Speak of the devil

As you and Kali turn the corner headed towards the exit, you nearly run directly into Trevor. “Josh! Just the person I wanted to talk to. And Kali, you’re welcome as well, of course. Would you both come with me?”

You look at him, and there’s something about how he looks at you that makes you nervous. Still, he is supposed to be a good person, and Marcus just told you what you figured must be his big secret.

“Ok Trevor, but what is so important?”

“Not here. Follow me.”

With that, he briskly walks down the hall. You and Kali share a confused look, and follow him. He leads you to a small room with a small table and some chairs. Closing the door, he pulls a small knife and carves a symbol into the wood. It looks similar to the runes tattooed on Marcus. Trevor steps back and waves a hand, and a golden glow suffuses the room.

He turns to you. “There, now we can talk safely.”

You look at the glowing rune on the door. “I thought Marcus was the rune mage around here.”

Trevor smiles. “After two hundred years, I expect you’ll know a few tricks as well. Before you ask, yes, I eavesdropped on your conversation. No, I’m not going to betray you.”

You relax, not having realized that you tensed up. Beside you, you feel Kali relax as well. “So, what are we doing here, then.”

Trevor sighs. “The director. I do not believe he is one of the good guys, so to speak. In fact, I think he may be one of the leaders of the Abandoned Empire. Where the the others are I don’t know. But he’s weak, here. Well, weak compared to what they were.”

“But why? And how do you know?”

“He knows things he shouldn’t. He knew your powers before they ever surfaced. He made sure you got sent through the portal to meet that scum, Halid. The triumvirate were master manipulators. I think he had a hand in as far back as that first warehouse raid.”

You shake your head. “But to what end? And why is he here in the first place?”

“He wants a portal to get back to his empire, is my guess. As to why they came here in the first place, I have no idea.”

You look at Kali, who speaks up. “I know why. The same reason I came. This world is an untapped resource. They wanted a leg up against my father. Even genius manipulators make mistakes.”

Trevor looks at you. “I know what you’re planning, it doesn’t take a genius to figure it out. I have a favor to ask. When you go, take me with you.”

“What? Why?”

“My name is still respected there. I will help you win an alliance, or failing that, protect you from attacks. You could use another fighter.”

“And this has nothing to do with your dislike of Halid?”

Trevor growls, “Of course it does! That spoiled child defiles his father’s legacy! I served with King Dalit for years. We helped form the alliance! His son only cares about his stomach and his dick.”

You nod. “Just checking. Of course we can bring you along. Halid is exactly the sort of ruler I plan to depose.”

Trevor smiles. “Just what I want to hear. My blade is yours, master mage. Now, on to lighter topics.” He waves a hand and the golden glow fades. “Tell me, how is your newest girl settling in?”

You chuckle, as does Kali. “Rachel is settled in just fine, thank you.”

Trevor blinks, then laughs. “Oh, she finally got around to it, did she? Good for her, and good for you. Now, tell me about...Yura, was it?”

You nod. “Yura, yes. She’s doing great! She seems happy, and she’s opening up more every day. She even smiled at breakfast this morning!”

Trevor nods. “Selkie are notoriously somber and unemotional. Smiles are a huge deal. I’m glad. But now, I’m sure you are busy. Can I ask how your training is going?”

You grin. “Quite well. And I have a special session planned for today. Anna has some new powers, and I want to get her up to speed.”

“Very good! I’ll let you get back to it, then. Tell Rachel to keep me updated, would you?”

You nod as you get up, and shake hands before leaving.