"Where is Audrey?" the Archmage asked, turning to Mika.
"She's probably still back in Lavenguard village."
The Archmage's brows furrowed. "That's not good. I've received reports that a Sharn Shifting Stone has been found there. Fortunately the current bearer is a country bumpkin who had no clue of its true power. You must travel back to Lavenguard at once, find Audrey, and retrieve that stone. She is in grave danger."
"She seems quite capable of taking care of herself. After all, she keeps reminding me how she slew an entire band of trolls with her bare hands." Mika muttered, still peeved at being forced by the warrior into being her pack mule.
"You half-witted knave!" the Archmage thundered. "Yes, she is a powerful warrior, but without you she's very vulnerable to magical attacks! Haven't you learned that you need to work together with your companions to have any chance at surviving?" Mika hung his head and stared quietly at the ground.
Reaching into one of his pockets, the Archmage retrieved a dull iron ring and handed it over. "This is the Ring of Sharn. It can reverse some of the stone's enchantments. I expect that you'll find it useful."
"I'm coming too."
The Archmage took a long look at Tobi. "Your Highness, you've been away for many years. Your father must miss you dearly. Shouldn't you at least pay him a visit before you embark on yet another perilous journey?"
"Well I'm not going to let Mika go back to that dangerous village all by himself." She shot him a sidelong glance, making him blush again. "And besides, after all those years of torment and humiliation as a slave boy, my... ability has awakened."
The Archmage's face turned ashen. "So young..." he thought silently to himself.
"Princess Tobi. You must think very carefully before using that power. Remember what happened to your grandmother..."
It was as if something snapped inside her. "Don’t you presume to lecture me on my family curs.." she flared, before catching herself, taking several deep breaths and continuing in a level voice. "I am so sorry for my insolent outburst. It is completely inappropriate and I must beg your forgiveness. I understand your concern and really appreciate it. But I'm sure I can control my power." she ended confidently.
"So be it." the Archmage sighed. "Since time is of the essence, I'm going to teleport both of you back to Lavenguard right away."
The courtyard dissolved, replaced by a kaleidoscope of swirling colors. Mika heard his master's parting message echo in his head. "Be careful of that princess. There is much more to her than meets the eye. Though she really does seem to like you..."
The swirling stopped, and they found themselves back in the stables where they had started their journey in the morning. Much to their surprise, they found a new stableboy, butt naked with his back to them, reaching for a grooming brush in a corner.
"He sure didn't waste any time finding another victim." Tobi muttered darkly to Mika.
Startled, the boy turned. "I'm sorry, I din see ya come in. Can I help?" He looked very familiar.
"What's your name?" Mika asked gently.
"Aubrey." the boy replied meekly. Mika and Tobi exchanged a quick glance. "Now call me if ya need anything yah? I gotta get ta work." He turned, walked over to the stalls and began grooming the Clydesdale stallion.
There was a patter of footsteps as someone entered. Before Mika could even react, Tobi had her hand over the intruder's mouth and a dagger to the throat. A wicker basket dropped to the floor, spilling out its contents of bread, cheese and fruit.
"Chill it, Tobi. It's just one of the barmaids." Mika said, and Tobi released her grip.
Aubrey looked up at the barmaid with delight. "Jess! You brought ma dinner!" He dropped his brush and bounded forward with glee.
Jess was staring at Mika with bulging eyes. "You... aren't you the mage that Robin changed? How did you... so many of us tried... none of us could break the spell." She paused for a moment, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "Can you help?" she pleaded, as they both looked downward at the naked little boy squatting on the floor, busily stuffing his face with a big wheel of cheese.