Aldric dismounted with a heavy motion, the metal of his cloak still trembling from the speed. The tip of his sword was aimed straight at the driver's throat.
"Black market merchant," he said coldly. "You lied. The stone is fake."
The man swallowed, then—strangely—gave a faint smile. He raised both hands casually, as if he were not being threatened at all.
"No sane merchant would dare deceive a client from the Roosevelt family," he replied lightly. "Are you sure you didn't use it wrong?"
Aldric narrowed his eyes. "Don't play with words. The Stone of Staboyonaz didn't react."
The merchant's smile did not fade. "Oh? So you tried it already?" He tilted his head. "What exactly did you do to the stone to be so certain it's fake?"
Aldric let out a sharp breath. "I followed your instructions. I drove the trigger staff into the ground. Nothing happened. Not even a spark."
