Chapter 48

The next day Zale split the team as intended, with specific instruction and references doled out to each. He joined the efforts at the under-pyramid base, shifting between scouring the hunter's market, reading through reports from the team, and continuing his own delve into the literature.

Rahja practically spat Zale's name when he called. "Yes? Did you find something?"

Rahja, without a word, rolled aside to let Zale see the computer. It was the list of cores and crystals they'd compiled so far. They were organized and group in various different ways, clearly labeled for ease of understanding. Zale scanned it for a long while, thoughts filling his mind as it raced with possibilities. Rahja began tapping his fingers on the desk, a scowl growing the longer Zale took. "Well?" he snapped, "Are there any problems? If not, I'd like to send it to everyone?"

Zale's mouth tilted down, and he crossed his arms. "I'd like to send it out only once we have more data, but maybe it will help. Send it to me first. I'd like to make a few comments first. I'll send it out afterward."

Rahja clicked his tongue. Everyone on the team averted their eyes when Zale left, all of them avoiding the tension. Zale simply ignored it and left the room, his mind focusing on formulating theories now that they had some tangible data.

As the project continued, Zale spent more time with himself than the team. Each time he had formulated a new idea, he ran it to the team, and they tested the forge. When it failed, he ran it back to the room he'd set up as his office. Night rounded to day, then to night, and back again.

"Master Sotanaht, would you care to go back to the estate tonight for dinner?" Mert asked, interrupting his intense concentration.

He peeled his bloodshot eyes away from the whiteboard he'd been scribbling on for the last two hours. "What? Is it that time already?" he asked, tapping his tablet to check the time.

"Yes, sir. I would like to remind you that regular meals and fresh air are good for your health."

He chuckled and then stretched with a yawn. "I appreciate you letting me know again. I'd probably skip dinner if you didn't keep reminding me," he admitted.

He turned to look at the board, rubbing his chin where the hair was growing again. "Mert, if you only had one day left to live, would you eat like a king or not bother with the time?" he mused, then rescinded his question, "Never mind. I think I'll just have dinner here again, though. I'd like to finish this and try another trail tomorrow. It might work better than today's."

Mert's usually agreeable expression faltered with a tented brow, but she simply bowed in acknowledgment. Zale appreciated the silent response and questioned if it was the right choice. He preferred the food at Shai's estate, but his desire to eat was dwarfed by the desire to complete his work. "I'll think about eating dinner there tomorrow," he added with a small nod to Mert.