Binding Contract (Part 2)

"What about the Forgemasters?" Strider chimed in, sure that he wasn't interrupting anything. "Are you willing to release them?"

"We are no prisoners, hatchling." Barham said. "We came here of our own will. We have been paid to do a job and will leave when we are done. Not a second sooner. Our honor and reputation as Forgemasters are on the line."

"Does everyone share Elder Barham's opinion?" Strider patted the backs of the Awakened one by one, establishing a mind link to allow them to speak without being heard if needed.

"Yes, we do." Words and thoughts matched so Strider and Ryka could sigh in relief.

The mission was a success and no one was in danger.

Also, the Council would be pleased to hear that news and probably reward the two of them handsomely for their initiative. Unlike Lith, they were operatives of the Hand of Fate and loyalty had to be rewarded for it to be kept.

"How did you find us?" Erslan asked.