Dread Mage

"Disappeared?!" King Aduaine exclaimed.

"Disappeared," Vell confirmed, repeating the king's exclamation. "As far as I can tell, Inure has disappeared, simply evaporated from the city."

“What have you done?” The king interrogated.

"Me?" Vell responded, surprise evident in his tone. "Why do you immediately presume that I am the perpetrator?" He adjusted his posture, sitting upright in his chair.

At Sonder's behest, he had arranged a dinner meeting with the king to discuss Inure's sudden absence.

Believing that a direct inquiry might be considered impolite, he initially extended an invitation to the king. However, as expected, his offer was declined.

Consequently, he was summoned to the castle instead.

"I am not a kidnapper, Your Majesty. If I had seized your most adept warrior, the news would be widespread. As you are aware, I need him to mentor my apprentice. If he fails to instruct her, I doubt there's anyone else fit enough for the role. I have done everything that our agreement has demanded of me and helped to secure the city against any threat for the past few weeks, so there is no reason for me to suddenly turn my back on you."

King Aduaine's forehead creased in annoyance. "This isn't a joke. Inure is a critical component of my forces. Without him, I feel as though I have lost even my army.”

“Perhaps he simply needed a break from your incessant demands,” Vell replied. “Or maybe he’s found a new muse to distract him. Who knows?”

“He wouldn’t just leave. Something must have happened to him.”

Vell paused, considering the possibilities.

"Finding him is not really my problem, as I have just decided to leave soon. I'm merely waiting for Languor to conclude his examination of Sonder and provide his feedback before we conclude."

The king scrutinized Vell, “You know something, don’t you? Information you're unwilling to share, even with the king.”

Vell shifted in his seat, the wavering candlelight casting a web of shadows across his face. He took a moment to relish the king's intense scrutiny before responding, “I know many things, Your Majesty. However, whether any of it relates to Inure's disappearance is another question.”

"Enough with the play-acting, Vell," King Aduaine retorted, his tone biting. "If you have any pertinent information, now is the time to divulge it. I won't let my kingdom be imperiled due to your secrecy.”

Vell leaned back, his expression a mix of amusement and some annoyance. “You think I’m hiding something from you? Perhaps I just enjoy watching you squirm in your seat. Truthfully, I have no insight to offer on this matter. Wherever Inure might be, I have no involvement.”

King Aduaine's gaze intensified, and he leaned in closer, his voice a hushed whisper. "You may consider this a sport, but Inure is more than just a warrior; he is a cherished servant of the city and the kingdom. I refuse to lose him to whatever machinations lurk in the shadows."

Vell's demeanor subtly shifted, the playful glint in his eyes fading. "You're absolutely correct. You'll find him; I’m sure of that."