A deal is a deal

This breakfast was getting complicated. They spent more than an hour trying to agree on whether reaching a deal was convenient or disadvantageous for them.

-I didn't think it was that serious. Seeing that the world went to hell in all these years the most sensible thing would be to ally-

-In your case, I do not intend to ally myself with the group led by your son's lunatic. Mr. Vladimir, at most if you agree to work with us, you will have the necessary information to get your son and grandson out of there, even We could solve the issue of the curse on them since they do not have the protection of a god-

-But that includes a chain contract, it means that not all the information that I handle will reach my allies, only what you consider convenient and I do not think it is fair-

-Do whatever you want, you old fool. Tell me the terms of the contract, I'll sign it. I am able to sell myself to those who went so far as to help me and mine. And by the way I will obtain information to end that plague- Iston was firm in his decision

-Anything that is revealed after the contractual signing will be top secret, since it is linked to the gods and if you open your mouth not only will you die, the contract includes your entire family-

Iston gulped, didn't think it was up to that level.

-If you accept the proposal, I notify you that the benefits are exclusive for future members like you and your family. They will be able to move here, they will have peace and a place to call home, you will also be able to see your daughter grow up.

-Is that all? - Iston sighs incredulously - Will the transfer be immediate? I do not want my family to continue mixing with this old man's mob. I will wait until the day I have to deliver the package to the Ersas -

-Son of a bitch, you dare to insult us? -

-Actually, I think they are rabble. Gossip, lack of concentration, drunkenness and little use of viable strategies with disrespect for their elders and authority. They look like a pack of ignorant men playing heroes, pathetic. Mr. Vladimir, would you mind thinking about the situation with a cool head? I do not like that it is so volatile, calm down so that it gives me a concise answer.

-Uhh ... sorry but I'm still furious about all this shit that fell on me. If this old man stays, me too. I want to rest and put my ideas in order, I will not go to see my son and my grandson in this state-

-Excellent choice on your part, then you can have the trunk with the newspapers so that you can stock up on information, additionally I inform you both that there is a library in the northwest rear of the chateau in case you want to entertain yourself-

-They don't have a television or a radio. Just old newspapers? -

-I think there was one in the kitchen but we don't usually use it since much of what is shown there is bullshit. The radio is on the west side, in the office that will be for Sir Iston after signing the contract-

-Do I even have an office? Hey, old fool look what you're missing-

-Shut up millennial old man-

Both men begin to chat animatedly with each other. Ray asks Meraki to get ready for the new tenants while they finish breakfast.

**

More than half a day has passed. Ray was in his office with Inston discussing the fine details of the contract and asked Meraki to act as a guide for Vladimir. They tour the chateau and chat about the place.

-If they were still alive, I have no doubt that they would enjoy this place. It's wonderful, I never saw a place like this.-

-This is just a piece of the cake. Follow me I'll show you the best part-

They head to the back gardens. Vladimir was amazed when he saw that the garden was a labyrinth in the shape of a tree of life in the center of which stood a five-story tower. Meraki encourages him to continue and guides him to the center of the maze. Once inside the boy talks excitedly with Vladimir.

-This is the observatory, please follow me inside.What you will see will leave you speechless-

Inside the observatory there are world and astronomical maps, books of all kinds on geology, archeology, astronomy and space sciences and measurement instruments. Both reach the top floor where there are eight telescopes of all sizes. Meraki points to the largest.

-This one is already calibrated with the coordinates. Look around here and tell me what you can see-

Vladimir leans out only to notice the view of the nearby island. He notices it cloudy and it looks like a storm is coming. He looks at the boy suspiciously as if asking for an explanation and then he looks back through the telescope.

-That island is ...-

-That particular island will be the new Holy Land for the Ersa. Vhaeraun decided to remove his people from the continent for greater safety, now three gods are preparing it for that purpose. That makes them our neighbors.

-It's a joke, right? Wolves living with tigers.Surely you already have ways to appease them, otherwise they would be in trouble-.

-Vhaeraun will keep them at bay. The prohibition to approach without permission will be absolute unless they wish to extinguish themselves-.

Vladimir swallowed hard. The way the boy spoke of the extinction of a race left him petrified.

-Please, We must continue we are not done yet. The greenhouse, the port and the beach are missing-.

-...-

-You wonder why I show you everything, right? It's in case she decides to stay permanently. Otherwise we will erase the memory and we will pretend it never happened. I will also tell you that if the castle seems too much for you, we have bungalows and a neighboring villa that serves as accommodation for the guests.

-With what you showed me so far it seems that I'm on vacation. Just seeing his library already convinced me-

-Think seriously about the deal. Remember that the heads of your relatives are hanging by a thread if it only occurs to you to go against us-

-Believe me when I tell you child, that I am serious about this matter, it is also an opportunity that is given once in a lifetime.-

**

Iston had just signed the contract and Ray was sitting quietly in the original form of him having a snack. The knight was surprised by the change in shape of the young man who turned out to be a boy but after discussing the details of the reason for his situation, Iston understood that he was still far from reaching this pair of children, not only in strength but also in level of knowledge.

-I still try to digest this situation. I didn't think you would ask me that, the boy is strong, I don't think he needs my guidance, besides I'm not in optimal condition to fight-

-First if it is not too much to ask, for Meraki it is necessary to train since he is inexperienced in the use of the ring just like you. If you both practice together, you can gain greater skill and dexterity.

-How would it be possible?-

That comment caused Ray to bring up a bottle with bright blue contents. Iston drank the liquid and a few seconds later fell from the chair feeling an infernal burning in his body. It seemed that the flames were tearing through him. Between groans of pain he writhed on the ground. With his eyes half open he noticed that a whitish vapor emanated from his body.