Swamped

"Have you ever been to Kandria? There's some lovely scenery there. Especially on the islands."

"Islands?" you ask.

"Yes. There are three inland seas there. A bit further north than most people go, but not so far as to be freezing cold. Little islands, too small to support civilization, but there are gorgeous forests."

And you've seen plenty of maps from working with the navigator. There's no inland seas in northern Kandria. He's not just playing it safe - he's providing bad information. So he probably wants to check if you're aware of it.

"Would these seas be just south of the Akkata Mountains?" It's an obscure Kandrian word for "fake". Hopefully not too obscure for him.

"Ah, you are familiar, then." He's moving his head lightly. A signal that your message was recieved, perhaps.

No, wait. It's a bit of an unusual movement. That must be the real signal.

"Well, then you shouldn't have much trouble finding the names of those inland seas. Mention them as if they're people and that will get the informant's attention." Now he's making a hand gesture. You repeat the head movement and hand gesture, just to make it clear; he nods.

"And then what? Do I just wait for them to contact me?"

"No. They'll use a code phrase. Unfortunately, I can't give you that one - too risky. Still, you should recognize it as one and the crest will make it clear enough you have my approval."

Now he's tapping his foot lightly. Too lightly to make appreciable noise, but you can see there's a particular rhythm to it.

There's a bit of ambiguity to what he's saying, though. Does he mean drop Kandrian words as names, or does that part not matter? Are you supposed to make the gestures, or are you looking for someone who is?

Maybe there's a way you can clear it up without being too direct.