Senator Krateros hummed in surprise at the comfort of the drab looking well stuffed armchair in the somewhat bare reception room of their borrowed house. He looked round at his wife, children and grandchildren. He sighed in regret and irritation as his eyes found his enigmatic son Akanteri. He found it intensely irritating that the only son that had managed to accompany him into exile was Akanteri. He had always been distrustful of mages and Akanteri had proved himself to be a dark mage, a master mage.

“What were you trying on with the gate fortress commander.”

“I figured telling the truth would help us father.”

“Truth! Truth, what do you mean truth! Slaves are— are— they just are and have always been.”

Akanteri shrugged, “They aren’t on Midgard. And can you name any slave I own? I have never wanted for loyal servants.” Akanteri gave a tight little smile, “my people are looking after us all now, and they are being grossly overworked. And no Particeea I am not going to order Fratina to help you again.”

Particeea sneered, “You’re soft uncle. Slaves appreciate a firm hand.”

“But Fratina Akanteri is a freedwoman. She is not a slave and will never again be one if I have anything to do with it.”

Senator Krateros snorted in disdain. His wife Rebanna sighed, “This is getting us nowhere. We have to decide what to do. Midgard is obviously not somewhere we can be comfortable. So husband, have you any ideas?”

Krateros sat back in his chair, “No. You seem to be the only one of us who studied these Midgardian barbarians Akanteri, what do you suggest.”

“Ask passage to one of the words bordering the Empire. Might be difficult if they intend to use father to act as a thorn in the Empire’s side.”

“Would they allow us to pass and not steal all we own, or ask some exorbitant fee?” asked Lukanna as she shifted in her chair in a vain attempt to get comfortable.

“My dear niece,” stated Akanteri, “these Americans are scrupulously honest, or most of them are. If we are careful there should be no problem though there might be fees. As for me I would be happy to remain here for the time being. If they would allow me to keep my people safe.”

Krateros looked at his son with disfavour. “You are not my heir, your brother’s son to be is if his father or brothers fail to turn up. Will you liase with these demagogues and find out where we can go? And you can remain here for all I care.”

“Certainly father. And I know you won’t believe me but allow me to say I am glad I am not your heir. Especially now people know I’m a magister.”

* * *

Arthur Chambers looked at the three agents sitting on the other side of his desk. He carefully controlled his expression. “I must admit I will be glad to get rid of that appalling old man and his family. There are a few items here I am dubious about. Just how sure are you that we can trust those dungeons?”

Drassana of the White rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything. Agent Mandy Carvalho gestured with her hands indicating uncertainty. “All we can say is none of them have broken their words, yet at any rate. How come you are – understandably – wary of dungeons. Most of your colleagues seem oblivious.”

Agent Marcus Smith nodded slightly in silent agreement with his partner’s statement.

“Oh I’ve herd stories, and there’s a fairly weak one not far from the post. The refugees visit it quite regularly.”

“I think our two are kind of unique, Manfred and his grandfather used to be human until the System stepped in. Their outlook is more – human. As for Bluestone, well I think it needs us, or rather it needs Muñoz for the time being so I think we can trust it,” explained Marcus.

“And we have broached the subject to three of the human delegations that attended that circus that Muñoz is hosting,” added Mandy.

“What about magister Akanteri and his desire to settle in the States with his people?” asked Chambers.

“I am willing to talk with him,” interjected Drassana. “If he is truly a magister I will know.”

“And too many people want a powerful mage that owes us a favour. Additionally his denunciation of slavery went down well even if many don’t believe it,” said Marcus.

“Well I do. I’ve talked to his servants. They were all slaves that ended up in his hands for one reason or another and none of them remained slaves for longer than a few days,” asserted Chambers.

* * *

Akanteri was lounging comfortably in an armchair by the big window overlooking a range of low scrubby hills. He rose when Drassana of the White accompanied by Agents Mandy Carvalho and Marcus Smith entered. “How do you do? Pleased to meet you.”

“I hope you don’t mind if we speak with you. Our colleague Drassana of the White might have a few questions,” said Mandy.

“Not at all, I am willing to clarify any doubts you may have. Please undahstand that regardless of yooo decision I will not be accompanying my fathah.”

“Will you be willing to allow some of your servants accompany him? He has asked.”

“No! And are you sooe he asked and not demanded.”

“Why? Surely you don’t need so many servants?” asked Mandy.

“Because the moment they set f’ut on Marcenium they would be enslaved again. Unfortunately I know my fathah all t’u well.”

Marcus looked at Drassana and raised an eyebrow in enquiry.

“All too probable Marcus, a freedman or woman’s word would not stand against that of a Senator of the Empire. Even that of a Senator fleeing for his life and any records proving their case would be worlds away. I’m afraid most magistrates wouldn’t care,” explained Drassana.

“I see,” said Marcus.

“Please magister, do you mind uncloaking so I can reassure my colleagues as to your ability.”

“My dear Drassana of the White, I nevah claimed to be a magistah and to be truthful I don’t know if I qualify. But vahy well I will indeed release my aooa and you may freely examine it.”

Drassana examined Akanteri’s aura carefully for several minutes. “I do believe,” she finally said, “that Akanteri has the power and discipline needed to qualify as a magister. And the fact that despite everything he is still hiding his affinities confirms that fact.”

“So?” asked Mandy.

“He’s a magister in all but name. The Mages Guild hasn’t recognised his power so it’s not official,” explained Drassana.

“And if I have any say in the mattah they nevah will,” added Akanteri.

The three agents rose. “Thank you for your cooperation. You will be informed of the government’s decision shortly,” said Marcus before following his colleagues out of the door.