Marla held out the rose she had held tightly in her hand since earlier.

"So that is how you found me. I should have known that flower would cause me trouble."

"We mean no trouble," Marla assured. "We have been sent by the Queen. We require your help."

"Is that so?"

"Have you heard of the Navaji?"

"I have."

"My power was stolen by the Navaji. I am here because I was told you could help return it to me. You are a great wizard, after all."

"Well, that would require particular ingredients."

Remalyn took out the package Vayne had given them. As instructed, they had not opened it. Illias took it, opening it in a way where they still could not see.

"Did they tell you what this is?" He asked.

"It's what you need to create my power-"

"But do you know what it is?"

Marla shook her head.

"Did they at least explain your power to you?"

"Vayne told me they created and gave me power before I was born, just like many others. They gave me the ability to nullify magic in hopes that I could stop the Navaji."

"Wait." Illias looked up. "Like the many others?"

"Yes?"

"After all these years, they are still making the same mistake they made years ago. As I said to them once before, creating this power will not solve anything." He shook his head. Illias looked between the two of them before sitting down at his desk. "I can not help you."

"What? But Estarosa sent us here. She said you would. The Navaji grows stronger every day. Please, we need help."

"I can understand Vayne asking me, but Estarosa? She used the rose I gave her and didn't even bother coming herself. Do you know why they sent you to me? They created your power, right? They could do what you ask of me, but they know the risk. Recreating your power will draw the Navaji's attention. They would rather I risk my protected sanctuary than their corrupted capital. "He slammed his fist down.

"I don't understand. All I know is that the Great Magoia told me to find you. She said you would be able to return the power that I lost."

"I can not help you." He raised his voice.

"You don't understand. It was not a request." Remalyn drew her sword.

Illias flicked his wrists, and the sword grasped tightly in Remalyn's hands flew across the room.

"No, you don't understand. If you knew what this was," Illias held up the wrapped item, "you would feel differently."

"I don't care what it is. All I care about is saving our people!" Remalyn shouted. "Every day, the Navaji takes more innocent lives."

Illias laughed.

"Innocent? You believe the Navaji is a monster, but you are wrong. It is judgment."

"But it will destroy the Kingdom," Marla begged. "Even now, it searched for the Great Magoia. It wants to steal our magic, your magic. Can you honestly just sit and watch?" Why did he refuse to help them? Estarosa assured he would.

"I will discuss this with you no longer. If Queen Damari has a problem with that, she can come visit herself."

"But-"

"Solen." The gentleman who helped them earlier arrived.

"Yes, master?"

"Take our guests to our spare quarters and ensure they are fed. They will be departing tomorrow morning. No excuses."