[center][color=dimgray][h1]Adair Meagher[/h1][/color][/center]

Adair was in the middle of forming a magic arrow when the alarm sounded, shattering his concentration. Rising, Adair glanced out the doorway to see the guards rushing towards the stairs that led up the Ivory Palace, emptying into the throne room. 

Someone was making an attempt on the King’s life.

Adair rushed up the stairs, more guards at his heel. As a mage nearing the end of his training, Adair was expected to offer his abilities to the King in every way possible, and using his magic to keep thing King alive was chief among his duties. However much he may loathe Merrick, Adair had to keep the pretense up as he was currently in the King’s palace, surrounded by the king’s guard, and living in the King’s nation.

At the top of the stairs, Adair witnessed a young human male charge headfirst at the wall and almost meld into it, melting into the void that sprung up almost as if expecting him. Adair’s first thought was towards Soturi abilities, but he had seen the assassinator before in the palace—as a apprentice in the Mage Tower. Perhaps it was magic?

“You, mage,” the head of the guard called, addressing Adair. Adair straightened and walked over to the captain who gave him a critical up-and-down sweep of the eyes. “Can you open up the wall there? Like the traitor did?”

Adair hesitated. Should he say something about the Soturi, or just keep it straightforward and simple? He decided to go with the second option.

[color=dimgray]”I cannot, sir, unless there were a room behind the wall,”[/color] Adair told the man with an apologetic bow. [color=dimgray]”As a mere mage-in-training, teleportation is beyond me.”[/color]

The captain cast his eyes upon the mage again, but this time Adair dared not to raise his eyes to meet them, lest he rouse suspicion. “What is your name, mage?”

[color=dimgray]”Adair,”[/color] Adair replied honestly. [color=dimgray]”I am an orphan, sir.”[/color]

Letting out a harrumph, the captain of the guard signalled for Adair to leave, which Adair did quickly, rushing down the steps and back to the mage towers. [i]Someone had made an attempt on Merrick’s life again,[/i] Adair thought, fists clenching briefly. [i]Someone had failed. Again.[/i]