To my relief, I opened my eyes and discovered I had returned back to slightly less than three minutes before I encountered Vishan. A rush of vertigo sent the world spinning around me. I crouched and closed my eyes, steeling against the rush of disorientation.

Not a completely unfamiliar feeling. When I overused my power, especially after first acquiring it, similar episodes sometimes occurred. With it came a sense of irreality, as if the world was subtly different from the one I had inhabited moments ago.

To complete the trifecta, my mind screamed to test out my right arm, to make sure it was still attached. I flexed my hands, then, still unsatisfied, rubbed from wrist to shoulder to feel the comforting presence of intact flesh.

You’re wasting your time with this overreaction, a cold voice in my head chided.

I slid my eyes open, and, finding myself readjusted to the world, felt a bit foolish. My time magic was still not perfect, but it was either stabilizing with use or that bastard Amadeus had a point. Even if he was right, teaching lessons through fatal blows made him no master of mine. For all of Brother Augur’s vagaries and manipulation, he never resorted to hostile tactics to make a point. At least, never towards me.

Before the old Echo came into view, I slipped behind the base of a fountain; the sculpture of an ancient gladiator looming over it held a spear aloft in triumph, a proud survivor of the demonic incursion sans a few chips of granite. This time, I would wait for the Echo instead of meeting him in the middle, granting enough time for Magister Amadeus to join him.

The idea of working with Magister Amadeus held no appeal, but nothing he claimed sounded like a lie. While I liked my odds against any random man on the street, my chances against Archon Nony at the moment were minimal. A focused path, a powerful guide helping me achieve my goals. Once more I would be an acolyte---another second chance, though that focused path made me eat and sleep beside my sworn enemies, and the powerful guide had just killed me.

The pattering of a wooden staff against the ground heralded Vishan’s arrival.

“May as well come on out, boy,” said the elderly mage. “I could sense you from down the hallway. I suspect my companion here detected you from even farther away.”

“Well, I would never presume to say so much myself,” said a jolly voice that bore some false resemblance to Amadeus’. “But from this distance, body heat suffices. Not that I’d be able to detect he’s a boy, you old lecher.”

To my surprise, the old man chuckled in deep delight. “Oh, you pick up a few things after a couple lifetimes in Vita. Do come visit one day.”

“Family and duty, you know,” said Jolly Amadeus. “They always find some way to keep me busy. But really, boy, no point in continuing with this. Come on out, now. We won’t hurt you.”

Somewhat glad to interrupt their merry banter, I stood up from behind the statue. For a few seconds we awkwardly appraised each other.

Side by side, the gangly Echo of Life towered over the Magister. They stood comfortably close, even leaning towards each other like old friends.

Amadeus’ face looked lively and animated, a vigorous flush to his cheeks. He stood with his hands on his hips, head tilted to the side. “Well, there you are.”

Unsure how to react, I remained silent. The sense of irreality returned---perhaps my power did transport me to some alternate universe, to some degree. These two had just been locked in a brief but furious battle. Amadeus recalled none of it, including the hostility between us. That allowed me some leniency in pursuing my grudge against the lunatic. It also nullified the oath he had sworn to release my mother in exchange for my cooperation. If I chose that route, he would have to repeat it.

The Magister had not exactly discussed a real plan before lopping off my arm and assuming everything would work out. If some timeline persisted independent of my consciousness after I used my power, somewhere, an armless Leones was dying on the ground while the original Amadeus rotted from the inside out. That was some sort of vengeance, but about as satisfying as a meal of dirt.

Vishan broke the silence. His eyes narrowed slightly and he cast a sidelong look at his companion. “You know this one?”

“I do,” said Amadeus, his voice turning grave. “This is Leones Ansteri, a Velassan fugitive who killed a Magister and his guards sent to bring him to lawful justice. He’s the son of a condemned heretic. I’m not surprised to see him here.”

“That makes some sense.” The suspicion remained on the old man’s face. “We should take him to the assembled Archons and have him testify as to what occurred. This place is an unprecedented nexus of demonic energy. He must be involved somehow; the boy’s soul is heavily stained by the influence of Desolada.”

Amadeus crossed his arms and tucked his chin to his chest, brow furrowed as if deep in thought. After a few seconds he spoke up, “I will take this one under my custody and make sure any results from my investigations are shared.”

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Vishan stepped away from his companion and turned to face him. “I see no reason he should not be brought before a tribunal from representatives among the Civilized Lands.”

Amadeus shook his head. “This is a personal matter. The Magister this boy killed used to come to dinner with my family. His daughter would play with mine. I will give you a copy of his witness testimony and an invitation to his public execution, if you prefer.”

The Echo of Life rubbed his chin. “You full well know that I despise such affairs. Your behavior is highly suspicious in this matter, Amadeus. You have just joined me, and the first survivor we happen upon is someone you personally know? And you wish to slip him away from under my nose?”

I remained silent during their exchange, unsure what was expected of me. Vishan was no fool. Perhaps it would be best to regroup and determine a real plan? Or better yet, I could take an alternate route, attempt to escape unnoticed, and discover my own path.

