"Greetings!" Vell's voice boomed as the castle's doors were creaked open by the guards.

He was deliberately loud, prioritizing the announcement of his presence over any social etiquette.

They proceeded through another set of grand doors, eventually leading them to a man perched upon a throne.

"Guards, seize them!" The man commanded immediately.

Spears were promptly directed at Vell and Sonder.

“Take his staff,” the king ordered, to which they complied.

Vell offered no resistance as they were ushered closer to the king.

Sonder, finding herself in the presence of royalty, bowed in respect, a gesture that Vell mimicked.

“I won't be kneeling, should you demand it," Vell informed the king.

The king paid him no mind.

“How could this happen?” The king berated Inure's men. "I explicitly commanded you to bar him entry.”

One man rushed over and knelt with his head low, "Sire, we were helpless. He incapacitated the captain without so much as moving a muscle, let alone unsheathing a weapon. What could we have done?"

"And the captain, where is he? I wish to speak with him for I have a few words I’d like to say to him."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"He's at the dwelling of the mage known as Languor."

"Is he dead?"

"No-" The man interrupted himself, "I cannot be certain. The Dread Mage assured us that he was alive."

"And why should his word be trusted?" The king interrogated.

"Because, your majesty," the man answered, his voice quavering slightly. "He had no motive to harm the captain. If he had intended to, he could have eradicated us all before we even realized his presence."

The king's gaze hardened, his face a canvas of skepticism and fury. "You suggest I trust a man whose mere existence instills fear in warriors?" His dismissive wave was a signal for the guards to tighten their grip on their weapons.

Unperturbed by the hostility, Vell reminded the king, “Recall and remember, King Aduaine. Not to many moons ago, I sought recruitment here, and was promised a capable teacher.”

“And would you remind me, Dread Mage, of my response?” The king asked.

“Oh, I do seem to remember that you would grant me one if I departed your city at once and I obliged. You know, your father was never this difficult.”

“My father lacked perception.”

King Aduaine pondered his next move for a while.

The Dread Mage, Vellichor, stood in his castle, right before his throne, and he seemed incapable of evicting him.

His mightiest warrior potentially lay lifeless in an aged mage’s abode, and his guards seemed ineffective.

“A teacher for what?”

“The art of war, or swordsmanship. Weaponry, in essence," Vell clarified.

“Why would the Dread Mage require blades?” The king sneered.

“It’s not for me, but for her,” Vell gestured towards Sonder.

“And what is her necessity for it?”

“Nosy, aren’t you? Its significance is irrelevant. I desire her training, end of discussion. I don’t think a single girl could pose much of a threat, regardless of her combat skills. ”

The king appraised Sonder with a critical eye.

“I also never anticipated a lone man could cause such tumult. Do you have a specific instructor in mind, Dread Mage? I have numerous adept warriors, but you must adhere to every directive I issue.”

Vell pondered, stroking his chin. He cast his gaze around the room, at Sonder, the king, the guards, and Inure's men.

“I want Inure.”