Adventures on RV Traveler (Free Trader Series Book 3) by Craig Martelle Page B

Lizard Man. Bad things always happened when you cheated the trade.
    Micah’s thought voice caressed Braden’s mind. ‘ It’s a different logic here. I think we can trust him now, because his life is forfeit. Everything is life or death. That’s the only power. Let’s get this done so we can leave. So we can go home where people believe in the law of the trade.’ Micah appealed to Braden’s trader side. She knew if they wanted to burn their way through the ship, they could. She had no love for any of these creatures. She could do it, scorch each deck, but knew it would haunt Braden. She wondered if there was something wrong with her that she was so callous.

 
    19 – The Ramp to Deck 8
     
    “Keep going,” Braden growled at the limping form of the Lizard Man in front of him. The creature whimpered as it slogged ahead.
    ‘He is in some pain, Master Braden. I fear that I hurt him greater than I intended.’ The Tortoid tried to soothe things. ‘If we encounter other Lizard Men, I doubt, in his current state, he’ll be very convincing that we should be allowed to pass.’
    “Okay. Stop.” The Lizard Man sat heavily and leaned against a tree, half disappearing into it.
    “How do you do that?” Micah asked as she pulled out a meal portion that she offered. Braden watched the Lizard Man warily.
    ‘Do what?’ Pik said in a tired thought voice.
    “Blend in with the trees like that. When you stand still against a tree, you become one with it.”
    ‘I don’t know. It is natural, something that just happens. All Lizard Men have this ability. We know what to look for, but sometimes, even we can’t see each other.’ Pik ate the offered food. He looked oddly at it after the first bite, but then ate the rest of it without question.
    ‘You know that my partner is furious and may never trust you.’ Micah switched to her thought voice. ‘He’s the Free Trader of Warren Deep. When he makes a trade, there is nothing more important to him. Why did you back out of the trade?’
    ‘Giving your word to a stranger is not the same as giving your word. Strangers aren’t to be trusted.’ Micah was ready to reply, but he held up his hand. ‘It is our way. I see that you are trustworthy. You delivered. You are still delivering. You shared your food with me. We would never do this. Food is scarce in the rainforest.’
    Braden listened to the conversation. Allies. Aadi and Micah were both right. Gain their trust, even from an outcast like Pik Ha’ar. Micah watched, seeing Braden’s mood change. His face relaxed, and he took a deep breath.
    “Pik Ha’ar. Welcome to our caravan. We have two rules. First, the trade is the law, and second, each of us is willing to die to protect the others. Do you agree?” Braden watched the Lizard Man carefully. He appreciated that he didn’t answer right away. Braden didn’t want him to take it lightly, as it wasn’t offered lightly. Micah squeezed her mate’s shoulder fondly, letting him know that she approved. He reached for her hand, caressing it and forgetting briefly the world that weighed on them.
    ‘I agree, Caretaker. I would be honored to be a Tup among your warriors.’ He bowed low to Braden, then to Micah.
    “No. We will call you Pik. We’re all equal here, like we said. For what it’s worth, we’re more alike you than you know.” Braden held out his hand. The Lizard Man only looked at it. “This is our friendly greeting and this also confirms that a deal has been agreed to. Take my hand and we shake.”
    The Lizard Man awkwardly did as instructed. They shook. Braden slapped Pik’s shoulder as he let go of his hand. The Lizard Man jumped back, looking ready to fight.
    Braden held both of his hands up, palms out. “Sorry. I know Lizard Men don’t usually touch. That’s a human thing. Expect it and remember that we’re not attacking you. You’re one of us now.”
    Pik Ha’ar nodded.
    They packed up and continued toward the ramp to Deck 8. The Lizard Man walked