James_Human

“Do you weep for me, my teacher?” She whispered. I pressed my lips to her shaking hand and was transported back to when I first met her thirty years earlier.
“Yes, majesty. I weep for you.” I replied.  “And I weep for my soul. I failed to protect you, and I deserve damnation for it.”
My queen smiled, her blood-spattered face serene in the red haze of blood and smoke. “No, 
Lukas, you have fulfilled your duty. And you will serve me again in the glorious halls of our gods.”
“With all my heart,” I whispered. 
Tears glittered in her eyes, “Call me by my name?” She asked, her voice quiet, weak. “Like you did when I was a little girl.”
“Anna.”

At the end of the world, a mage held his student in his arms as the light left her eyes. At the end of the world a mage stared down his attacker. At the end of the world, a mage died. 
And woke up thirty years before the end of the world. 
He's been given a second chance. 
And this time he's going to do it right.

Spirit Speaker

Arantha's market district was always the most lively place in the city. It was filled with people milling around, visiting stalls, buying food, and shopping for other everyday essentials. The prices were always lower here than anywhere else in the city. Perfect for the ordinary citizen to spend their hard-earned coin.

It was also a great place to get information if you knew where to look.

"I don't think there's going to be anything, I already dropped by this morning, but just in case." I said, "Keep an eye out for white stones."

It only took a few moments for Senia to tap my arm. "There, isn't that a new stall? I don't recognise it."

I didn't either, but there was no mistaking the white stone just in view from the road.

"New spy?" I asked, walking over.

It was a fabric trader, though she didn't sell anything I recognised.

"Hi, ma'am." I said, bowing gently, "Thomas sent me to get some things."

An invitation