Setosolace: The Kingdom's Sorcerer-AU

Chapter 3: Discussion

(Quick cursing warning, but it's not too bad)

Seto had invited Brice up the hovering stairs, and he gawked in wonder when they lit more as he applied weight to the enchanted stone. Tentatively, he followed the sorcerer to where the stairs ended on a second floor. This room was just as spacious, but had two hallways branching off and more shining windows. A few bookshelves lined its brick-stone walls, filled with almost ancient leatherbacks with a few potted saplings resting on top. One hallway sat at the back, similar to the room downstairs, but had one also off to the right. Seto kept silently walking forward to the hall at the back, looking behind him a few times to be sure Brice was with him. He appeared relieved every time he glanced back, like he was reassuring himself. The hallway opened up to a grand dining room, an expansive table sporting several exquisite chairs underneath a twinkling chandelier. Little violet sparks danced off the levitating, reflective crystals bound together by silver, gold, and a field of electrifyingly beautiful magic.

"Have a seat," Seto offered as he gestured to a chair at the long table.
Brice smiled gratefully and accepted as the sorcerer left the room through a doorway across the room. Brice felt the blood rush back to his exhausted feet, surprised at first, for he had almost forgotten his strenuous journey. He was reminded of how drained he was and sighed, sinking down on the chair. As he heard Seto's gentle footsteps approach the massive room, he instantly straightened his back out of instinct, for a warrior is to stand tall in front of others. He began to question this ethic, however; Seto seemed to have this warm, understanding aura that even Brice was comfortable around.

Seto grinned as he set down a glass of what Brice hoped was just water and sat in the chair in front of him.

"What?" asked Brice with suspicion, arching an eyebrow.

Seto looked down at the polished wooden table, lightheartedly shaking his head and closing his eyes. "It's just that you act so high and formal, but I can tell you want to lie on the floor over there and ignore the world."

Brice rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled. "Is it that obvious?"

Seto rolled his eyes. "Here, I have something for you."

When Seto held out his hands, Brice stared back in confusion until colors began to swirl between them, meandering while materializing a silver plate with a whole cooked chicken surrounded by herbs. He set it on the table and pushed it lightly to Brice, standing while doing so. Brice stifled a laugh, realizing how much taller he was compared to Seto as he nearly fell onto the tabletop while stretching to give Brice the food. He sat back down and took a deep breath, looking at Brice expectantly.

"Well? Eat up. Don't worry, I haven't poisoned it or anything. As far as you know. . ." Seto jokingly trailed off and Brice smirked.

"Thank you so much. I didn't think you'd be so hospitable," Brice admitted.

"I haven't had a guest in several years. Well, besides Choco and a few other loyal friends. I have also heard you had quite a long journey, though I wasn't told why."

Brice glanced at Seto in astonishment. "You're friends with King Choco!?" he exclaimed.

"Yes, I am the kingdom's sorcerer, after all," Seto grinned and continued, "Who knows what it would be if I hadn't been there a few times. Alas, not everyone can be as fortunate to have a magic helper. If I may ask, what happened to your kingdom?"

Brice sighed and thought for a second. "I can't really explain it myself, although I know it's magic related. We were threatened by some wizard, I think, and he managed to encase the entire kingdom with some spell so no one could leave. I had escaped last-second on King Carnassial's order to go get help. With me flew a bird that I assumed would alert the nearest kingdom of my arrival. Why the wizard did it and the qualms he had with us is unknown to me."

Seto seemed suddenly alerted. "Did you happen to get the wizard's name. . .?!"

Recalling such a sudden event was difficult enough for Brice's memory, yet now he had to think of the name of the wizard that he's never heard of in his life. "I think it started with an 'r'."

Seto nearly fell out of his chair, exclaiming, "Rakaphen!"

Brice jumped a bit, startled by the calm sorcerer's sudden outburst. "Rakaphen?"

Seto steadied his breathing and replied, "Yes. I met him a few years ago, before. . ." Seto's expression fell suddenly. Brice noticed this and prepared to urge him on, but caught himself and let Seto be. Seto huffed and continued, "Never mind. But this Rakaphen, he has a worse reputation than I. He's known for going after people, anything to get him power." He scoffed. "I'd have kicked his a** by now if he didn't keep scampering off."

Brice chuckled. "I guess you're not a fan of him."

"Hey, something we have in common, right?"

"Definitely. So, you'll help us?"

Seto stood, nodding shortly. "Maybe I can destroy this guy's demeanor for good."

Brice got up as well, having eaten the entire chicken without even noticing. "Oh, Seto?"

Seto locked eyes with him. "Hm?"

Brice cleared his throat. "You're much better than I anticipated."