The manor at night was dreary and creepy, more so now that a mysterious magus walked the halls. Even when the high ceilings and wide corridors usually made one feel insignificant, at the time all of that was gone, as the presence of the red robed man behind governor’s back took the spotlight.

Josephine, the governor’s secretary, followed them and analyzed the mysterious guest. She knew what a magus was, but has never seen one with her own eyes. Looking at him now she only felt primal fear in her heart. Even though he was slender she knew how powerful they were. If wished, they could move mountains or turn iron to gold, maybe even bring the dead to life. As much as the stories went their power was limitless.

They’re probably exaggerated, but there must be some truth to it. Still… Seeing one in person is a great honor. No one’s going to believe me when I tell them!

They moved along the halls in silence for what seemed like an eternity, passing by many doors and servants who had heard the news and went out of their way just to catch a glimpse of the man.

Eventually they reached a certain double door. Josephine knew that it led to the study room, but has never been allowed inside for some reason.

“We can talk inside, Sir Magus.” Josset opened the door and the magus rudely walked inside. “Josephine, bring us some tea.”

Having just dealt with the easiest part – introductions – though it felt exhausting for some reason, came the hard bit of earning favor of the man in red. With that said, Josset was ready for the challenge.

***

The study was large, perhaps 15 meters wide and 25 meters long, and contained many interesting objects. A pelt of a bear-like creature hung on a nearby wall. It’s wide open mouth, large enough to swallow an adult’s head whole, housed many teeth of ivory white and its purple eyes glistened in the darkness like amethysts. Bookshelves and item displays covered most of the walls, leaving the windows bare, which in fact were made from clear glass, unlike the ones in the corridor. The displays held various artifacts like shields and daggers, there was even a pendant of the barbarian king, though that one looked rather unappealing, considering it was made from human teeth. A large dark red table stood in front of a double window, a few books and parchments were neatly placed near its edge. Off the white ceiling hanged a grand chandelier. It was more of a store room, than a study, really.

“Please, sit down.” The governor said to his guest and indicated towards a soft couch. It was made from some kind of white furry animal. After turning on the large chandelier with a push of a button he sat down at his table. He then opened one of the drawers and took out an ink and quill.

Josset noticed the magus glance upwards. He seemed to wear an ivory mask, not unusual as far as magicians went. “I brought it from the western islands, some magic engineer made it. It uses mana crystals as the main source.”

Though they’re expensive as shit… He thought to himself, not surprised by the silence of the guest.

“Well then, Sir Magus, shall we get to business? I imagine you wish for me to send a letter to His Majesty,” He eyed the mage carefully. “…or are you here for some other reason?”

The man’s in question gaze seemed to be stuck with the carpet under his feet at the moment, which was also made from a rare animal’s fur. The governor thought the mage was amazed by the luxury, as only the high nobles could afford such articles. If that was the case, then his plan was working and his efforts weren’t in vain. There was no way he’d let some dirty peasant into here, even a neighboring governor wouldn’t get the chance to witness this.

“Majesty?” The mage questioned, surprising the governor.

“His Majesty, the King Gauthier Boffrand of Saunier. Do you not work for him?”

The mage suddenly stood up, startling him. Out of reflex, the governor felt around under the table, intent on finding the hidden dagger, but then remembered he left it in his drawer. As sweat began to form on his forehead, he gently opened the drawer and took the steel blade into his hand. Feeling reassured somewhat, he let his imagination loose. First came the thought that the mage was a rogue, therefore not affiliated with the King, which basically meant that the person in the room with him was equal to a stranger. Then came the thought that the man under the cowl was actually an assassin sent by one of his enemies.

The magus walked around the room, inspecting the display cases and the items within. He particularly seemed to be interested in the teeth necklace.

“Aaaah. The. King… I do.” He answered in a monotonic voice.

Josset looked at the sigils on the robes once more and calmed himself, slowly placing the dagger back into the drawer. There was no way some assassin, or anyone in that matter, could get hold of the robes from an Inferno magus.

As the governor breathed deeply in and out to calm his nerves he heard tapping on the glass. Did the mage wear gauntlets?

“Please don’t tap the glass.” He said, gently patting his forehead with a cloth. The childish personality of Magus pricked at his nerves.

“Glas. Glaaas. Glass…” The magus paused. “Have this. Why?” He pointed at the necklace.

“I suppose I’m a collector of sorts.” The governor answered, finally happy a conversation has begun. Though the weird speech made him suspicious, it didn’t bother him too much as mages were valued for their power not intelligence. Albeit he wondered how one could exist without another. “Do you collect things as well?” He continued, trying to move the conversation forward.

“I suppose.” The mage gave an immediate answer. Josset could swear he heard something clatter under his robe.

“Is that so? I’d love the see your collection…” He said, intrigued by what kind of items would such an odd magus possess, but then remembered his goal. Now’s not the time. “Well then. Should I send His Majesty a letter?” He dipped the golden-tipped quill into the ink and began writing the usual long-worded greeting His Majesty seemed to prefer. This was a power-move of sorts: if the mage didn’t want a letter to be sent he’d be forced to take action.

“Yes.” The mage replied and walked closer to see what Josset was writing.

The governor’s back stiffened in response as he didn’t expect such enthusiasm. He could feel the mage’s stare on every stroke he did. Maybe he’s smarter than I thought.

“Should I ask for assistance or just inform him of your welfare?” Josset didn’t know whether the mage was on a special mission or not, so this was a roundabout way of finding out more about his reason of being here. If he chooses the latter, then it’s guaranteed the mage is here with the King’s knowledge.

“Would he come?”

It is unusual for someone to address His Majesty so rudely; do they know each other? Also the question is pointless, since obviously no king would come in person unless their authority required to do so. Is he trying to probe how far my influence reaches?

“Of course not. Something happened in the capital and the King is busy with all the nobles and mages gathering in the palace.” Josset lied. He knew exactly what happened – at the very least that a funeral was being held for one of the Grand Masters, who probably died of old age – but decided to hide the fact in case Magus reported it to the King. He remembered his father’s words: “One’s influence is like a well-made dagger – flaunt it to make an impression, veil it for a perfect strike.” He also used to say to be careful of the quiet ones, though it’s questionable whether such advice was helpful when facing a guest as bizarre as this.

“No point then.”

The more Josset spoke to the man the more confused and angry he got. Why the hell was he in his manor then? Why was he all the way in the North? What's the point of all this discussion…?

“What do you mean by ‘no point’? Do you hold me for a fool?” The governor fumed. He hated when someone played with him and wasted his precious time. “What’s the point of your visit then? Are you truly a mage?” He turned around towards the mage and was surprised by how close he was. So close in fact, that if he wanted to stand he’d have to push the mage aside.

The magus did not respond to this outburst and raised his right arm towards the governor. In panic he reached for the drawer, struggling to find the wooden handle of the blade. When he finally got it the hand was already on top of him. It was no gauntlet, but bare bone. The pointy thumb pressed onto his eyelid with increasing pressure and unknown heat began to burn his skin. With a desperate thrust he stabbed the monster in its heart – the blade slipped inside without any resistance – and he realized his mistake. In response, the creature’s deep sockets flared up, shoving away any shadows that still lingered on it’s ‘face’, and the governor went limp.

As the insides of his nostrils scorched and all hope seemed to be lost, a soft knock resounded across the unbearably silent room.

“Tea’s ready.”