented at digging out truth from rumor. You work wind, don’t you? Isn’t that where your nickname comes from?”
Kazuo didn’t turn back around. “Let’s say it is. What’s your point?”
“You can use magic, but you don’t believe in spelled weapons?”
“I know where the wind comes from, Aurelia. Don’t know that sword of yours from Excalibur.”
“. . . This sword is an heirloom from the Ninth Guard, Kaze.”
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