Seeking Favors (Patreon)

Art by The ATKM team
Story and character by Ezekiael


The sun had set but the heat of the day had yet to dissipate. As the mage walked, it was
obvious he was looking for something. A specific street? Perhaps a certain tavern? Maybe a person. Not finding what he wanted the ursa continued on. The mage had been noticed
however. Ever since he left the confines of the keep, a pair of eyes had been silently watching him, noting his progress.

The mage stopped. He was looking towards a corner store. The establishment seemed closed for the evening. Confused, but not deterred, he looked around before spying a nearby alleyway. Taking a glance around the street, it was mostly empty. The only kinlings present were walking away and not paying him any attention. He looked down the alley again. Slowly and seemingly against his better judgment, he entered into the passageway.

“You follow instructions quite well. A valuable skill in this line of work.”

The usra’s eyes rose towards the voice. The fox kin above was crouched on the edge of the
roof.

The artificer found his voice. “Others know I am out and about. They will track me if I don’t
return.” he warned.

“A fair precaution. Asking kin for help, but telling them to come alone would raise a few flags in my book. In any event, I take it you are willing to take the trade. A favor for a favor.”

“I am, but I have a question. Why me?”

“You have a reputation. A neutrality that is hard to come by. Coming to you doesn’t carry the consequences someone else might have.”

“Alright. I get that. I take it you want my opinion on the research notes you sent in your letter?”

“I do. What do you think?”

“The kinling claims he can break the rules of reality. But he needs something. Sounds like a
sales pitch.”

“So you don’t believe the assertions?”

“I didn’t say that. I find bending the rules of reality is often a more accurate description. At least when it comes to magic anyway. If it were me, here are the questions I would be asking.”