Consultation

Reika smiles as you enter, but her happy expression quickly fades when she sees the look on your face. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

You nod, and explain. Her expression changes now too, anger clouding her face. Though only with the family a few months, Reika had become friends with everyone, and it was difficult to dislike Lynn. Something about the little goblin just makes people want to protect her.

You look into her eyes and nod. “So, you know him best. What do I do here?”

Reika sighs. “I think you need to do what he says to start. Going alone is the only thing you can do. He won’t be bluffing about that, and Lynn won’t be kept in just a simple cage. But he also will underestimate you, he always has. He’s arrogant and prideful, and firmly believes he’s the strongest mage in this world.”

You nod. “And what does he know of me?”

She shrugs. “He never paid you much attention once we returned to the old world. He likely only knows what he saw in the battle with the demon lord.”

You look down at your rune-carved left arm. Though it has lain largely dormant since the battle, your anger seems to have reawakened the magic within. The runes glow with a dull black light, pulsing softly. “I may have a couple surprises for him then.”

Reika reaches out and gently touches you with a pale hand. “Please don’t underestimate him. He was by far the strongest member of the triumvirate, and probably your equal magically. Your ability to absorb and a few other things probably give you an advantage, but he is no weakling.”

You nod. “My main goal is to free Lynn. She won’t be harmed. If he so much as puts a hair out of place, there will be nothing left of him. However, once I have her to safety, all bets are off. I will not allow ANYONE to attack our family!”

You stand, and Reika stands with you. “Please be careful. We all want you safe, and Lynn as well.”

You sigh. “I will try. I know he’s trying to get me angry, to lose control. I will be careful.”

You kiss the changeling, gently rubbing her cheek. She smiles at you worriedly, and nods as you turn to leave.

Turning, you find everyone else waiting in the hall, grim faced. Maya steps forward, an expression of mixed anger and worry. “Go get Lynn back. Be safe. And give his corpse a kick for me.”

You nod, and close your eyes. “Be back by dinner time.”