He didn't recognize them. Sunken eyes and hollow cheeks. A skeleton trapped within its own flesh. It was nerve-wracking, unsettling… sickening. "What are you doing?" His voice a hissed whisper pushed between teeth.
He could hear the bustling clatter of people outside. Moving carts and calling vendors. Just thinking about the noise made his heart grow cold.
Feeling his shoulder ache his eyes went to the clean bandages that wrapped the blackening skin of his shoulder. It ached, yet it was comforting.
"Why am I hear?" He muttered, his voice fading into the stale air of the room. He didn't want to open the window. It would only make the sounds louder.
He hadn't been able to sleep last night at all. Being left with nothing but his thoughts had made him start to feel... thin. He just wanted to be moving again.
Chuckling bitterly he stared at the sunken eyes before him and muttered mockingly. "Prove my Sincerity?" Shaking his head slowly, "How can I do that when I don't even know who I am proving myself to 'Trials.' What even is the purpose of all this?" Pleading bleeding into his tone.
"Do not feed your weakness Ragnem. You have been given purpose beyond the fog." He responded, hushed words coming from the distorted figure. "Such fickle Sincerity is not worthy of such purpose-" Ragnem's gaze snapped to the door as something loudly shook it.
"Ragnem?" A voice sounded with the banging of the door. "My Master is willing to meet you, finish washing and meet me down in the tavern." The Knight said, quieting the sound of the clatter outside.
Looking back down at the small basin of water. Drops from his hair rippling the surface. Dipping the rag back into the water, dirt bleed from it slowly, his sunken eyes fading as the water grew murky.
"I won't be a moment." His choking voice called back, ending in coughs as he wiped some blood from his lips. He shouldn't raise his voice.
Groaning a bit he shook the rag. Ringing it out and getting back to wiping the dirt from his arms and torso. Leaving the rag in the basin he pulled a tunic over his head. Grabbing the coarse leather strip and tying it around his waist firmly. All it did was hold the tunic against his skeletal frame.
Pushing the door open he let it swing shut behind him as he made his way down the hall and to the stairs. Going down them to the tavern on the first floor.
The Knight had got him a room here while he had gone to talk to Markoth. It was a nice place within the walls of Zenithal so he wasn't complaining.
Although being around so many people was causing his heart to feel cold. It was only human to want company after all. But he knew that he shouldn't. He would get used to it, he was sure of that.
Getting to the bottom of the stairs he looked around the tables set about. His eyes settled on the Knight who looked odd without his armour. And an elderly figure heavily draped in faded robes. Markoth. His heavy gaze already bore towards Ragnem.
'Looks like he is known enough he dressed down and covered up while he's out of the castle.' Ragnem thought as he finally met Markoth's eyes. Feeling mana already seeping into the old man's tongue.
Walking towards them Ragnem pulled out a chair and sat down. Hearing the Knight speak first. "Ragnem, this is my Master." Motioning his hand towards Markoth who smiled gently. His face softened as his eyes wandered over Ragnem.
In a hushed voice as he leaned in the Knight continued, "For now he wishes to-" Interrupted however by Markoth who raised his hand slightly.
Speaking up Markoth said whimsically. "It is alright, I shall speak for myself this time Radfil." As he pushed a cup towards Ragnem. "Water?" Holding a pitcher over the cup.
"Please," Ragnem responded, letting his voice be raspy and broken. His tone stayed neutral.
As he poured water into the cup he spoke curiously. "As my companion was about to say, I do prefer to keep my name unknown whilst outside the castle." Moving on to pour himself a cup. "However, this time I will make an exception." Putting the pitcher in front of the Knight who reached out stiffly while looking at his Master, his brows furrowed.
"My name is Markoth," He said, his eyes wandering over the table. "Do you mind, Radfil, acquiring some breakfast?" Turning to his Knight he took a few gold coins from a pocket within his coat and put them on the table.
Glancing at them Ragnem felt his hairs start to stand on end. This wasn't how Markoth behaved before. Keeping his gaze focused on the Old Man he felt the magic that was in their tongue was slowly lacing its way into his mind.
Focusing he channelled his own mana. Feeling the chill start to slow the crawl but it wasn't strong enough to stop it. His mana was far poorer in quality and quantity than the practised mage before him.
However, he could slow it because of his understanding.
"Of course Master…" Radfil said. Turning and pausing as Markoth spoke again.
"Anything you would like? I shall get whatever meat they may have left over, and some sausage would go well with butter, cheese and bread. Some lighter vegetables for our friend here too?" His voice became a bit more gentle as he added the last part.
Smiling in response Ragnem did his best to empty his mind. "That would be wonderful, although I wish not to burden you. I do not think I could handle anything too heavy though."
