Chapter 198: Frosty Matilda

'Think, you idiot,' he berated himself. 'You've got a valuable commodity they want. Use it.'

He took a deep breath, wincing at the burning sensation in his lungs, and fixed the twins with his most charming smile. "Ladies," he said, "I think we may be able to help each other out. You're interested in my cart. I'm interested in staying alive. I'm sure we can come to some kind of arrangement."

The twins looked at each other, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, they turned back to Zafron.

"We're listening," they said in unison.

Zafron's smile widened. "Excellent. Now, here's what I propose. I know how that cart works – every gear, every spring, every little trick to keep it running in less-than-ideal conditions. That knowledge could be very valuable in a place like this, I imagine."

He paused, letting the implication sink in. The twins leaned forward slightly, their interest palpable even behind their masks.