Dread Mage

When Vell quietly trudged back to his personal quarters, he discovered Hiraeth already perched patiently on the wooden nightstand.

"And just where might you have been gallivanting off to?" Hiraeth inquired, his tone as upbeat as ever, despite the late hour.

Vell replied casually, "Just immersing myself in the various pleasures our gracious hosts have been kind enough to provide. What about you, Hiraeth? Any luck figuring out where they're holding Sonder?"

While Hiraeth was intrigued by what Vell might have been up to during his absence, he quickly set his curiosity aside. "Yes, indeed. But I've stumbled upon much more than just her location," he admitted, a hint of pride in his voice.

The tiny sprite was eager to launch into a detailed account of his 'miniature' escapade, but was promptly silenced by Vell's raised hand.

"We'll have to discuss your adventure some other time, Hiraeth," Vell said, his voice steady but not unkind. "For now, let's focus on Sonder. What's her situation?"

"Alright, alright. She's fine. She's not too far off the grounds of the palace. Her room is underground, barricaded with iron bars. There are also no windows, and the whole area is surrounded by a bubble of magical barriers. It's an impregnable fortress, I would say. Brute force would be futile, and even a highly skilled mage would struggle to infiltrate or escape from it."

Vell nodded, acknowledging Hiraeth's report. "I suspected as much. Sonder's very valuable to them."

"And what about us?" Hiraeth questioned, noticing a certain detachment in Vell's voice.

Vell's gaze hardened. "To us? She's irreplaceable."

Without another word, Vell began to methodically pack his belongings. The room echoed with the sounds of rustling fabric and the clinking of various trinkets and magical tools.

Hiraeth, puzzled, fluttered closer. "What are you doing?" He asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"We're leaving. Sooner than you might think." Vell answered. Once he was done packing, he stepped outside of his room, only to be met by the councilor of the Irath, who had been silently waiting in the hallway.

"Dread Mage," the councilor greeted him, his tone as neutral as ever. "I've come to check on you." Seeing the packed bags, he asked, "What are you doing?"

Vell responded calmly, "I have decided to depart. I believe I have overstayed my welcome. I've perused your books, studied your scrolls, and admired your country's attractions, and I would prefer not to impose upon the hospitality of my hosts any longer."

The councilor nodded, his hands rubbing together slowly as he watched Vell stride towards the exit, glad to finally be rid of him.

After they had put a considerable distance between themselves and the palace, Hiraeth peeked out of Vell's bag. "What exactly are we doing here?" he asked.

"Following a plan," Vell whiserped back. Once I've left, they'll hasten to move Sonder into their underground laboratory. That's precisely where I want her to be."