Return to power

You’re waves out of the room, and Gregor says to you in an undertone, “I’ll keep an eye on Halid, and make sure he stays away from Yura.”

You nod your thanks and head across the hall. In the room is a simply decorated room, and an older man stands beside a chair. He is greying and wrinkled, looking to be in his 70s at the least. He gives you a kindly smile.

“Please sit, young mage, we’ll get you out of that thing. I see from your expression that you’ve met my...king. In his behalf, I must apologize for his behavior. His father was a good man, but spoiled that one.”

You look at the man quizzically, as you sit in the chair. He begins poking at the collar as he speaks.

“Ah, but I forget myself. I am Bast, court artificer to King Halid. He’s a boor and a pervert, but I must serve him as I did his father. This isn’t too complicated, only been on a few days I’d say. Have it off quickly.”

You listen to the man ramble, and decide he’s somewhat safe to converse with. “So, will this destroy the collar?”

“Not at all! Planning to take a souvenir from your trip, son?”

“Something like that, yes. I can keep it?”

“Of course! Just don’t use it to hurt anyone. I see enough of that from Halid...”

You nod. “I try to be a good person. My girls keep me in line. Most of the time.”

Bast chuckles. “Ahh, that’s right, they said you have a harem waiting for you. Well, for their sake, let’s get this off you, young mage.”

He goes quiet for a while, concentrating. You feel heat on your neck for a moment before you hear a metallic *clink*. Your vision blots and your head swims as your magic slams back into reach.

Bast staggers back, holding the collar, now flexible and leathery. “By the gods, you’re strong! I felt your magic return. Absorption mage, interesting.”

You look at him in alarm and he raises a hand. Giving you a kindly smile, he shakes his head. “Don’t worry, master mage, I’ll keep your secret. If Halid knew, he’d try to keep you here, and the fat slob wouldn’t survive that. He’s weak in magic as well as character. I don’t have the time left to survive a kingdom that loses its king with no heir.”

You nod. “Thank you, Bast. But how did you know?”

Bast hands you the collar, which you pocket. “An artificer who can’t read magic doesn’t live to reach my age, master mage. And your power practically screams if you know how to look. You could rule here through magic power alone, if you stayed...”

Bast looks almost hopeful as he says that. You shake your head. “Too many counting on me to come home. But...we may meet again, regardless.”

Bast smiles, shaking your hand. “Well, if that should happen, rest assured that you have at least one friend in the court of King Halid. Now go, master mage. Before that pig gets bored and decides to **** that poor girl he has tied up.”

Glad that you judged Bast correctly, you give him a respectful nod, and head out of the room.