Both men waited as Nomi reached into his satchel. Jintaru knew what the blind man was hiding inside and the thought of it set the hairs on the back of his neck on end. When the silver haired swordsman withdrew the claw and tossed it Ornestoro's feet, a certain amount of relief washed over him. But he knew it was merely a delay, there wa one reason that brought Nomi here and it wasn't to catch up with old friends.

[color=00a651]"Payment does not always mean gold, czandur."[/color] Ornestoro addressed Nomi directly for the first time. As the claw came to rest at Ornestoro's feet and the burlap that enshrouded it fell open, the D'ol Dathri's eyes reflected the fire that erupted from the object. He had heard of the power of these claws but had never seen one up close, certainly never been in a position to possess one. He found the new revelation to do little to quell his distrust of the blind man. With the toe of an elegant sandal, he kicked the shroud back around the claw, dampening the fire enough for him to pick it up and fully wrap it up once more. He tucked the claw into the fold of his tunic. The D'ol Dathri knew of several uses for it and would waste as little time as possible exploring them.

Then came the moment Jintaru knew was coming. He watched as Nomi took the scroll from his satchel. He felt his hand twitch towards the handle of his sword. He felt the blood in his veins turn to mercury. He saw no such reaction from the stone-faced man opposite him. Ornestoro barely reacted, a slight tilt of his head was the only indication he had even seen what Nomi was holding. He glanced back at Jintaru and there was something dancing at the back of his eyes, not fear, more a sense of foreboding. Ornestoro knew what this thing was and he knew its significance, that much was certain. Jintaru was almost excited to see witness whatever reaction was to come from the dark-skinned D'ol Dathri. He turned back to Nomi so both men were facing him. He saw the effect contact with the scroll was having on his body. That kind of corruption was not mortal, it was not of this time. Whatever dark power roiled within the scroll, it was spreading into Nomi too. [i][color=orangered]How far could this spread? If it can do this to one man in a matter of seconds, how long would it take to corrupt a city, a country, a world.[/color][/i] The notion did not fill Jintaru with wonder or excitement. It frightened him. What firghtened him more was that his companions didn't seem to share his apprehension.

[color=00a651]"You have little idea what you hold in your hands, czandur."[/color] Ornestoro began. "I can enlighten you. But it will be expensive." A sly smile crept across Ornestoro's lips and he took a step towards Nomi. "I will consider the claw payment for my agreeing to speak with you. The words I will speak will cost you more." He looked back at Jintaru. [color=00a651]"Do you remember the seige in Rathia, fadzir?"[/color]

[color=orangered]"Of course, one of the best jobs you found for me. Very lucrative...it paid for my bed and board for months."[/color] Jintaru nodded.

[color=00a651]"Indeed, it was very lucrative for both of us."[/color] Ornestoro gestured a palm towards Nomi and the outstreteched scroll fragment. [color=00a651]"This, is even more lucrative than that."[/color] He smiled. That look, Jintaru had seen in his friend many times before and it always meant trouble. But trouble always meant gold and adventure. Jintaru couldn't help but smile back. Ornestoro returned his attention to Nomi. [color=00a651]"So, blind man."[/color] He began. [color=00a651]"Are you prepared to strike another deal for the information you seek?"[/color]