The plan

It only takes your group a few hours to reach the city, thanks to horses loaned to you by Gregor. People going through the portal often leave horses behind, and people coming in often need them, so the portal building keeps a stable of animals. Daigo refuses a horse, instead flying near the city and waiting there.

Upon arrival, your diverse group draws some strange looks, especially since your clothes are quite different than theirs. You hear a few whispers, but nothing you didn’t get used to before. The girls happily chat amongst themselves, and Maya continues to get caught up with her father.

As you approach the palace, you lay out your plan. “I want Maya and Anna up front with me, and I want Trevor in the back. Don’t confront Halid until I give the sign.”

Trevor looks confused. “You want me to wait?”

You nod. “Politics is like poker. You don’t show all your cards right away. I want him off balance and angry. Then you challenge him. He won’t think too much if I rile him up first. Besides, I want to see how much support he has in his court. I already know that the artificer, Bast was his name I believe, is on my side.”

Trevor stops you. “Bast? He’s no artificer. He’s not even part of the court...”

“What do you mean? He’s the one who took the collar off of me.”

Trevor looks at you, wide eyed. “If it’s the Bast I know, he’s one of the most powerful mages in the old world. I would tread carefully, he isn’t evil, but I wouldn’t call him good either. What his agenda is, we couldn’t possibly know.”

You sigh. “Well, a wild card then, to continue my tortured card analogy. Either way, I want to judge the reactions of his close advisors, to see where future troubles lie.”

Trevor nods. “Wisdom beyond your years, master mage. I knew following you was smart. Lead on, then.”

Daigo speaks up. “Just to be clear, the only fight should be the challenge, correct?”

You nod, and he shrugs. “Then I will remain quiet as to my nature. Emergency backup, if you will.”

“Good call. Hopefully we dont need anything like that.”

With that you approach the guard at the door.

“State your business.”

You bow. “I’m here to see King Halid. You may tell him that the mageling has returned to visit.”

The guard looks at you confused, and sends a runner inside. Before long, he returns, and you are led inside as well. You pause before entering, running through your spells to be sure everything is in order. A glance at the girls shows readiness. With Anna and Maya by your side, you put on your most arrogant face and enter the audience chamber.