Positive Feedback Loop

"But since you gave the order," Pale went on, "you probably have a different way already planned to get back."

As a default, Tycondrius of Charm spoke with an air of unquestionable confidence. 

However, the boy was wrong. 

Tycon did not have a way to return to the material plane. 

A Spell, a Formation, an enchanted artifact-- having a personal means of planar travel was expressly forbidden under the Gatekeeper's Laws. 

The only loophole was chancing upon a ⌈Gate⌋, naturally formed. But in those cases, it was prudent to immediately seal the rift to prevent its abuse. 

Tycon did that with the boy's help. 

He didn't even question it-- nor did the boy. 

That... was a sign of his express and absolute faith. 

However... because of it, a new problem had arisen. 

Tycon clapped the young Pale's shoulder with pride. So many years of travel and quest resolution made him an equal when it came to adventuring.