Axer put a small silver figurine in my palm. A duplicate rested in his. “Keep this on you.” I tapped my finger against the silver dragon. It was exquisitely crafted. I stroked my finger down its head and the one in his hand yawned, mouth wide. I tucked it under my armband. I'd go to Delia's and sew a pocket for it later. “Is this going to manipulate me while you're gone?” “If it is, you shouldn't have put it in your armband.” I rolled my eyes. “Whatever. You had your chance, buddy.” He smiled—a far more self-satisfied smile than I was used to seeing. Axer tended to wear an “all business, save the villagers!” look as a default. “Did I?” “Yup. So, what do they do?” “They will allow us to communicate. Off tablet, off frequency. Only these two are connected to each other.” I fished it back out, more interested. “How did you do it?” “It's an easy spell, and an old one. The hard part is usually synching up the two mages at either end. But in your case, it's simple.”
