Tales from the Empire: The Price of Magic

GM Lydil gives us a vignette with Malvernus, Tales from the Empire: The Price of Magic. Also known as “There’s always something else…”

http://bit.ly/2Eoo3pt

Category: Towns
Topic: Solhaven

Date: 02/12/2018 11:50 PM CST

From: GS4-LYDIL

Subj: Tales from the Empire: The Price of Magic

The rider came over the crest of the hill and reined his horse to a stop. He looked back over his shoulder a moment, where the Yssian mountain range loomed, and noted the others still working their way up the incline. Before him lay a vast grassy plain that extended all the way towards the Great Western Sea, only to be interrupted where the city of Tamzyrr – Jewel of the Turamzzyrian Empire – rose up to watch over the waters. How long had it been since he had seen it walls? How many months since the spires of Imperial Place gleamed in the sky above him? How much had happened since he rode forth from the Hall of Mages last year?

Far off the southern coastline a thunderhead could be seen brewing, its dark clouds illuminated by occasional flashes of lightning. It would likely break up far before it could reach the mountains, sparing them from the thunderous wrath contained within. Unlike the southern storms that blew down from the mountains, but even those paled in comparison to the fury that welcomed them. And in the distance the wind began to howl…

---

…and voices could be heard upon it.

“Well if it isn’t the dog the Hall, hunting like a good loyal bloodhound.”

“You never should have come here, Malvernus. You should have left well enough alone!”

“People died because of your actions. There was no way it could not have come to this.”

“Look at you, walking in here like it is another Winter Manor. But we are not some untrained acolytes for you to burn down.”

“No, it is not. Those poor fools at least had the excuse of not knowing any better. But you all were trained by the Hall. You chose to join the Hall as a Magister. You are far beyond knowing better.”

“Still doesn’t change the fact there are many of us and just one of you. You really think you can stop us all and walk out of here?”

“I do not think anything. You violated Imperial and Hall law. You killed people with magic, and you are going to face justice for your crimes. And you clearly need to work on your abilities, because I did not come here alone.”

“Malvernus!”

---

The final voice echoed as if distant, then suddenly came into close focus, “Malvernus. Sir.”

Malvernus turned his head to look at the man who had ridden up next to him. His black cloak was blowing in the wind, making the scarlet drake on his breast clearly visible. The man’s face was lean and young, but the hard look in his eyes made clear he was no greenhorn, “What is it?”

“Everything alright? We got the wagon over the hill. We good to get these bastids back where they belong?”

Malvernus ran a hand over his face a moment, “No need to hold things up for me. When we get back see to it they are taken to the Mithril Cells. I want them secured without delay.”

“They ain’t slipping away from anyone ever again. Doncha want to see to it done?”

“There will be time for that later. The Royal Magister will want to know what happened. And I need to see what else is coming.”

“But the mission is done. We got the traitors and good.”

A rue smile appear on Malvernus’ face, “That’s one lesson you still have to learn. There’s always something else.”