He turned back to the creature, his mind working furiously through his options. Every path led to the same conclusion. He needed this thing's help, whatever it was.
"What kind of seals?" he asked.
The creature's posture brightened immediately, like a child who'd just been given a treat.
"Ancient ones. Powerful ones. But nothing you can't handle, I'm sure. After all, you managed to find this place, didn't you? That takes a rather special kind of person. The kind who can see things others cannot. The kind who can navigate spaces between spaces."
"That doesn't answer my question."
"Patience, young man. We're getting to that." The creature began to pace, its four arms gesturing as it spoke. "The seals that bind me are complex. They require specific actions, specific words, specific... ingredients, shall we say. Things that only someone with your particular talents could provide."
Nero's eyes narrowed. "My particular talents."
