Chapter 680: A Break from the Past

Chapter 680: A Break from the Past

A Break from the Past

As Martel wandered into his study the following morning, a voice greeted him from a corner of the room. "Well met, Martel."

He turned on his heel with a spell half released to set the room ablaze, facing the intruder. In a chair, a man around forty had made himself comfortable. His clothes showed signs of extensive travel with cloak and boots covered in mud. His tunic was even worse for wear, with various rifts and tears stitched or patched up. His beard was unkempt and of uneven length, but his eyes possessed all the cunning that Martel associated with this man.

"Atreus!" Martel dismissed the magic he had been about to fling into the man's face. "You should be careful surprising people. How did you get in here?"

The spellbreaker of Archen got on his feet and extended his hand, shaking Martel's. "Trade craft."

The young captain dragged a chair over to be seated opposite Atreus as they both sat down. "Where have you been? And why are you back?"

"I have been here and there. Around your Empire and beyond. Work has piled up over the last couple of centuries." He gave a wry smile. "As for my presence here, it is more or less coincidental. I heard about all the events, including your name, and thought I had to see this for myself."

"If you lack a purpose, you could be of invaluable help to me. I'm not sure how, but I imagine it won't take me long to think of something."

Atreus laughed a little. "Undoubtedly. But this all seems an affair for you Asterian lot. Nothing an old relic like me should get involved in."

"You don't look a day over two hundred to me."

The spellbreaker let his laughter resound louder. "One reason I thought this meeting would be worthwhile. There's only three people in this world who truly know me."

"Eleanor is just across the hall. I'm sure she would be thrilled to see you again, especially after what you did for her sister."

Atreus raised a hand. "Perhaps in a moment. I should like to speak with you a tad longer."

That sounded like this was more than just a social visit. "About what?"

"I am intrigued, to put it plainly, and I hope you might indulge my curiosity."

"And?"

"It seemed the least I could do."

"Eleanor is just across the hall. I don't know if she needs it too, but I suspect so. Can I..." He let the question linger in the air.

"Send her to me."

Martel got up, but before he was out of the door, the spellbreaker spoke again.

"I owe three people my freedom. You and she are only two."

Martel looked back at him. "I doubt Max needs this. He's only lived a life of leisure since you last saw him."

"But not now. He sits imprisoned under your orders, chained by gold."

The captain frowned. "How do you know this?"

"Let that be my favour repaid to him. Let him go home to his family."

Martel slowly let his head fall and he finally let, crossing the corridor. "Eleanor. There's somebody in my study you should see."

"Who is it?" she asked, standing up.

"I don't want to ruin the surprise." As she left, Martel turned to Lara. "The praetorian we have in our custody. Maximilian of Marche."

"What of him?"

"Have him escorted home."

"Very well, sir."