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A small convoy of three wagons approaches a grim looking castle that sits alone in a barren field. The wagons are loaded down with weapons, armor, gold, books, and many other spoils of battle. It is led by Kage riding a great black Clydesdale fitted in vicious black armor and returning to his castle home fresh from another battle. The thoughts of the old man still fresh in his mind and the rune stone the man gave him resting in a pouch on his belt. The wagons were being pulled each by a pair of undead horses. The drivers consisted of a skeleton and a pair of corpses. An escort had road with them. A pair of undead riders and three warriors loyal to Alexandra and Kage.

Alexandra stood at the top of the steps at the top of the small courtyard in front of the castle. She was in an elegant black dress with a veil draped over her head that floated gently in the breeze as she watched the caravan stop in front of her. "Greetings mother..." Kage said as he dismounted his horse and turned to face his mother. "You've returned. All went well I see?" she responded taking note of his haul. "...Yes." He said as he knelt before her at the base of the small flight of stares. Alexandra smiled as she bent down and placed her hands on his broad shoulders. "Rise my son, and come, your home again." She brought him to his feet and turned to walk to the castle. It was more obvious of how much bigger he was then she when they stood close. His 6'2" stature towered over her 5'3" frame. The three warriors that rode with him took charge of the wagons leading them around to the side of the castle where they would be unloaded. Kage's horse made its own way to its stables behind the castle when its master signaled it after brushing its neck with his hand.

Kage joined Alexandra in the entry hall to the castle. She stood waiting for him in the center of the hall facing the door way. He shut the door and turned to face her. The two stood for a moment as Alexandra spoke. "What troubles you my son?" She had picked up on his feelings just by watching his movements and sensing it in his aura. "Something troubles you as you return." She added as he stared lifeless back at her. "...Just the dying words of a foolish old man." He said solemnly. "...nothing more."

"Yet they trouble you?"

"...A curiosity..."

"Does your curiosity lead you to doubt?"

"...In my master...or my mother?" He spoke boldly to her referencing two separate people. Her eyes grew bitter as they glared at Kage who's stare was still heartless and cold, fresh from battle and wanting another taste. He started towards her with a heavy walk slightly swinging his arms. She took a step back and held one hand open down at her hip where he could not see it. "You believe the words of a feeble old man over mine?" With that he charged at her and thrust an open palm forward giving off a flash of light and energy in the form of a shockwave aimed straight for her. It went off like an explosion giving off dust and throwing debris from the palm of his hand and forward. As the dust settled Alexandra could be seen standing in a similar pose with an open hand just inches away from his own. She had shielded herself from his attack effortlessly. An evil grin formed on her face as she spun and thrust her back leg at him. Kage jumped back and caught her by the ankle before she could kick him. With a single jump backwards he throw her back through the great doors of the castle. Striking them with her back the doors splinter in the air as they burst from their hinges.

Alexandra did a few flips through the air and landed in the courtyard just outside. Kage walked through the doorway and out towards her. She allowed the veil to flow freely from her and blow away in the wind. It let her hair now wave instead as Kage approached her with balls of black fire in his hands dangling at his sides. "Did you lie to me?..." He said angrily. "Yes. I did." She said in an arrogant tone as he let loose one of the fireballs at her. The sorceress jumped into the air over the attack and sent her own down with a thrust of her hand. Kage dove to the side dodge the shards of razor sharp ice that pierced the ground behind him. As she flipped over his head he quickly turned and sent his other fireball where she would land. Alexandra cross her fore arms in front of her chest as she landed. The fireball struck her arms sending her back several feet.

"It was for your own good. I wouldn't have been able to train you otherwise." She said calmly before lowering her arms. The attack hadn't left a mark on her nor did she show any signs of struggle from handling it. "I made you what you are...You willing allowed it to happen and became the sorcerer and warrior you are now." She put one hand on her hip and stood looking at him. Kage stood upright facing her. He could not deny that was true. Even if it was all a lie, he had lived it out. She had trained him and taught him all he knew. "Shall we continue this, or have you come to your senses?" She said playfully. He only stared at her with the same heartless eyes. "...We're done here..." He said as he turned to walk away from her. He was still angry, but decided to wait until he had more information and a better reason to attack the sorceress.

"Be mindful of your emotions Kage...Before they consume you." She said to him in a condescending tone. He only walked on, entering the castle and leaving her outside amongst the rubble of the doors.