Emisarry Of Time And Space Chapter 212 213: Jak.

(A/N Great appreciation to all for the Power stones and Golden tickets; they are highly valued. As always, please feel free to comment or leave a review. ENJOY)

Power stones, everyone, give them to me.

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"Jak," Falad responded, placing another gem upon the counter. This one was distinct, marked with intricate carvings that gleamed under the light.

Jak accepted it without remark.

He was about to motion for them to depart when his attention was drawn elsewhere.

Brown skin.

He froze.

"Humans."

Jak's head jerked towards Falad, his eyes widening in sudden alarm.

"Have you lost your senses, Falad?" Jak inquired in a harsh whisper, struggling to maintain a subdued tone. The sharp edge of his panic was undeniable.

Falad immediately raised a finger to his lips, his expression hardening. The easy-going amusement he had displayed earlier vanished in an instant.

"Calm yourself," Falad stated quietly. "My dealings are not your concern. My payment to you is for your silence. Nothing else holds importance."

Jak's hands trembled slightly as he leaned closer to the counter. "You cannot be smuggling humans at a time like this. If discovery occurs, you are finished. And so am I."

"That is precisely why you must remain silent," Falad countered, his voice resolute. "You know better than to let fear dominate your judgment."

Jak swallowed hard. The fear in his eyes was palpable and profound, causing the group to feel uneasy. Whatever was transpiring in the capital evidently extended far beyond standard security measures.

"Should I falter," Falad continued evenly, "you will falter with me. And you will be found out regardless. You understand the way this operates, Jak. Consider it carefully."

Jak's jaw clenched. For a moment, he seemed on the verge of breaking—of choosing to reveal everything and risking his own safety. However, the calculation concluded swiftly. Silence offered greater security. It always had.

He let out a slow breath.

"Be cautious," Jak finally advised, his gaze serious.

"Good," Falad acknowledged, casually tossing another carved gem onto the counter.

Without awaiting a reply, Falad immediately turned and guided the group towards a narrow staircase ingeniously hidden behind the counter. Jak watched their departure, his gaze fixed on the spot long after they had vanished.

The instant they were out of sight, Jak acted with haste. He tore a strip of paper from under the counter, procured a stick of green chalk-like material, and rapidly inscribed several sharp symbols upon its surface. Bringing the paper to his lips, he let out a soft whistle.

A small Sylgrid child emerged from behind the shelves, shuffling forward obediently.

Jak paused only briefly, casting a glance towards the concealed staircase. Then, he handed the paper to the child.

"You know what needs to be done," he said in a low voice.

The child gave a nod and slipped away without uttering a sound.

Jak remained motionless for several seconds, gazing intently at the area where Falad and the humans had disappeared, before finally turning back to his duties—his hands steady, his expression deliberately impassive.

Meanwhile, the group ascended the narrow corridors under Falad's guidance, the stone walls encroaching closely on either side.

Arlen, trailing behind the others on the stairs, narrowed his eyes slightly but remained silent.

The passageway twisted several times before opening into a spacious chamber on an upper level.

It was surprisingly well-appointed.

Chairs were arranged along the walls, with a low table situated in the center. A large window offered a view of the capital below, allowing filtered sunlight and the faint sounds of Sylgrid activity to permeate the room.

Falad took a seat without delay.

The group dispersed naturally. Seris and Selene occupied seats opposite Falad, while the young men positioned themselves around the room—Arlen near the entrance, Erevan by the window, his eyes surveying the busy marketplace below.

Falad wasted no time.

"Let us commence," he declared. "Relate all that you know concerning this individual, and I shall initiate my search."

Seris observed him for a moment. Beneath his composed demeanor, subtle traces of strain were apparent—minimal, yet unmistakable. Whatever reaction Jak's discovery had provoked, it was clearly affecting Falad now. He desired a swift resolution.

Seris did not dwell on this observation.

"He is a Chronos, like us," she began. "Silver hair reaching his ears. Blue eyes. Approximately five feet seven inches in height."

Falad nodded, producing a small book and recording the details.

Selene's eyes narrowed slightly. Seris was providing a description of Caelum. Intentionally.

"Do you know how he was apprehended?" Falad inquired.

"No," Seris answered smoothly. "All we ascertained is that he mentioned a unique type of Sylgrid jade and intended to investigate it. We conducted our own findings subsequently and learned of your involvement in jade mining. That is how we arrived here."

Falad's pen faltered for a brief instant upon the mention of special jade. His eyes darted, but he regained his composure more rapidly than Tala and his wife had.

"Hmm," he murmured thoughtfully.

"Do you know anything about the jade itself?" Falad inquired. "Any distinguishing characteristics?"

"None," Seris responded, her frustration carefully concealed. "Tala mentioned there were many special jades, but we don't know which one he was interested in."

Falad's brow furrowed slightly. "That complicates matters. Knowing the jade type would narrow down the possible parties involved."

Seris gave a quick nod. Tala had mentioned the same thing.

She consciously held back from probing deeper. Asking whether the jade was linked to the upcoming event would have been far too obvious.

"What's his name?" Falad asked.

"Caelum," Seris replied without any hesitation.

Falad jotted down the name.

Seris felt the gravity of her choice settle within her chest. Naming Caelum meant thrusting him directly into the capital's spotlight. But they required a central figure—someone tangible. And Caelum was capable of handling it.

"Alright," Falad stated eventually. "It may take some time, given the lack of specifics, but I'll do what I can."

"Thank you," Seris expressed sincerely.

Falad inclined his head and then rose to his feet. His expression turned stern again.

"I shouldn't need to repeat this," he stated. "Stay hidden. Remain in this room. Food will be provided, and your basic needs will be met." He gestured towards a side door. "That leads to the facilities."

Seris nodded in understanding.

Falad departed the room shortly thereafter.

The instant the door clicked shut, Seris exhaled a slow breath.

She turned her gaze to Arlen.

Arlen gave a single nod, indicating they were now alone.

"Let's get to work."