Rebat silently took the sealed paper. He knew what the words inside represented. The difference between peace and dissolution rested now on the shoulders of his emperor. He silently prayed that Scen would send him the right decision. "One last thing before I go," Rebat said, recalling something important. This was one of few things he could never share with His Might, even with his loyalty. "The kobold empire at Traeton once had two wise kobolds who held the coveted title of general. His Might has not given it to anyone since. One, Merat, was slain by a joint effort when he revolted and created a schism. The other, Rama, deserted in favor of dracons. I seek the latter, on behalf of Rughoi the Unbound. Have you seen a kobold, somewhat taller than I with a lighter scale tone by any chance? He may have passed through."

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"What brings you here, master?" Kutur asked, putting the finishing touches on one of his books. The pages occasionally let out a soft crackle or a burst of light, showing their magic. The human woman nodded, somewhat impressed.

"Your skills have grown since you graduated . . . marginally," she said. "But you know as well as anyone I am not here for no reason." Kutur nodded. His master never tolerated what she deemed 'nonsense'. "I am here because of Archmage Lionus. He has passed away in his sleep." Kutur stood up, shocked. Archmage Lionus was old when Kutur had stepped on the Bythesea shore, but still it seemed unimaginable that he would die.

"Another will have to be chosen," Kutur said, looking at his books and scrolls. He had been busy since the founding of Xigyll, recording his observations for future kobold aspirants of the Red Discipline, should there be any.

"Yes. All former students of the Three Disciplines, magister and up, are being called back to Constantsea. There, we will cast our votes." Kutur didn't know what to say. On one hand, it was his duty as a scholar to choose the next Archmage. On the other, his emperor needed him, as well as the realm. He would be far from his home, his kinsmen, in a land populated by humans. Still, he didn't think very long about it.

"Let us go," he said. His master nodded, and opened a portal in the room. Rughoi would have to function without his advice for but a few days.