"Greetings, sir," Udo started, "I've been sent by Prince Roe of Cervus to beseech you
for aid. We're-- "
"Prince who? Never heard of him." Interrupted the creaky voice. The man still sitting
with his back to Udo. At least, he was pretty sure this human was male. "I suppose he's peryton
royalty though, eh? And what's he to you, hmm?"
"Yes, prince Roe is a member of the royal family. Aside from being my liege, he is
also my master; I am his apprentice."
"Hmm, I guess he's too important to come here on his own, though? So he sends you
instead. How typically royal." Said the old human, spitting for emphasis. "Well, you can tell your
master that I'm retired. My people aren't long for this world, and I intend to spend the rest of my
time in peace and quiet. He probably doesn't want anything too important anyway."
Udo cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "We're going to be invaded by
the leonines," he said, a little louder than he meant. "We don't have sufficient forces to repel the
invasion, and our attempts to forge alliances with our neighbors have faltered. We're desperate
for assistance because we're on the verge of being overrun and conquered."
"Mmm-hmm, as I thought, nothing important," said the old wizard with cackle. He
turned around to face his unwelcome guest.
"Now see here--," Udo started to say, but then he froze. Udo felt his entire body lock
up when he met the old man's eyes. He couldn't move or speak. His heart pumped furiously in
his chest.
The wizard stood and circled the peryton a few times, sizing him up. His expression
was a mask of contempt. His bright white beard went down the length of his chest over his faded