Deal the Deal

Shai considered what it meant to get his hands on everything possible. He'd spent his share of time scouring old records for anything salvageable, as he imagined his forefathers had done. With new light, though, brought new things to discover. "So, are you suggesting we use the forge again?" Shai questioned, putting into words one method he could think of.

Zale nodded resolutely, not sure how crazy he sounded. Shai's reaction told him very. "That's quite the ludicrous suggestion. Just thinking about it...How much would we risk…"

He stopped talking and mulled it over again, then changed his approach. "It's like opening pandora's box or maybe Schrodingers, but then everything we are talking about is plenty absurd and full of risk. Maybe it is exactly what we need. Do you believe it would work?"

Zale shugged. "All I know is that I need to manipulate mana to make a core. Only something like your forge can do it. I think. I don't know, but it's worth investigating.���

"Well, I cannot make a guarantee of anything," Shai admitted to Zale's disappointment, "However, I will be pressing the matter. I doubt anyone would oppose me if it means obtaining a great power."

He wore a bit of a devious smile, and Zale felt it shaved years from the man. He looked his age for once, the burden of a country lifted for a moment, for an evening. Their conversation continued into the night with various ideas and plans unfolding until, finally, they concluded their business.

"I must say, this dinner has turned out to be the most fun I've had in quite some time, Zale," Shai said as they stepped out of the hotel, Shai flagging down the valet to bring Zale's vehicle.

"Rather up and down, granted, but I have very much enjoyed myself."

Zale found himself nodding as well. "Yeah. Never thought I'd be eating with a pharaoh and talking about going to Egypt. I mean, I never thought I'd be doing a lot of things at this point in my life," Zale said, reflecting.

Shai saw the far off look on Zale's face, a look that said more than words could. Shai felt a twinge of something familiar inside himself but ignored it, politely pulling Zale back to reality. "Well, I am grateful that destiny has guided us here. I do hope you will consider my offer to join me in Egypt seriously. It would undoubtedly be of great benefit."

The idea was enticing, but Zale could only feel uneasy about the idea. He was tied. Work had one ankle, while Meru had the other. He fought the urge to leap at the opportunity and replied, "I just need some time to sort out my own business first. I'll be in touch about it."

The valet soon rolled up in Zale's car and passed him the key. Zale inspected his car for a moment, doubting the integrity of someone who had access to his keys. "I'll be in town for a while yet, so do let me know if there is anything you need."

"And I'll be sure to copy this book, as payment for when things really get started," Zale added with a daring smile, hand extended to meet Shai's.

They shook, and the deal was sealed.