Raylo nodded. Unlike a Lone Ranger who could act on personal whims and vendettas, a leader of a Duchy had to prioritize the Duchy's interests.
The bound Mage listened to their conversation, the smile on his face growing wider. He even nodded along in a show of mock seriousness.
"Well said, very well said. Politics... I know a thing or two about that myself."
Raylo walked up to the Mage and looked down at him.
The Golden Dragon Sun let out a low growl in the sky, and its immense Dragon Mighty pressed down like a mountain.
An invisible pressure enveloped the Mage. The smile on his face stiffened slightly, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
"Talk."
Raylo said.
"Why were you spreading those rumors? Where is your stronghold in the Black Stone Mountain Range?"
The Mage's Adam's apple bobbed. He looked up, met Raylo's eyes, and after a few seconds of silence, that same enigmatic smile returned to his face.
"Count Black Stone, you want to know? Beg me."
