I was sat in a plush waiting room, perhaps I could have left if I'd asked, but the pacing city lord before me seemed busy. The duke had instantly called for a priest when Archmage Penumbra had collapsed, and said healer was currently in another room, working on her. She herself had managed to do something to her ring in a few moments of clarity and we were currently just... waiting.

After a time the priest returned, his look solemn.

“How is she?” the high noble quickly asked.

“Dying, I'm sorry there's nothing I can do.”

“What do you mean dying? She cannot die here, go and save her!”

“There are limits your Grace, and she's well past them. Even if I could figure out what she's cast on herself to keep her body working, which I can't, there's nothing left to heal her with. There is nothing I can do except keep her comfortable, she has perhaps until sundown if there's anyone you want to contact.”

Before the priest could be yelled at again a maid hurried in through the opposite door, she looked, panicked.

“Girl, you'd best have good reason for interrupting,” her employer almost growled at her.

“Sir, my apologies for the rush, I needed to warn you that we have arrivals from...”

She too was interrupted by the door opening once more, this time disgorging two men who were clearly bodyguards, followed closely by a figure everyone in this country would recognize. The king himself had arrived, with several of his own people in tow.

I made to kneel, only to be fixed with a harsh glare and a harsh word. “Don't be foolish boy.” Apparently now was not the time for niceties.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

“Your Majesty, I wasn't expecting you,” the formerly most important person in the room said.

“My aunt called, a message that I needed to come and quickly. What exactly is going on Noct?”

“Archmage Penumbra has been injured, and the priest here is unable to heal her. I was just preparing for a more experienced healer to see to her.” The priest in question looked taken aback, as if questioning his credentials was just out of the question.

“Oh, don't bother,” came a weak voice.

While everyone was pointing figures and bursting into the room it seemed the patient had gotten herself up and made her way here. She stood in the door now, leaning on a staff. Over the next few seconds she made her way slowly into the room.

“Auntie, you should be in bed,” the king said, almost gently, as if telling off an elder relative. Though being that they shared the same last name that shouldn't have been surprising.

“I quite agree,” the priest protested. “Your organs!”

“Are failing, and there's nothing to be done about it.” She made her way up to the king and pinched his face. “Sorry my boy, but it looks like I may have overestimated how much time I had. Well, that and over-pulled on my mana a bit. Been too long since I was in a real fight.”

The ruler looked stunned, like he'd been told the sky was falling. “Auntie, sit, we'll find another healer and sort this out.”

“Afraid not. There's only two I know of that could fix this, and I know for a fact that neither will. Already tried speaking to them about it and all. Did you bring the gate I gave you?” Behind him one of the aides raised his hand, his other holding a large box. “Good, good, don't have time to play with the network.”

She waved at the assistant and he began to move, assembling what must have been the king's personal exit strategy. The box unfolded and pieces came out, slipping quickly into place to form a large ring.

“What are you doing?” the king asked as the archmage winced, using him to steady herself as some wave of pain overtook her. Her knuckles were white where she gripped and teeth tightened for just a second.

“I've got one or two things I need to do before the end child. There are a few notes that need to be sent, and one last little adventure I need to go on. Do me a favor and look after the lad would you? He's a decent sort and I didn't quite have the time to train him up.” She nodded to me, getting several eyes to look in surprise. “Think he's got some potential.”

“I will, but you're not going anywhere alone. My guards and I will accompany you.”

“No,” she told him, her voice hard with finality. “You cannot go where I am going.”

“You can't just leave, you have a duty.”

“And it is done! I buried my husband, my children, my grandchildren, and more than you can count. Do not try me boy, for I don't have the time. You're ready, ready to stand on your own, it is time.”

The portal had been put together, and though the servant hadn't started it yet he didn't seem to need to. With a few sung notes the old woman pointed at it, and it roared to life. She stepped past the distraught royal and towards the glowing opening in space.

“Archmage,” I said, standing off to the side.

“No worries child, I've got an old friend I'll tell about you before I die. Interesting fellow, maybe you'll meet some time. Good luck, and joy be with you all.” With those words she stepped through, the gate closing behind her, never to return again.