The Dark Mage
To the north of the Kingdom of Arboria in the heart of the Great Forest lay the Dark Kingdom ruled by a powerful mage. Onyx Black, it was rumored, had won the heart of a dragon and fathered a child with her. But only Onyx could testify to the veracity of the claim and he had nothing to say on the matter. He took great pains to travel to Weston without anyone being wise to his arrival. For that reason alone, he did not engage his travel companion in conversation. Along the way, he learned a great deal about the Great Forest and the House of Arbor from the young knight. In spite of his lack of exchange, the lad was quite chatty about matters of import to no one.
Onyx left the Green Knight behind at a local inn and continued on to the castle. He had a matter to attend to there. He arrived at the castle while the Westonian Guard were engaged in combat with a female swordmaster. He quickly passed through the halls and found his way to the back keep where the castle mage held quarters. The young mage greeted him warmly. "Lord Black, thank you for coming. I was afraid that you would not respond."
"What frightened you into calling for my help? You were the brightest and most powerful of my acolytes. This is why you were posted here."
"I have seen portents, Milord, of wickedness sweeping through the halls of this edifice. The Lord of the Manor has called for warriors, but he has refused to state why. Only a few have responded. I fear the other kingdoms may have fallen to the evil stench that wafts on the winds of time."
"We shall find out at the evening meal. Until then, I need to wash off the dust of the road and rest from my long journey."
"Of course, Milord. I shall tend to those needs at once."
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