Emmaline narrowed her eyes at her former, well technically current, master. Albrecht grinned his cocky grin at her and waved at the bar maid who approached warily with a pitcher of ale and two mugs on a wooden tray. The wizard took one mug and drained it in a single long swallow then took the other and the pitcher and waved the woman off with a playful swat on the rump.

"And how much do you think I owe you?" the blonde wizard asked, gently releasing Amal's wrist in time for the daggers to vanish. Albrecht nodded courteously to Amal and then spoiled the gesture with a belch that rattled the window. Emmaline rolled her eyes, amused in spite of herself that her tutor hadn't changed in the time she had been away.

"Two thousand marks," the plump wizard declared in a matter of fact tone.

"TWO THOUSAND MARKS?!" Emmaline demanded, not realizing until head began to turn that her voice had climbed into a shout and she had half stood from her chair. With an obvious effort she calmed herself and returned herself to her chair. Albrecht had the decency to look slightly embarrassed but he recovered himself quickly.  

"That is insane, you haven't taught me anything in two years and precious little before that," she protested face flashed at the older wizards audacity.

"You wound me my dear, I like to think I played a key role in forming you into the impressive young woman you are today," Albrecht replied, moderating his leer for Amal's sake.

"And in any case the College is a wee bit iffy on what does and does not constitute teaching, some might say that I have furthered your instruction by sending you out into the world. They might also point out that you stayed away far longer than the task I set you in Tilea required. A task I note that still hasn't been completed," Albrecht tsked.

"That wasn't exactly my idea," Emmaline replied petulantly. Albrecht spread his hands wide in a placating gesture.

"Not saying it was but rules is rules girl," he said, taking another mighty swig from his flagon before pouring it full with the pitcher, slopping foam over the top and onto the table.

"Two thousand marks is still an insane figure," Emmaline responded stubbornly. Albrecht nodded, clearly having anticipated this objection.

"Guild dues are adjusted for the fact that the apprentice is expected to work for her master Emm, cooking, cleaning, helping with spells, and..." he paused and cast a wary glance at Amal, "...other things. All of which you most definitely haven't been doing for the past two years." Emmaline scowled.

"And I suppose you told all your cronies you were coming to see me before dressing up as a story book wizard in case I decided it was cheaper to dump your body in the river?" she enquired with an air of resignation. Albrecht smile spread brilliantly across his face, golden teeth gleaming in the lantern light.

"And weren't you just saying I never taught you anything?" he beamed with avuncular pride.