"Ah worry not young Ragnem, believe it as a reward for coming from so far," Markoth assured. Nodding to Radfil who stood up and made his way towards the bar. His towering form cautioned the few curious eyes who had glimpsed the coin. Although, they still glanced towards the old and sickly pair.
Leaning in casually Markoth said, "Your Magic is outstanding for one who has had so little time. Yet it is lacking in aspects." His words grew heavier. "To inflict such damage upon yourself, you must be a fool. Albeit a powerful one."
"Your understanding is certainly unique. Radfil informed me of the events that enlightened you. Such a shame you were not born amongst better folk. Yet you would then never have obtained such blessing." Markoth continued. Not giving Ragnem a chance to speak back.
Tilting his head his voice hushed as he said. "And to be able to slow my Magic in your mind. Have you encountered those who understand such things before? Or art thou a prodigy?" Catching Ragnem off guard.
Opening his mouth Ragnem didn't have time to say anything though as Markoth held his hand up. "Fret not, I do not infect thoughts for fickle reasons. Regret is a powerful motivator, you would know, would you not?" Finally pausing.
Nodding slowly Ragnem said, "Yes." Unable to continue Markoth jumped back in.
"But your story is a lie though? Where do you come from?" His gaze hardened as magic flared suddenly drilling into Ragnem's mind. He couldn't stop it. But he could do something.
Flaring his own magic Ragnem felt his neck and jaw lock up as ice crawled over his skin. He knew that it would heal fine even if he did freeze his body. His voice was now unable to answer. Wisps of heavy fog spilled from between his lips.
Sitting there in silence for a moment Markoth smirked as he said. "So you do have something to hide?" His voice was slow and cautious. "Peasants do not have your pride. To barely glance at gold and have an understanding so… intense yet no reaction to your enlightenment being mocked?" Markoth finished.
Seeing Radfil coming back Markoth said. "I would normally offer your life in return for something. However, that magic has a fantastical understanding of death."
Wondering how much he was really learning Ragnem simply accepted what was happening. Someone who understood the mind to an enlightened degree was playing games with him. There wasn't a chance it went well for him. He had to come at this from a different angle.
Feeling his neck thawing he spoke with a tinkling voice as if glass cracked in his throat. "Then I will let you understand I need answers, and I intend to get them." Barely more than a whisper. His mana gathered in his chest. Seeing Markoth look towards Radfil and then back to Ragnem he didn't know what was communicated but he didn't care. He shouldn't.
"You would die," Markoth said, his face blank.
Staring at Markoth Ragnem didn't answer. If Markoth understood minds then let him make his own answers.
"Do you really believe you stand a chance?" Markoth said his voice growing quieter as a chill bled into the air.
Hanging in silence for a moment Markoth's face shifted as he smiled. Looking back at Radfil and nodding. The man came and sat back down, his face betraying his many thoughts.
"Very well, you will be my apprentice then. For now." Markoth said. Shocking Ragnem who was glad his face was still defrosting, suppressing any movement he would have made. Keeping the mana gathered in his chest he intended to kill everything around him if something were to happen.
Leaning back in his chair Markoth just raised his eyebrow. "Please refrain from causing more of a scene. Why keep that magic bottled up." His voice became as neutral as his face was. Unbothered by what had just happened.
Letting the magic fade Ragnem didn't particularly care if Radfil used his understanding of sharpness to kill him as soon as he did. He would then know to come at this from a different angle. Markoth wasn't going to be someone he could ever beat at this game.
'Why does he want to make me his apprentice?' Ragnem thought, turning the idea over in his head. 'Well just like when he kept you alive when he learnt you could see your soul. He needs you for something despite it being a risk. Or I could be or help with a piece of a puzzle he is making.'
He needed someone with potential and ignorance.
Sitting in silence for a few more moments Radfil said firmly. "The food should be here shortly." His hand rested on his dagger underneath the table.
"Wonderful. Our guest is getting hungry." His eyes never left Ragnem. He could feel the magic had drawn back. Although he wasn't going to let his guard down just yet.
"So Radfil. What's your Magic?" Ragnem asked cutting off the silence, turning to the Knight.
"Why?" He replied sharply, his eyes never leaving the table as he ran a finger along the wood grain.
Shrugging stiffly Ragnem straightened as he adjusted himself. Feeling the cold start to ache as it faded from his tense muscles.
"Radfil. Mind your composure, even if our guest has been unexpectedly abnormal." Markoth said his face once more soft like Ragnem remembered it. The wrinkles around his eyes pressed together as he smiled. It looked so natural and pleasant.
Looking at Markoth, Radfil nodded yet still remained silent. Looking over towards the barkeeper who was motioning towards them.
Seeing two servers come out from behind the bar each carrying trays and putting them on the table Markoth motioned and said. "Please, enjoy."
Taking some bread Ragnem groaned and his shoulder ached in response. Why did his muscles have to hurt so much? He needed to progress, that warmth would chase away this bothersome cold.
