That was actually good.
It meant the oath wouldn't trap him if everything went wrong.
This had been his most concern before.
He could try, genuinely try, to pay. And if he failed because he was dead or Percvale was gone, the magic wouldn't punish him for it. It seemed the oath stuff cared about intention, not outcome. That was rare. Most debts didn't work that way.
"Then yes," Darion said. "Five hundred silver. When Percvale is in a position to pay it."
Vera looked at Seren.
Seren said nothing. She was watching her mother and Darion, the way people watch a negotiation they're invested in but have decided not to interfere with.
Her face was neutral, but her eyes moved between them like she was reading a conversation happening underneath the words.
"One more condition," Vera said, turning back to Darion. "I come to Percvale. I want to see what you've built."
Darion blinked.
She wants to come to Percvale?
