Dread Mage

They were searched and checked for weapons, the sword in Sonder was the exception.

As they rummaged through Vell's bag, they asked, "Why are you going around with an empty bag?"

"I am a wizard; what do I need a bag with actual things in it for?" He answered, still in that old voice.

That shut them up.

The blue line that went from the dead man's head they followed was still there, but none of the people in the fortress seemed to notice it.

It went farther in and into a closed-off area with a rebuilt door and windows.

"Who's the leader of this band?" Vell asked as they were led exactly to where the blue line was going.

"Soon, you'll know," was the answer, which Vell didn't think was very satisfying.

They saw people in cages. Prisoners and slaves. They were dirty and desperate. Their hands reached out of the wooden bars of their prison at the appearance of two new people in the Garrions' camp, in the sliver of hope that they were the ones who would free them.

Their pleas were ignored.

Vell and the Garrions went on, but Sonder's eyes were glued to them until they turned a corner and couldn't see them anymore.

They stopped before a door, and the guard who escorted them knocked, waited a moment, and then opened the door slightly, just enough to speak through.

"Sir, the mage Accismus is here to see you."

"Let him in, but take his staff away." A voice from inside said.

The guard turned around and looked at Vell as he heard the same thing.

He handed it over without any resistance.

"Wait outside for us, and station a few other people here, if things turn sideways," said the voice from inside.

They went in and saw two people.

Two women, one orc and the other clearly an elf.

The blue line went to the elf woman.

Vell made himself comfortable and sat down without saying another word.

The elf's eyes shrank a bit when looking over the two.

"Greetings," Vell said. He fixed his robes and crossed his legs, "You already know who I am, and now it is my turn to know."

The orc spoke, she was the one to give orders, "Does it matter?" She was strangely articulate.

"What do you mean?" Vell asked.

"Does it matter who we are? Accismus is known to work for money. If we give you a bag full of gold, you'll work for us, no matter what, isn't that right?"

"Yes, yes, but manners maketh the man. Having a polite interaction before we come down to brass tax would be polite, no?"

"And you're truly a wizard?" She asked.

"Yes, I have proof of-" Vell said, though was cut off.

"Show us your magic then, sorcerer." The elf said, and her words spat out like she was trying to poison him.

Vell scratched his chin lightly, "If that is what it takes, then so be it."