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- Oh no, I don't want to.
- In that case, get out of here and ask for help somewhere else.
- It's just a trinket...
- Yes, just like last time.
- How are we supposed to find it?
- What if I told you I knew where it was?
Vistrit placed the coffee cup on the table. Excellent coffee.
- Then go and get it.
Naira laughed.
- YOU will go and get it, and then bring it to ME.
- What's the problem?
Rummaging through the papers on the table, Naira pulled out a package and threw it to Vistrit. He unfolded it, immediately folded it back up, and placed it on the table, next to the cup.
- No.
The Archmage was bound in chains and gagged, thrashing about in a frenzy, his wild gaze fixed on the ceiling.
The mage's apprentice watched him through a small barred window in the door. Just yesterday, the mage had been in his right mind. What could have happened?
- Sir Reinhardt. Captain Hommi approached so quietly.
- Huh? Yes, yes, I'm listening, Captain. The young mage replied.
- I've been instructed to deliver a letter to you from our lord.
Reinhardt took the letter and began to read. After a few seconds, he crumpled it and put it in his pocket.
- Now I am the Archmage of Highflood.
- Congratulations. Hommi bowed.
- Yes, yes...
After a moment of silence, Hommi asked:
- What should we do with... the former Archmage?
- I placed several spells on his cell. They will contain his power. Let's hope he will be alright.
Meanwhile, the old man in the cell stood up. The chains creaked and the metal hissed. The dwarf and the mage quickly rushed to the bars.
- It can't be...
The old man sharply pulled out the gag and raised his hands to the ceiling of the cell, muttering something unintelligible. The remnants of the chains glowed white-hot and dripped onto the floor in a puddle of metal, leaving hideous burns on the mage's hands.
- Run! Reinhardt shouted.
They managed to run back a couple of meters when an explosion occurred, and the steel door of the cell was torn from its hinges and slammed into the wall. The smell of burning filled the corridor.
Reinhardt and Hommi cautiously peered inside. The walls were covered in black soot, and large drops of blood were visible in places. The explosion was powerful; it seemed that the mage had spent all his strength on it. If it weren't for the protective spells of his apprentice, there would be nothing left of the prison.
- Holy parakhasa! Hommi cursed. - I've never seen anything like it!
Hostor watched the ship dock at the pier, dreamily twirling a knife between his fingers. The warehouse was filled with noise and nervous chatter as people prepared for the long journey. He had already gathered everything he needed; all that remained was to wait for everyone else to do the same.
The smell of tobacco smoke hit his nose, and Hostor grimaced but said nothing.
- Once, long ago, I wanted to buy a ship like this. A raspy voice said from behind. It was Cash.
- What stopped you?
- I wanted to earn enough to buy it and became a bandit. I got hooked.
After a short pause, Hostor said:
- So, when are we leaving? I'm tired of waiting.
- Today, after sunset.
- Good.
- You're staying.
He was so surprised that he almost dropped the knife.
- Why?
- Our leader has a special assignment for you.