His heart did feel warm, warmer than his first time around. Markoth was being more open he assumed, meaning he was closer to finding out what needed to be done. He would talk to him later when he could do so alone. For now, he would simply enjoy his meal.
"Well if you wish to learn from me. Then you shall be moving to the castle. I shall have a room prepared today, at sunset someone shall meet you here and guide you. Explore the city and enjoy your time before then. This shall be your final day outside the castle grounds." Markoth started to speak, planning things out as he went.
Nodding along Ragnem just listened. "I shall provide some coinage for the necessities you need." Reached once more into his pocket and took out 3 gold coins which he passed over.
Taking them Ragnem looked for a pocket or something but realized he didn't have one. Looking back up at Markoth who realized the same thing. "Well, you know where you shall be going first then," Markoth commented.
Feeling the gaze of some folk on his back Ragnem sighed softly, mist billowing from his mouth. A few of the wiser patrons had already looked away getting rid of their thoughts. Probably having noticed the oddities Markoth and Ragnem caused in their hushed talk.
However, others were not so smart. Only seeing the shiny gold being passed. He doubted that Markoth or Radfil wouldn't know this would happen. Markoth may live in the castle but behaviour is something he was used to manipulating. He was doing this so openly for a reason.
Coming to a conclusion Ragnem leaned in again as he grabbed some cheese. "What happens if I defend myself?" Ragnem asked, unbothered by the idea.
"If the need arises. Avoid the worst case and if you cannot do not fret. You shall be under my protection in the castle by the time the sun sets." Markoth responded.
Nodding Ragnem looked at Radfil to see what his reaction was surprised to see the knight ignoring their conversation. No… he couldn't hear it. There was still magic on Markoths tongue.
He needed to be more cautious. What else could his magic do to the mind? But him not wanting Radfil to hear was interesting. His heart was already growing warmer. He was piecing things together… slowly but clues were emerging.
He just needed more answers so he could finish this quicker if he did die.
Nodding Ragnem kept on eating, the rest of the meal happening in silence.
"Tonight when the sun sets." Markoth reminded. Wiping something away from his mouth with a handkerchief. "Enjoy your day before then."
"Is there anything you want me to get?" Ragnem asked. Standing up as Radfil did. Looking over towards the group that had been staring at him through the meal he saw them all look away quickly. Muttering to themselves. Holding his gaze towards them for a moment he listened to Markoths response.
"Only what you need." Being as vague as he normally was. Pushing his chair in as he said so. "Do not be so bothered by them. If you need assistance the guards are commonly by the markets and shops." Markoth finished as he started to walk away. Getting a nod from Radfil.
"Mercenaries like them are always the cause of trouble. They should not be let inside the city walls." Radfil said, his voice low making no attempt to hush his discontent.
Shaking his head Ragnem followed Markoth and Radfil out onto the street. Seeing the people bustling around. He was glad that he had most of his day still, breakfast having gone pleasantly fast.
In a mirthful tone, Markoth responded, "While they come with many challenges. Money that flows through the Mercenaries guild is too profitable for some to ignore." The rest of his thoughts faded away into the noise of the crowd as the men left him without so much as a goodbye.
Still confused about what to buy Ragnem figured it was just normal things like clothes. He would get anything he thought might be interesting. It wasn't like he cared much about where the money went. Seeing the group follow him from the tavern. Milling around the door as they waited for him to move Ragnem sighed.
It was best to get it over with... Not caring about things made everything a lot less stressful.
"Well, I should get moving then…" Ragnem muttered to himself as he moved down the street and towards the city walls. Purposefully trying to find somewhere out of the way. Acting lost, not that there was much need to after a few turns.
He was already getting away from the bustling streets towards more back alleys and homes tucked against the stone walls that defended the city. He couldn't help but be impressed by them. Magic must have been used to make such towering defences.
"You lost? We could help you find where you're going if you want." Someone said from behind him. Their tone was chipper and their face merry.
Chuckling Ragnem turned to see the group of mercenaries. The four of them slowly circled out although they didn't even look bothered. With how Ragnem had walked they knew that he couldn't outrun them. "Are all guides in this place so excited to find a customer alone? Must be hard to find business." Ragnem said. Staring the one who talked in the eye. Already getting his magic ready.
He didn't want to kill them. They would have too many answers. Part of him was telling him he should just scare them away though. This wasn't like with the goblins.
"Why isn't it." He muttered. They wanted to kill him, and so did the goblins. But they didn't want to kill him just get the money. He was still holding it in his hand, he could feel the surprisingly weighty gold… it was cold.
Everything was getting colder.
He only would do what he had to. It wasn't like they would stay dead. Inevitably he would end up at the start. And when he came through here next time he would be able to do things better.
Next time…
This time he needed answers.