Amadeus nodded slowly to himself. “You are no fool, old friend. I suspected the boy was here and have been tracking him. I have always placed my duties at the forefront, even above the wishes of my own family. I will be taking Leones Ansteri with me, even if it strains the relationship between our factions.”

Vishan planted the end of his staff into the ground. “Your Lord and my Lady have been close friends since the dawn of history. As such, I have made it my business to investigate those who ingratiate themselves with Lord Nony. And do you know what I have uncovered regarding you, dear Amadeus?”

The vestiges of good humor in Amadeus’ face smoothed away. “What’s that?”

The old mage hummed from deep within his chest. “Nothing. You are a man of unquestioning piety, a terrifying competent leader, and the patriarch of a lovely and dutiful family. When I encounter someone without even a blemish in their past, I know I have encountered a man who has taken great pains to hide his secrets.”

Either it was my imagination, or the air began to warm up perceptibly. My breathing sped up in anticipation of another clash between the two. Determined not to panic this time, I clenched my fists and took a few steps back.

“Be that as it may,” said the Magister. “You’re a man who makes little effort to hide his. I won’t attempt to personally extort you, since you’d proudly boast about any deed that would shame most men into submission. But I also research my peers. You’re the patriarch of an impressive brood yourself, Vishan. Little seeds scattered to the wind throughout the Civilized Lands. Like your great grand-son Ettan, studying marine science at the Academia Velassa. Or your niece Dunya, a respected apothecarist in the Trade District.”

The Echo of Life swept his staff and pointed it in Amadeus’ directions. “You would threaten my family?”

Amadeus’ voice was low and cold, though still retaining a touch of humanity. “I always do what I must. Men like us do n’t rise to the top without a bit of ruthless arrogance. I can’t risk this boy being picked up like some bauble to add to a random Archon’s collection, far beyond my jurisdiction.”

Vishan offered up a humorless laugh. “This place is beyond your jurisdiction as well.”

“Vasely is dead,” said Amadeus. “The hierarchy in Odena has collapsed. Here, martial law is in effect. If you keep pointing that staff at me, I’ll take that as an invitation to duel for possession of the boy. There are a few legends about you, old friend, but we both know that a few seconds of fire can destroy something that takes a century to grow.”

The old man’s face reddened in outrage. But he had also not lived so long by engaging in fights he was unsure he could win. Last time, Amadeus had made his cold-blooded intentions clear, and Vishan fought like a cornered animal. Now, the Echo of Life was able to retreat with the comfortable excuse that he was also protecting his family.

“I will remember this,” said Vishan, eyes darting my way. “And I will accept an invitation to this one’s execution. Many injured folk lay beyond, and every moment I waste posturing with you means unnecessary suffering. Your behavior will be made known.”

The jolly tone returned to Amadeus’ voice. He clapped once in satisfaction. “Anyone who wishes to discuss matters may find me at my office within the Panopticon. As busy as I am, I do schedule some time once a week to entertain guests.”

Vishan worked his mouth back and forth a couple seconds before gathering up a mighty wad of phlegm in his throat and spitting on Amadeus’ boot. The short Magister snapped and the glob evaporated. After a protracted staring match between the two, Vishan shuffled in my direction. As he passed by, a shock of pain rushed down my spine, numbing my fingers and toes.

“As for you, Leones Ansteri,” the Magister called out while the old mage was still within earshot, “you must have some idea who I am. Either surrender and plead your case at trial, or resist and save us the hassle of an official execution.”

He stretched out one hand and clenched it. A cage of fire materialized around me, the blistering heat scorching my skin. Gritting my teeth, I fought against the wave of mounting panic. The construct was large enough to avoid truly injuring me, but my skin broke out in sweat. Hair along my arms shriveled and burned away.

“I surrender,” I said, allowing all of that restrained terror pour out into my words. A glance back at the Echo of Life revealed nothing more than his back as he continued down the corridor.

Amadeus strolled forward, hand to mouth, observing me as if appreciating a work of art. Or a lion in a cage. “You’ve been a tough one to track down in this mess. But when you have to do something, it's best to get your own hands dirty instead of relying on others. I will be taking you back to Velassa. Clearly you have some trauma regarding flames. Resist or attack me, and I’ll make sure to slowly roast you alive.”

After this hearty declaration, he winked and offered a cheery grin. Was he supposed to be reassuring me he was truly an ally, or was this the way he acted when pretending not to be a soulless maniac? A cheery maniac was not much of an improvement.

The Magister waved a hand, dispersing the cage of flames into a flurry of embers; these coalesced into an orange orb the size of a fist that drifted above my head, searing my scalp.

I forced my eyes away from the lingering threat and steadied my voice. “I’ll come with you. The trial will prove I’ve done nothing wrong. Take me to Velassa, then.”

Amadeus paused for a moment, eyes narrowing. By now Vishan had disappeared from view, but no telling how well he could hear. With a flourish, the Magister gestured in the direction of the exit.

Bracing one hand against the wall, I started my journey to whatever lay beyond this accursed place.