Next Moves (6)

Cliff leaned against a large wooden table in the improvised meeting room. His fingers tapped absentmindedly on the rough surface as he observed Raknat, a man with an enigmatic smile and perpetually closed eyes. The flickering torchlight danced across Raknat's face, highlighting features carved by years of cunning and survival.

"So, what do you have for me?" Cliff asked, masking his impatience. Since forging their tenuous alliance, he had learned to navigate the treacherous waters of their exchanges, where every word could be either a veiled promise or a disguised trap.

Raknat crossed his arms, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Information, as agreed. But first, remember one thing, Cliff: nothing in this world comes for free."

Cliff narrowed his eyes, his tone laced with suspicion. "You've told me that before. Get to the point. What information do you have?"