An enigmatic visit

“Now, is that any way to greet a friend, Josh? Oh, sorry, it’s King Josh now, isn’t it.”

You sigh. “It is, but you know I don’t mind informality. Why are you here, Bast?”

Bast grins. “Do I need a reason to check in on the most interesting person in the old world? After all, you’ve had some changes since we last met. How’s your arm?”

You rub your left forearm, the runes covered by your shirtsleeve. “It’s fine. Useful, even. So you just came to ‘check on me’, even though you clearly know what’s going on? Color me suspicious.”

Bast shrugs. “I’ve got a lot of interest in you, believe it or not. As I’m sure you know, there’s big things in your future, should you survive. Speaking of which, do you think it’s a good idea to send antagonistic letters to a man sending assassins after you?”

You chuckle. “No, it’s a terrible idea. I’m trying to evoke a response. Either he sends more, justifying my eventual retribution, or he stops, and I don’t have to execute more people.”

Bast looks at you hard. “And do you really think it’ll stay this easy?”

You meet his stare, and the humor leaves your voice. “Do you think I don’t know? Just how dumb do you think I am? I might not be a god, but I know what I’m doing. Don’t be condescending to me just because you can, Bast.”

Bast seems to swell, glaring at you. “You dare speak to me like that, knowing what I am?”

“I do. You need me for something, or you wouldn’t be in my life so much. You won’t share, so I’m going to do my own thing. If you want a say, I need more than obscure hints.”

He glares for a moment more, then suddenly laughs. “Well done! Not letting yourself be intimidated is good. You’ll need that soon enough. Making your own plans is also good. I’m proud of you, you’ve come a long way.”

He steps in close and speaks quietly. “You’re doing quite well. Once your little border skirmish is done, the demon lord will take notice. Be prepared, and don’t be surprised if I visit again. Oh, and don’t worry about explaining my visit. None of these people will remember I was here. I don’t exactly want word getting out about me.”

Before you can ask him what he means, he vanishes. Everyone in the court continues as if Bast never appeared. You wonder what he was looking for, and wether he found it. You also wonder what his endgame is. He seems at least neutral, though you’d hardly call him benevolent. Mostly, he seems to give you advice, then vanish.

You sigh. Thinking about this stuff is giving you a headache. What you could really use is some stress relief.