The sun timidly peeked through in the Onyx Valley, a sparsely inhabited and remote place from civilization. The dark-colored, volcanic-origin terrain had given its name to the region. Except for some crop fields, a small town, and an old watchtower, the area was practically deserted. The subsistence of the inhabitants was based on high-quality crops, whose exotic and particular flavor was due to the rich composition of the soil, as well as tourism attracted by its famous hot springs.

The tower, nestled in the foothills of the inactive volcano, was located far from the town and everything else. It had already left behind its original function as a watchtower and was now the home of a solitary wizard. He had obtained the blessing of the duke of the region to settle there and made a living offering occasional herbalism and healing services.

Since the wizard established himself in the tower, the winding paths that led there were only traveled by simple people with modest requests. However, a luxurious and ostentatious carriage slowly glided along the steep roads, challenging the tranquility of the place with its mere presence.

The Duke and Duchess of Esnain were traveling in their carriage, gazing disdainfully at the desolate landscape that unfolded before them. They couldn't help but compare it to the elegant streets of the central ring of Zinthfair, to which they were accustomed.

"I don't understand how a mage of Reedal's position can prefer to live in this wasteland," said the Duke, not taking his eyes off the window.

"He's a complex man, but no one doubts his abilities," replied the Duchess, turning to her husband.

"I don't doubt his abilities, but his judgement. Zinthfair is the cultural capital of the empire. I offered him a place at court, a residence in the central area..." he gestured with his hand towards the window, "but one of the most powerful and reputable mages in the empire prefers to live in the middle of nowhere."

The Duchess smiled and turned her gaze away from the window as the carriage slowed down as they approached their destination. The Duke, on the other hand, stopped looking out the window and fixed his eyes on the Duchess.

"Are you sure he's the right man for this?" the Duke insisted.

The carriage stopped and the coachman got out to open the door from the outside.

"If we consider that he's one of the most powerful mages in the empire, and that we already know him and he's trustworthy, I think it's the safest bet," the Duchess affirmed. "And if this isn't enough, remember that he owes us the tower where he lives. He can't refuse us."

The Duke frowned, but after a few seconds he nodded. The coachman opened the door and they both got out of the carriage. The tower was built on flat land on the slopes of the volcano, but it was clear that they were at a considerable altitude. Almost the entire valley could be seen from there, making the small plain the perfect place to build a tower.

The duke's escort had already dismounted their horses and were establishing defensive positions around the tower. The duke looked around and noticed that in addition to the tower, there was a small, dilapidated stable that seemed to have not been used in years. The commander of the escort approached the dukes and nodded slightly.

"Any problems on the way, Commander?" the duke asked.

"None, sir. One of my men noticed that we were being watched in the last town, possibly by some local band of thieves. Past the town, they did not dare to follow us. If you deem it appropriate, we will watch to make sure that no one has followed us along the way," said Commander Gibbs energetically.

"Thank you, Commander. But it won't be necessary. I doubt anyone will dare to assault us with Reedal the Scorcher on our side. You can rest, this will be quick," the duke replied confidently.

Gibbs frowned as he looked at the tower. Clearly, he had not been informed of who lived in it. He made a nod and a military salute before stepping aside.

The dukes slowly advanced towards the tower. Their luxurious shoes provided little help on the rocky terrain. Every step they took was accompanied by jabs of pain. Despite the difficulties, they managed to reach the tower's door and the duke knocked on it three times with his knuckles. When he received no response, he knocked three more times after a few seconds.

"Perhaps he's gone out?" asked the duchess.

The duke shrugged.

"Possible. I'm sure he'll show up soon. After all, there aren't many places around here he could have gone to."

The door opened slowly, moving until it came to a complete stop. Inside the tower, a few meters from the entrance, sat a middle-aged man at a desk. He had long, brown hair tied back with a leather band on his forehead, and a well-groomed beard. Without taking his eyes off the desk, the man lowered his outstretched arm toward the door, and it stopped.

"What can I do for you?" Reedal asked mechanically without looking up from his books.

The duke, taken aback, opened his mouth to protest such a lack of respect, but before he could do so, his wife spoke up:

"We would like to discuss a matter of great importance," the duchess said firmly. "We apologize for not notifying you in advance of our arrival, but we preferred to come in person."

The magician raised his head abruptly, with a horrified expression. For years, he had only received visits from locals who came to request remedies for common ailments such as fatigue or burns. He was not expecting such important visitors suddenly, and much less visitors who had the power to order his public execution.

The duchy was considered civilized, but not enough to avoid the practice of public executions. With a wave of his hand, two chairs floated over to the other side of the desk where he was sitting, and he hurriedly began to arrange the books he had piled up on the desk.

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"Excuse me. I did not mean to be disrespectful. The visitors I have received lately are... much more humble. If I had known of your arrival, I would have prepared a proper reception," Reedal said as he worked to tidy up his desk.

Noticing that his words had had an effect on the duke, Reedal felt a little relieved and continued speaking in a more relaxed tone.

"Please, take a seat. Can I offer you some tea or water? I'm afraid there's not much else I can offer you."

The duke declined with a wave of his hand. He seemed grateful for the magician's change of attitude and took a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. He apathetically observed the decoration of the tower, noting the large number of books, herbs, and potions in it. There was no bed or clothing wardrobes in sight, but the height of the tower suggested that the magician's bedroom was located on the top floor.

"I have to admit that from the inside, the place has its charm," the duke said with some irony in his voice. "It's very... rustic."

"I understand it may seem that way to someone accustomed to the luxuries of the court, but for me, it's a very welcoming place," the magician responded with a kind smile. "Here, I can concentrate on my experiments and studies without distractions or interruptions."

