The bidding for the scroll continued. As the price moved higher and higher, Katelina leaned close to Jorick. "I thought we were going to buy it?"
Jorick arched an eyebrow. "For once, Torina is right. Let Sorino buy it." Katelina and Oren gaped and Jorick added, "We'll have to rely on him to read it, anyway, unless one of you knows Sanskrit?"
Oren growled low. "I don't trust him."
"Neither do I, but we have no choice. Now be silent before he thinks we're bidding."
Oren and Katelina gave Jorick identical scowls, and then looked away from each other.
"Do I hear twenty-five?" Thadimus asked cheerfully.
Traven raised his hand and Sorino said coolly, "Thirty thousand."
"Thirty-five," Lurid offered.
Iris shook her head and stepped back. "This has gotten too rich for my blood."
"Forty!"
