"What kind of favor?" Canute asked breaking the awkward silence in the room.
"Please help us solve this problem," Raymond begged him.
".....Problem?"
"Help us find a way to eradicate those mountain beasts."
Canute was trapped. Neither could he refuse Reymond's request nor he could expose his identity.
"Our mage towers are in need of a capable individual. Please guide them."
This clicked an idea in Canute's mind. If he were to guide the mages of this city, he wouldn't have to use much of his magic. More or less he only needed to guide them to a solution.
"Very well, I shall devise a plan. But first, we need to gather all the available mages in this city."Canute nodded.
Raymond's eyes sparkled with a sliver of hope. He immediately agreed to the conditions Canute proposed.
" I shall inform the mages beforehand."
Raymond got up heading outside.
"No don't!" Canute grabbed Raymond's arm.
"We start visiting them first thing in the morning. I want to observe their daily routines as well." He looked at the captain concerned.
"I understand."
"And...I have a personal request."
"Now what?"
"Give me a warmer place to stay," Canute announced dead serious.
"Sigh*fine you can stay at my residence till this situation is resolved."
Raymond sighed heavily.
"Good. Better not go back on your word." He said sarcastically.
"Same goes for you." Raymond retorted.
They arrived at the central city where nobles mostly lived influencing their estates.
"Raymond entered a huge mansion greeted by many servants.
Canute was taken to the guest room in the mansion.
The next day when Canute woke up, he was overwhelmed with the change in treatment.
Four maids attended him and served breakfast.
This pleasant atmosphere brought back memories of home. Stephan would wake him up every morning.
He headed out around eight in the morning.
The weather was colder than yesterday. Dull black clouds blocked the warm rays of the sun. Canute took a long whiff then exhaled. The air was chilly.
Raymond stood near the entrance stroking his stallion.
"Morning." Can't greeted with a smile.
Raymond nodded then frowned.
"Put those fireballs away."Raymond threw a warm cloak made out of wool and fur.
" You don't want to expose your identity, do you?"
"No I don't."
"let's go!" he jumped on his stallion
"HYAH!"
Off the two galloped to the central mage tower in the city.