The Duke carefully examined the magician's appearance, noting his simple and austere clothing consisting of a black shirt and trousers that seemed more appropriate for a peasant than a man of his position. The dark circles under his eyes suggested that he had not been sleeping well lately. "Does he really think this life is better than what we offered him in the capital? Has he fallen so low?" thought the Duke with a mixture of condescension and curiosity.

Finally, Reedal finished organizing and sat up straight in his chair, interlocking his hands on the table and turning his gaze to the Dukes, who were already seated in front of him. He turned to the Duke and continued speaking:

"Of course, it's not a place for everyone's taste. But it's my home and I feel comfortable here. How can I help you exactly?"

The Duke nodded approvingly and looked towards the stairs inside the tower, trying to guess the size of the bedroom on the upper floor.

"Have you heard of Shiz, Kadyn, and Pallius Lamalli?" he asked firmly while keeping his gaze fixed on Reedal.

"I'm afraid I'm not very up-to-date with the events in the duchy lately," Reedal responded without looking away from the Duke. "But I have heard of Pallius Lamalli in the village. If I'm not mistaken, he owns half of the crops in these lands and distributes the goods produced throughout the country."

As Reedal spoke, he thought to himself, "And if I'm not mistaken, the word 'slave owner' is also often mentioned alongside his name."

The Duke smiled proudly.

"It's possible that you're not aware of the affairs of my duchy, but I must say that your words underestimate the scope and influence of my third son. He controls not only half, but the vast majority of the commerce in this region," the Duke said, leaning slightly towards the desk. "Given your isolation, I'm not surprised that you haven't heard of Shiz or Kadyn. Shiz, my eldest son, is the captain of the Zinthfair army and one of its most distinguished strategists. He's still young, but on his way to becoming the highest military authority. Kadyn chose the path of faith, but he hasn't lagged behind his brothers. Last year, he was promoted to cardinal and over time, will become the highest religious authority in the empire."

"You have an impressive offspring, my lord. You must be very proud of your three sons," said Reedal.

The Duke's smile widened.

"Of course. But I haven't mentioned our fourth and youngest son, Vaenal Lamalli, yet" - said the duke, with a slightly somber expression.

"I remember a Vaenal Lamalli," said Reedal, raising an eyebrow. "Very skilled in his control of electricity."

"A disgusting fellow" Reedal thought to himself ". As I've heard, he was a ruthless torturer who enjoyed inflicting pain on his prisoners."

"Very perceptive," said the duke, nodding his approval. "My father's younger brother. He chose the path of sorcery from a very young age and followed it until the day of his death. He suffered an unfortunate accident a few years before our little Vaenal was born, who was named in his honor."

"I heard many stories about Vaenal, we even met in Greyshire. May I ask what happened to him?" asked Reedal, interested in the fate of his fellow wizard.

"Unfortunately, my uncle suffered a tragic accident during an archaeological expedition," the duke continued. "A guide accidentally activated a trap and he was hit by a rain of arrows."

Reedal nodded respectfully.

"A quick and unexpected death. Much more than the old Vaenal deserved after all the suffering he caused." Reedal thought.

"But we haven't come to talk about my uncle, but about my son," the duke continued. "Young Vaenal has not yet shown the strategic skills of Shiz, the business acumen of Pallius, or the interest in religion of Kadyn. He also shows no inclination towards government, which is worrying given our position in the line of succession. All members of the Lamalli family have excelled in various fields, and I expect the same from my youngest son. However, although he has a good memory and is quite skilled with books, he has not yet chosen his path. I am worried that he will end up just being a scholar or librarian, when our lineage is destined for higher purposes."

"Of course, sir," said Reedal, interrupting the duke's thoughts. "But I still don't understand how I can help."

Reedal's expression changed, revealing his concern as he understood what the duke was implying. The duke tried to hide his satisfied smile at Reedal's understanding.

"You are a smart man," the duke said with a smile. "I think you're beginning to understand the reason for our visit. I am aware that magic is a gift that anyone can develop with training and discipline, regardless of their origin. Young Vaenal was named after my uncle and has the blood of a recognized mage running through his veins. I believe you can help him develop his potential."

"It would be an honor to train your son, but I don't think I'm the right person for this," Reedal replied, visibly uncomfortable. "I've never taken an apprentice, and this isn't the appropriate place for..."

"Nonsense," the duke interrupted. "You're one of the most powerful and recognized mages in the empire. We all know what you did in Greyshire. I have no doubt that you will be the perfect tutor for my son. And I assure you, we will generously compensate you for your time and effort."

"With all due respect, sir, this tower doesn't seem suitable for accommodating someone of such high rank. Aside from the disorder, the upper bedroom barely has enough space for me," Reedal explained, hoping his excuse would be enough.

The duke nodded slightly, unfazed by the mage's response. He had anticipated that objection.

"I understand your concern, but don't worry. I've noticed the old stable outside the compound. In a couple of weeks, we could properly refurbish it and turn it into a suitable bedroom to accommodate our son. It will all be on our account, of course," the duke proposed.

Reedal let out a sigh of resignation and slumped back in his chair. He knew he couldn't refuse the duke, who was a determined person and not one to show compassion.

"You will receive a fee, so don't worry about that. And one of our servants will be at your disposal to satisfy all of our son's needs. This way, you can concentrate on his training," the duke continued to explain. "And if that's not enough motivation, think of the fact that you're residing in this tower thanks to our sympathy and good will. Sympathy that could be affected if you reject a request we've come to make in person."

There were a few seconds of silence during which the mage seemed to consider all his options. The duke's brow furrowed more and more as time passed. Reedal saw no way out. If he didn't accept the request, he would have to find another place to live. In the worst case, well, he still valued his head and preferred it to stay where it was meant to be.

"I'm starting to see a pattern in this family," Reedal thought.